Introducing Sansho Chaya

Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Igaguri, writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’m taking you to Ozu Town in Kikuchi District, to a wonderful spot called
Sansho Chaya.

Located along National Route 57, between Michi-no-Eki Ozu and the new Aso Ohashi Bridge,
the big illuminated sign out front pulled me right in.

With parking for 70 cars, you should have no trouble finding a space, even on busy weekends!

Just out of frame is a charming traditional water wheel,

and a windmill is visible up in the hills behind the restaurant.

What an incredible setting!
An udon shop where kids can enjoy both a water wheel and a windmill is a true rarity.

Ah-ha — so this udon shop actually originated in Miyazaki Prefecture!

Wait — free salad?
And oden, too?

I dropped by at 2 p.m. on a Sunday and the place was packed!

Inside there’s tatami seating, a counter, and even a kids’ play room!
(For full details, check the Sansho Chaya official website.)

Sansho Chaya — Recommended Menu

The “Soba Set,” “Kamaage Tempura Set,” and “Tenzaru Set” were all sold out!

But no worries — there’s still plenty more.

Sansai Okowa (steamed rice with mountain vegetables)
Curry rice
Miyazaki Nichinan Chicken Tatsuta-age (deep-fried marinated chicken)

The menu has so much variety!

Donburi (rice bowls) are featured too — and check out the size of those shrimp!

Mini Udon for kids — a wonderful option starting at just 440 yen.

The signature “Sansho Udon” (1,150 yen)
comes loaded with Miyazaki wagyu beef, mountain vegetables, and large prawn tempura.
Interestingly, despite the name, it doesn’t actually contain Japanese pepper (sansho)!

Their “Takanameshi” (rice mixed with pickled mustard greens) is a different take from the famous Aso version — definitely worth a try!

Their massive burdock root tempura (gobo-ten) is also a house specialty!

Their highly recommended kamaage udon (freshly boiled udon served in its hot cooking water) is actually a Miyazaki regional specialty!
Freshly boiled, wonderfully chewy udon — sounds absolutely delicious 🤤

And on top of that, there’s oden, a drink bar, and soft serve ice cream too —
a truly satisfying meal for everyone in the family.

And here’s the kicker — from 5 p.m., the “Oden Set” is just 1,380 yen (free for children 3 and under) and includes:

・All-you-can-eat oden
・Free rice refills
・Udon or soba included
・Drink bar and soft serve ice cream included

Plus, the salad bar and side dishes are completely free for ALL customers…

(The salad bar is on the right, oden on the left.)

The free salad bar is included at lunchtime too! (Oden is sold separately at lunch.)

Wait a minute… this is supposed to be just an udon shop, right?!

And the vegetables are domestically sourced — many grown on their own farm — so they’re incredibly fresh and tasty!

Crispy burdock tempura crumbs are also available for free as a topping — sprinkle them over your salad for an extra-special treat!

You’ll also find side dishes like kinpira gobo (braised burdock) and takuan (pickled radish).

This time, I ordered the Ebi Ten Udon (shrimp tempura udon) for 850 yen!

The shrimp was absolutely enormous!
With the free salad bar included, this is a fantastic value.

And the noodles offer a whole new texture experience!

Is this what they call “koshi” (firmness)?
“Mochi-mochi” (delightfully chewy) feels like just the right word!

The dashi broth was wonderfully approachable — even for me, originally from outside Kumamoto and now in my 8th year here, it felt familiar and comforting!

Sansho Chaya has 4 locations across Miyazaki Prefecture, but in Kumamoto, the Ozu shop is the only one!
Takeout is also available so you can enjoy it at home — definitely worth a visit (^_-)-☆

A Word from the Sarukuma Editorial Team

Sansho Chaya is a bit of a drive from central Kumamoto City, but it’s a must-stop spot whenever you’re in the area!
Those impressively oversized udon dishes are sure to delight kids too.
The Ozu area is seeing an increase in foot traffic thanks to the TSMC factory development, with new restaurants and shops popping up alongside it.
We have a feeling Sansho Chaya is destined to become even more well-known in the years ahead!

Other Restaurants Near Sansho Chaya

[TOIRO BAKERY (Ozu, Kikuchi District)] Newly opened December 1, 2023! Perfect breads for meals and snacks alike

[Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Iroha (Ozu, Kikuchi District)] An indulgent moment with memorable course cuisine

[Haikara-tei (Ozu, Kikuchi District)] A long-established Western-style restaurant with a nostalgic atmosphere

[Relaxation Cafe Tao (Ozu, Kikuchi District)] A hidden lunch spot for relaxed dining

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.