Welcome to Hitomaki

Hello, travel friends! It’s “Sashimi” (*´꒳`*), your local Sarukuma writer.

Today’s spotlight shines on a hidden gem in Shimizu Kameicho, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City —
【Hitomaki】.

Opened in August 2023, Hitomaki has quickly become a local favorite.

I finally made it through the door — yay! Let’s dive in٩( ᐛ )و

Here’s the welcoming entrance to Hitomaki.

The restaurant sits within easy reach of Hakkesuiya Park (home to the Kumamoto City Water Science Museum) and is just 38 skip-and-jump seconds away from the Kita Ward Office Shimizu Community Center and Shimizu Children’s Hall. Super convenient!

The parking lot is on the right-hand side as you face the restaurant.
There’s tandem (parallel) parking for six cars.

The dining room was completely full on the day I visited — a reservation is highly recommended!

Following Japanese tradition, you’ll slip off your shoes at the entrance before stepping inside Hitomaki.

Here’s the tatami zashiki room. There’s something so calming about a traditional tatami space — and it’s a real bonus for families with little ones.

And here are the counter seats — perfect for solo diners or couples.

Children’s chairs and Bumbo baby seats are available, along with regular adult chairs — great news for traveling families.

Hitomaki’s Must-Try Menu

Menu ①

The Hitomaki Sushi Set — yes please! That’s the one I went with.

Menu ②
There’s even a kids’ menu — a children’s plate served with chawanmushi (savory egg custard) and a juice.

Based on my unofficial “peek-at-other-tables” research, the Hitomaki Sushi Set and the Seasonal Obanzai Set seem to be the most popular picks.

Hitomaki Sushi Set — 1,800 yen (1,980 yen incl. tax)

Eight pieces of nigiri sushi, tempura, chawanmushi, miso soup, plus a small side. The side dish of the day was a meat dish! ٩( ᐛ )و

Look at that sushi gleam — absolutely beautiful!

Eight different kinds of sushi, every single one delicious. Pure happiness on a plate!

The tempura was wonderfully crispy, the chawanmushi was silky smooth, and the side dish was equally tasty. (≧∀≦)

Heads up for travelers: the sushi comes with wasabi, but you can ask for it to be left out — just mention it when ordering.

Seasonal Obanzai Set — 1,500 yen (1,650 yen incl. tax)

I really wanted to try this one too. If only I had two stomachs!

Obanzai is Kyoto-style home cooking — a little bit of lots of different dishes, which is the best kind of meal in my book. The tempura, chawanmushi, side dish, and soup are the same as the sushi set.

On my way out, I noticed something I’d missed earlier — almost every lunch guest was leaving with a little plastic bag from the staff. Turns out they were takeaway orders of futomaki (thick sushi rolls) and inari sushi (sweet fried tofu pouches stuffed with rice). So many people had ordered them!

Takeout futomaki and inari… that meat-stuffed inari looked irresistible. If only I had a third stomach!

Some takeout items take a bit of time to prepare, so reserving in advance is a smart move.

How fun would it be to grab some inari and futomaki to-go and have a little Japanese sushi picnic at nearby Hakkesuiya Park?

The crowd that day stretched from young families with babies all the way to elderly diners — proof that this place is loved by all generations.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and I couldn’t help but smile watching them gently chat with parents holding babies.
It almost brought tears to my eyes (I get a bit emotional these days, lol).

If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, do yourself a favor and add Hitomaki to your list!

Thanks so much for reading all the way to the end.

Until next time — see you soon! ٩( ᐛ )و

【Shimizu Children’s Hall — Shimizu Kameicho, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City】Spacious indoor play area with lots of toys, plus outdoor play too

【Hakkesuiya Park】Right next to the Water Science Museum! Wide lawns and playground equipment《Hakkesuiya, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City》

【Water Science Museum】Learn the history of water — and splash around in summer!《Hakkesuiya, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City》

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.