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Kushikatsu Tanaka Kusunoki: Amazing Kid-Friendly Services & Fresh-Fried Skewers in Kumamoto

Outing Spots

2020.12.09

๐Ÿ“Œ What You’ll Learn in This Article
A Sarukuma writer visits “Kushikatsu Tanaka” in Kusunoki, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City. Price range: from 370 yen. Includes kid-friendly highlights, access info, and opening hours.

Restaurant Introduction

Hello, travelers!
I’m Ayu-mama, writer for “Sarukuma.”

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch”
The saying goes that when you get something for free, you’ll usually end up paying for it one way or another โ€” through favors owed or hidden costs.

That’s the common wisdom.
BUT โ€” get ready to have that proverb turned upside down!
Today I’m sharing my absolute favorite spot that completely flips this saying on its head!
Today I’m introducing a wonderful restaurant located in Kusunoki, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City:
Kushikatsu Tanaka Kusunoki branch.
This restaurant specializes in piping-hot, freshly-fried kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) paired with delicious drinks.
There’s a parking lot right in front of the shop with space for several dozen cars โ€” super convenient!
They open from 11:30 a.m., so lunchtime visits are perfectly welcome!
Inside, you’ll find traditional tatami seating with sunken kotatsu-style tables, plus regular table seating.
There’s even a terrace area โ€” a welcome option for diners who prefer open-air seating.
Here’s the menu.
Beyond just kushikatsu skewers,
the side dish menu is incredibly extensive!
They even serve noodle dishes!
Plus a wide drink selection
and a tempting dessert lineup!
For drinks, there’s a fun game where you roll two dice and win a prize based on the result โ€”
the “Chinchirorin Drink” service!
When a customer wins, the staff rings a bell with a cheerful “chin-chiro-rin” chime โ€” which is likely where the name comes from!
And get thisโ€ฆ
If you roll doubles, your drink is FREE!
Yes, that’s freebie #1 right there!
Wait โ€” really? Free? Are you sure that’s okay?
The generosity is almost worrying!
Since I drove there this time,
I had to hold back my urge to try the “Chinchirorin Drink” game.
Instead, I toasted with a non-alcoholic beer (370 yen) โ€” sigh!
First came the otoshi (appetizer) of cabbage โ€” 250 yen.
This is automatically served to all adult customers (a common Japanese izakaya custom).
5-skewer assortment โ€” 640 yen
Hot and fresh out of the fryer!
That perfect crispy, crunchy texture is something you just can’t replicate at home.
For my son, I ordered an individual tomato skewer โ€” 120 yen! (Watch out โ€” the inside is incredibly hot!)
The kitchen is open-style, so you can watch the chefs frying up kushikatsu right in front of you.
Kids love watching the action โ€” my son was practically glued to the counter, peering in with fascination.
The staff didn’t mind one bit and happily let him watch.
Such kindness โ€” thank you!

Recommended Menu Items

And now for the main event!
The lineup of FREE services for kids is absolutely incredible!
First up: juice for kids.
Win at rock-paper-scissors and it’s FREE!
My son has incredible luck with these games!
Sure enough, he won โ€” and we got a free orange juice!
Next up:
FREE takoyaki for elementary school kids and younger!
Wait โ€” free takoyaki?! Is this for real?!
And the best part โ€” kids get to make their own takoyaki!
My son had a blast spinning the batter into round balls!
I tried one too โ€” packed with rich dashi flavor and absolutely delicious!
And the grand finale:
FREE soft-serve ice cream for elementary school kids and younger!
Seriously?! Won’t this restaurant go out of business with all these freebies?!
And once again, kids get to swirl their own ice cream!
When a server announces,
“Soft-serve challenge time!”
all the other staff members chime in together withโ€ฆ
“You can do it!”
cheering kids on as they swirl!
Soft-serve complete! (Looking like it might topple over any second, ha!)
When it’s done, all the staff cheer in unisonโ€ฆ
“Nice soft-serve!”
โ€” a warm, encouraging round of praise for the proud little chef!
And when you pay, you get a free coin to use on the gachapon (capsule toy) machine!
Another classic kid favorite!
The capsules contain discount coupons for your next visit!
Truly, this restaurant goes above and beyond for kids!

It’s a kids-first kind of place!

Kushikatsu Tanaka is a must-visit if you’re traveling with children!

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Kushikatsu Tanaka โ€” Restaurant Information

  • Address

    Kusunoki, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City

  • Hours

    11:30 โ€“ 22:30

  • Closed

    Irregular holidays

  • Phone

    096-337-8800

  • Website

    https://kushi-tanaka.com/

  • Payment

    Available

  • Parking

    Available

  • No

    Tatami seating

  • No

    Private rooms

  • No

    Kids’ tableware

  • No

    Kids’ chairs

  • No

    Diaper-changing table

  • No

    Stroller-friendly entry

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a recommended family-friendly spot in Kusunoki, Kita Ward, Kumamoto?

“Kushikatsu Tanaka” is a popular, family-welcoming restaurant in Kusunoki, Kita Ward, Kumamoto. Read this article for full details!

What are Kushikatsu Tanaka’s hours and closed days?

Hours and closed days are subject to change. Please check the official website or call ahead before visiting.

*Information is current as of the visit date. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.

Article Writer

Sarukuma Editorial is a small team of locals based in Kumamoto, Japan, sharing the hidden gems, hometown flavors, and seasonal experiences that make our region special. We write the kind of guide we wish we had when showing friends around โ€” honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.

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