Introducing Tatsubee-an Cafe

Hello travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’m excited to introduce a hidden gem located in Tensui Town, Tamana City:
Tatsubee-an Cafe.Even families with babies can relax and enjoy a meal here!♪
With a kids’ play space, traditional raised tatami seating, and a children’s menu, it’s an absolute winner for family lunches!
You’ll also find a microwave, a nursing room, and diaper-changing facilities—everything a parent could ask for.

Although it’s in Tamana City, the cafe sits close to Kumamoto’s western ward, making it just a 30-minute drive from central Kumamoto City (^^)/The cafe is housed inside the Palaceran KOZAKI (Kozaki Kaikan) building.
It’s actually a cafe run by a traditional Japanese catering company! (●＾o＾●)

So as you’d expect, the food is absolutely delicious♫Here’s the parking area.
There’s room for about 4–5 cars.
The spaces aren’t lined, so parking close to the edges leaves room for later arrivals♫
There’s also a small extra space to the left of the photo (not visible).
Just inside the building, you’ll spot the Tatsubee-an Cafe entrance on your left♫
The interior is a delightful surprise—stylish and charming, totally different from what the outside suggests!
Ta-da!
There’s even a traditional raised tatami seating area—perfect for an authentic Japanese dining experience!
Plenty of comfy sofa seats to relax in♫
And cozy seating like this!
It’s an inviting space even for solo travelers (^^)/Baby bouncers and high chairs are ready to go!
It’s wonderful that they have these for both table seating and tatami areas!A microwave and children’s tableware are available too!
And there’s still more to love about this place… (^.^)
A dedicated kids’ play space!!!
Loaded with toys!

From babies to elementary schoolers, there’s something to keep every child happy♫

And there’s even a nursing room and diaper-changing area!!!
With all of these amenities in place, families can dine here with complete peace of mind (*’ω’*)

Just so you know, this room is located outside the Tatsubee-an Cafe itself.
If you’d like to use it, please ask the staff♫Here’s the menu (^^)/

・Grandma Tomi’s Tsukudani Rice Ball Plate – 1,300 yen
・Inari Sushi Plate – 1,200 yen・Grandpa Tatsubee’s Simmered Fish Plate – 1,180 yen
・”Not Made by an Indian” Curry Rice Plate – 980 yen
・Caterer’s Karaage (Fried Chicken) Plate – 1,180 yen
・Chokotto Lunch Kodemari Rice Ball Plate – 700 yen

The menu names are wonderfully quirky and endearing—a true taste of local personality (*’ω’*)And guess what—there’s a kids’ menu too!
Kids up through elementary school age can order from it♫

・Kids’ Plate – 950 yen
・Little One’s Bento – 600 yen

With two options, you can pick the one that fits your child’s age!There are also cakes and sweet treats♡A wide variety of drinks too!And of course, takeout is available♫
Grab lunch here and pick up some tasty side dishes for dinner—an easy way to take a break from cooking!

Even the little notes on the menu are warm and heartfelt… (●＾o＾●)

One must-try takeout item is the peanut tofu!
The sauce is delicious and the silky-smooth texture is downright addictive♫
Depending on the size, advance reservations may be needed, so peanut tofu fans should call ahead (^^)/

Beside the register, you’ll find appetizing prepared side dishes♫
Perfect for souvenirs or to bring home for yourself (^^)There’s even a dagashi (Japanese penny candy) corner for kids!
The selection was a bit limited when we visited, but my daughter still happily snagged some potato chips. Haha!

Tatsubee-an Cafe Recommended Menu Items

Grandma Tomi’s Tsukudani Rice Ball Plate.
This lunch plate showcases the caterer’s most popular flavors♫
The plate comes with four rice balls.
It sounds like a lot, but each one is bite-sized and easy to enjoy♫
The three flavors are shonshon (a local fish-based topping), plum and bonito tsukudani, and cheese with edamame and kombu.

The subtle saltiness, perfectly crisp nori, and sweet-savory tsukudani pair beautifully with the white rice—simply delicious!
It comes with peanut tofu too♡
The crispy karaage fried chicken is well-marinated and bursting with flavor.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you crave a big bowl of rice♪

The other side dish in the photo is freeze-dried tofu fried in a light batter!
It was my first time trying it, and the dense, almost meat-like texture was a delightful surprise (●＾o＾●)
Grandpa Tatsubee’s Simmered Fish Plate.

The fresh fish is sourced each morning.
The flavors soak deep into the meat, which is rich, fatty, and falls apart at the touch of chopsticks.

My husband happily devoured every bite alongside his rice (^^)/
The seasoning strikes a perfect balance—a robust soy sauce flavor with a gentle hint of sweetness.

The portions are generous, so even men will leave feeling satisfied!
The Kids’ Plate.
Loaded with kid favorites like karaage and french fries, plus a jelly dessert♫My daughter, who usually doesn’t eat much, polished off nearly the whole plate!
She especially loved the karaage and yakitori (*’ω’*)My son’s Little One’s Bento.
The name is adorable, and it’s an actual little bento box—how cute is that?♡
Chopsticks and a fork set are provided, so there’s no need to bring your own!The contents are similar to the Kids’ Plate, minus the spaghetti and yakitori skewer.
There’s no jelly or chocolate, making it ideal for younger children♫
My son was thrilled to find his beloved karaage included!Tatsubee-an Cafe is brimming with care and kindness for parents and children alike.

Family lunches can be stressful—researching seating, kids’ menus, and amenities before you even leave home…
But here, kids can play happily while moms and dads enjoy a meal and good conversation♫

And don’t forget to grab some delicious prepared side dishes for an easy dinner at home♫
If you’re searching for a family-friendly lunch spot in the Kumamoto area, Tatsubee-an Cafe comes highly recommended—be sure to give it a visit (*’ω’*)

[Nagasu Town Multi-Generation Exchange Facility Nijiiro House – Nagasu Town, Tamana District] Free for everyone! An indoor playground complete with athletic equipment that’ll have the kids sleeping like babies on the way home♪

[KAWACHI BASE – Ryueisou – Kawachi Town, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City] “We want to bring Kawachi to life and energize Kumamoto!” With Suzanne’s heartfelt vision, a former inn has been reborn as a cafe & lodging facility!

[Ariake Orange Garden – Kawachi Town, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City] Open even in rainy weather! How about BBQ with an ocean view?

[Hana no Yakata – Tensui Town, Tamana City] How about a leisurely lunch overlooking the Ariake Sea? The famous Kusamakura Onsen is nearby too♪

[Re.kuru – Rikuru Tamana – Mutta, Tamana City, Kumamoto] Enjoy a relaxed cafe time while the kids play! The ideal multi-generation exchange facility

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.