Introducing Yamako

Hello, travelers!
This is Sunny 🐩, your Sarukuma writer.

Ahhh, I’m seriously craving meat today…
So here we go!

Today I’m taking you to Takamori Town in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, to a place called
《Yamako》.

BAM! And there’s a MEGA option too, which has me very curious (´・ω・｀)
Even this huge parking lot can fill up — that’s how popular this place is!

It’s about a 7-minute drive from Takamori Station, and just over an hour from central Kumamoto City.

The entrance is decorated with autographs and signs, just like you’d expect from a famous restaurant.

I arrived before opening, so I was fine — but during busy hours, you write your name down and wait on this long bench.Local Aso specialties are also for sale here, and lots of tourists drop by.Inside, there’s tatami seating and table seating that can hold around 20 groups.

Even so, every seat was full within 20 minutes of opening, with people still waiting.

And this was on a weekday — incredibly popular!!
There are even solo seats with a view of the Aso mountains — perfect for a peaceful meal.

We sat in the back tatami room with a mountain view.

Kids always love being able to look outside, right? ♪

Children’s chairs are available and the space is roomy, so families with little ones can relax.Free Japanese pickles (tsukemono) are available to enjoy as much as you like.

Hand sanitizer is provided, so sanitize before serving yourself.

Now, let’s get to the menu! (^^)
All Akaushi (Japanese red beef) bowls use Grade 3 or higher!!

The sirloin steak is specially Grade 4!!

I don’t know all the technical details, but it definitely means “absolutely delicious” www“I want this one~ ♡” (says my little one)

Yamako’s Recommended Menu

After much deliberation, here’s what I went with:

Yes — BOOM!!!!
・Kimagure Mega Akaushi-don — ¥2,100The egg-cracked version (lol)The close-up version (lol)

Just looking at it was so mouthwatering, I couldn’t stop taking photos! wwwWow ~ this is too good ♡ Sooo tasty ~ what IS this?! ♪

Sorry — my vocabulary is failing me here (-“-)

This might be the most delicious beef I’ve ever eaten (lol)“Yummyyyy ♡”

・Akaushi Sirloin Teppanyaki — ¥1,800OMG, looks amazing ♡

Yes, even though we both already had the Mega bowl, we couldn’t resist ordering more 💦

The Grade 3+ Akaushi-don was so unbelievably good that we just HAD to try the Grade 4 sirloin too… (lol)And — yep, this was incredible too ♡

Tender, juicy, not greasy at all, but the fat is rich and flavorful ♪

Ahh, I really can’t describe it well www

The flavor lingered in my mouth long after the meal — pure happiness.

Even after I got home, I was still saying, “My mouth is still in beef-mode!” lol

Truly unforgettable Akaushi-don and steak at 【Yamako】

If you’re traveling around Aso, you absolutely have to try it! (^^)

Frequently Asked Questions

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