Introducing Mizuakari

Hello, fellow travelers!
This is “Gussan,” your SaruKuma writer.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a wonderful spot in Wakaba, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City:
“Shusai Kobo Mizuakari.”

The staff at Mizuakari work under the wonderful philosophy of an owner who tells them, “Since you’ll be raising children yourselves one day, please be especially kind to families who come here.” For parents traveling with little ones, this welcoming attitude feels like a true blessing.
The staff often chat with the kids, asking “How does it taste?” or offering, “Here, borrow this pen for drawing.” Every visit with my children leaves my heart feeling warm.

Of course, the food is so delicious it’ll capture your appetite completely, so let me share all the details!
Here’s the exterior.
There’s no parking lot, but the restaurant is just a 1-minute walk from Kengun Tram Stop—simply head straight along the road on the Kengun Shopping Street side toward Akitsu. It’s also easily accessible by streetcar or bus, making it perfect for international visitors using public transport.
When we visited, we left our stroller outside, but before we knew it, the staff had kindly brought it inside for us.
These subtle acts of kindness mean so much.
Here’s the signboard.
In the same row, you’ll find “Totanya Kengun Branch,” which our writer “Rikotama” has previously written about.

[Totanya Kengun Branch] Recommended for the Season When You Crave Motsunabe & Yakitori! (Wakaba, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City)

The first floor features both table seating and counter seating.

I forgot to take a picture, but there’s also a live fish tank (ikesu), which the kids absolutely love watching!

The second floor offers traditional horigotatsu-style seating (sunken tables where you can dangle your legs comfortably), with partitions between tables and private rooms toward the back.
This popular restaurant fills up even on weekdays, so families are highly encouraged to book a private room well in advance.
They also lend out children’s chairs and Bumbo seats for little ones.
Children’s cutlery is also provided!

Mizuakari’s Recommended Menu

Let me walk you through the menu.
First, the recommended dishes:
・Horse mackerel (Sashimi 880 yen, Namero 880 yen, Nigiri sushi 980 yen)
・Salt-grilled barracuda (630 yen)
・Tempura assortment (880 yen)
・Ichibo (top sirloin) steak (1,300 yen), and more.
Bar snacks include:
Smashed cucumber (tataki kyuri, 420 yen),
the classic dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet, 530 yen),
shrimp and scallop ajillo (1,080 yen), and more.
While there are plenty of fish dishes, the menu is wonderfully varied with cheese dishes, pizza, and pasta as well.
Mizuakari even covers sushi and local Kumamoto regional cuisine—truly a comprehensive menu.
Whether you’re craving fish, meat, Japanese, or Western cuisine, Mizuakari has you covered. It’s also a fantastic place to entertain friends visiting from out of town—perfect for showing visitors a true taste of Kumamoto hospitality.
Beyond the food, Mizuakari boasts an impressive selection of sake and beverages.
There’s also a wide variety of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks!

First up, the classic karaage (Japanese fried chicken, 580 yen).
This was all eaten by the kids—none left for the adults! (laugh)
Horse mackerel namero (880 yen) — a traditional Japanese minced fish tartare.
My husband always orders this one, saying “I want that thing, that thing… what was it called? Oh right, namero!” (laugh)
When the horse mackerel was brought to our table, it was still twitching, much to the delight (and excitement!) of the kids.
Seasonal vegetable carpaccio (1,100 yen)
Vibrant vegetables and thick, fresh slices of sashimi come together in this beautiful carpaccio.
Pine squid sautéed with liver and butter (860 yen)
A must-order dish every time we visit Mizuakari.
The rich, buttery squid liver coats every bite—seriously addictive!
Ichibo (top sirloin) steak (1,300 yen)
Tender meat bursting with concentrated umami flavor♡
You can change up the taste with rock salt or yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus pepper paste), but honestly, the meat alone reveals more depth with every chew.
Fresh sea urchin cream pasta (1,500 yen)
A rich, creamy plate that brings pure happiness with every bite.
I definitely want to eat this again!

Located just steps from Kengun Shopping Street, Shusai Kobo Mizuakari is wonderfully family-friendly and serves consistently delicious food. Whether you’re visiting Kumamoto with kids or simply looking for a memorable Japanese dining experience, please give it a try!

[Totanya Kengun Branch] Recommended for the Season When You Crave Motsunabe & Yakitori! (Wakaba, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City)

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.