Welcome to Nishinosato Izakaya

Hello, travelers!
This is your SaruKuma writer, Asukarando.

Today I’m taking you to Shimosuzurikawa, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City, to a much-loved local spot called
“Nishinosato Izakaya”.

This is a long-established neighborhood izakaya (Japanese pub) that has been a favorite among locals for years. I’d heard rumors that they sell takeaway tonsoku (braised pig trotters), so I had to come check it out! \(^o^)/

Plenty of parking is available right in front of and beside the restaurant — convenient if you’re driving!

The entrance is right here!
The classic red lantern (akachochin) gives off that authentic Japanese pub atmosphere — exactly what you’d hope for!

Before we head to the famous vending machine, let me give you a tour inside Nishinosato!

As is traditional in Japan, please remove your shoes and place them in the shoe boxes.

Inside Nishinosato, you’ll find both counter seating and traditional Japanese tatami floor seating (zashiki) — plenty of space to relax.

If you’re traveling with kids, the tatami area is the perfect choice!

There are also private tatami rooms, perfect for families with small children who want some quiet space.

They’ve also recently launched a lunch menu!

Lunch hours (11:30–14:30)
Gobo Tempura Udon + Hormone Stew + White Rice — 900 yen
Gobo Tempura Udon + Yakitori Donburi — 900 yen

À la carte menu
Gobo Tempura Udon — 480 yen
Hormone Stew — 550 yen
Karaage (Fried Chicken) — 580 yen
Yakitori Donburi — 560 yen

Here’s the dinner menu!

As advertised on the storefront, Nishinosato is famous for their motsunabe (offal hot pot) — a true local specialty that locals have raved about for years! \(^o^)/

They’ve got all the classic izakaya favorites — at very reasonable prices, too!

Recommended Menu at Nishinosato Izakaya

And now — let’s check out the famous Nishinosato vending machine!

You’ll spot it right outside the restaurant — impossible to miss!
And the best part? It’s available 24 hours a day! \(^o^)/

Their popular Tonsoku (Pig Trotters) with Lemon Dressing — 650 yen

Special Hormone Stew — 550 yen
And it’s not just pig trotters!
You can also grab their famous hormone stew straight from the machine!

Special Hormone Stew (large) — 1,100 yen
Nishinosato Lemon Sauce — 400 yen

I picked up the newly launched ‘Popular Tonsoku’ to try at home! \(^o^)/

Surprise — there are TWO whole pig trotters in one pack! \(^o^)/

Look at the size! Wait, is that pig trotters on top of pig trotters!?
No, no… that’s actually my hand! (Sorry, bad joke!)

Palm-sized and seriously generous in portion — what a treat! \(^o^)/

And look at that beautiful golden-brown color — it’s mouth-watering!

The trotters come vacuum-sealed. Just open the package, place them on a plate,
cover lightly with plastic wrap, and microwave for 1 minute per piece. Easy!

Pour the included lemon dressing generously over the top, and dig in! \(^o^)/

Plump, jiggly, collagen-rich pig trotters that taste absolutely incredible!

And that lemon sauce? Absolutely perfect!
I devoured every last drop!

Pro tip: tonsoku tastes best when you eat it with your hands!

While Nishinosato has a fantastic dine-in izakaya menu,
for parents who can’t always get out for an evening on the town,
being able to enjoy authentic izakaya pig trotters at home is honestly amazing!

I can’t recommend it enough!

Next time, I’d love to relax inside and enjoy the full izakaya experience.
Swing by Nishinosato Izakaya in Nishinosato — they’d love to have you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current at time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please verify before visiting.