Introducing Yakitori Izakaya Sou

Hello, travelers! This is Gussan, your Sarukuma writer.
Today I’m sharing a fantastic find in Usuba, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City:
[Yakitori Izakaya Sou].

On the way home from a family day out, I searched for a nearby izakaya (Japanese pub), and this place popped up first. We dropped in on a whim, and it instantly became one of our go-to spots. I had to write about it!Look for the striking black building accented with red — that’s [Yakitori Izakaya Sou].
It’s right along the Kumamoto Port Line, so it’s easy to spot.
Nearby, you’ll also find [Okashiya Favori], a sweets shop I’ve featured before.

[Okashiya Favori (Shimada, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City)] A popular shop for cakes, baked sweets, and bread — modern and family-friendly!

First, check this out:
Free soft drinks for women and children! ♫
For families, this perk is an absolute game-changer.
Between the parking lot in front and one across the street, there’s room for at least 10 cars — convenient for visitors driving in.
Step through the front door and you’ll find a shoe rack — a charming Japanese tradition where you remove your shoes before entering.
The whole restaurant has a lively, energetic vibe, so even families with chatty little ones can relax and enjoy the meal without worry.
Every table is in a private room, which is a big reason families love coming here.
Near the entrance, you can see the yakitori grill in action.
The smell of charcoal-grilled chicken skin slowly cooking over the flames is absolutely mouthwatering.
Seats are horigotatsu-style (sunken floor seating), so you can stretch out your legs and truly relax — perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Children’s chairs are also available.
The menu is impressively varied!
There’s a huge selection of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers from 121 yen), plus drinking snacks, salads,
fried dishes, sashimi, grilled items,
teppanyaki (iron-griddle dishes) and motsunabe (offal hotpot) — honestly, you have to pace yourself or you’ll over-order!
The drink list is just as extensive: fruit liqueurs, whisky, sake,
cocktails,
wine, and more.
Course menus start from 2,000 yen, and you can add an all-you-can-drink option for an extra 1,000 yen.
*Generally available on weekdays only.
Here’s the rundown on the free soft drinks advertised on the entrance sign.
For women and boys up to elementary school age, the following 4 drinks are unlimited and free:
・Coca-Cola
・Apple juice
・Orange juice
・Oolong tea
Drink costs really add up when dining out, so having free drinks for the kids and myself is genuinely such a relief.

With soft drinks normally priced at 180 yen, our family of three (me and the kids) had two glasses each — that’s 1,080 yen saved. Pretty sweet, right?

Yakitori Izakaya Sou — Recommended Menu Items

The first dishes to arrive were the
Surume Ten (dried squid tempura) — 385 yen and Sou Original Salad — 825 yen.
My family loves dried squid, so as soon as the dish hit the table, we all dove in, yelping “Hot! Hot!” between bites. Haha!
I ordered the Sou Original Salad without knowing what it was — and was delighted to find it loaded with crispy karaage (Japanese fried chicken).
With sesame dressing on top, it eats more like a main dish than a side.
For yakitori, I went back and forth between the assorted skewer platter and individual orders, but my kids love yagen (chicken cartilage, 187 yen), so I picked an assortment. Sesere (chicken neck) is also delicious, by the way.
My top pick: Nira Tama (chive omelet) — 528 yen.
It was my first time eating a nira tama with meat in it, and it blew me away — absolutely delicious.
This dish is a must-order for our next visit.
Recommended by our friendly server,
the Gattsu Ponzu (beef stomach in citrus soy sauce) — 407 yen was a perfect drinking snack for my husband.

The Yamaimo Teppan (mountain yam on hot iron plate) — 550 yen arrived sizzling hot, just as expected.
While some places serve a plain version, this one comes loaded with extra ingredients and a generous portion — super satisfying.

With its varied menu and reasonable prices, [Yakitori Izakaya Sou] is a real gem.
The family-friendly atmosphere and the kindness of the staff made for a wonderful evening — definitely worth a stop on your Kumamoto journey!

[Okashiya Favori (Shimada, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City)] A popular shop for cakes, baked sweets, and bread — modern and family-friendly!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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