Introducing Yutaka Sushi

Hello, travelers!
This is Igaguri, your Sarukuma writer 🌰

Today I’m thrilled to introduce a true hidden gem of Kumamoto:
“Yutaka Sushi”, tucked away in Inasa, Gyokuto Town, Tamana District.

Set right along National Route 208, this eye-catching sign is hard to miss — many locals will recognize it instantly! It appears suddenly on a gentle curve in the road, making it a memorable landmark.

And when you step inside…

Wow — it’s stunning!

It’s so different from what you’d expect from a long-established sushi restaurant — I was genuinely surprised. The owner himself looked surprisingly young, too.

(*Photo published with permission)

I’ve actually become friends with the owner through Instagram, and his posts are absolutely hilarious 😆

His passion for fish really shines through, and his food photos are so Instagram-worthy they’ll have you drooling on your phone screen…

Must-Try Menu Highlights at Yutaka Sushi

For my birthday, I treated myself to the premium nigiri sushi platter ♪

Honestly… it was outrageously delicious!

The uni (sea urchin) was incredibly fresh and rich!
It even included kuegyo (longtooth grouper) — what a luxurious surprise.

Since it was a birthday gift, I don’t actually know the price (haha)
Probably around ¥5,000.
Here’s the takeout menu.

They also offer delivery service!
With no Uber Eats around here, this is such a lifesaver~

The kaiseki course is a brilliant option for families — it’s so easy to share portions with little ones ♪

Chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard), simmered dishes, and tempura.
Do you peel the batter off your tempura, or eat it as-is?
What camp are you in? 😄

Perfect for family gatherings, too.

There’s even a kid-favorite salmon-and-shrimp combo bento!
Not a fan of raw fish? No worries — there’s also a cooked dish and fried food combo bento available.

Of course, party platters are available too ♪

The à la carte menu is a real bonus.
At our house, the kids always order french fries first — without fail 😅

There’s a large live fish tank near the entrance, so my number-one recommendation has to be the ikezukuri (live-prepared sashimi)!

On Setsubun (the seasonal bean-throwing festival), we also enjoyed ehomaki (lucky direction sushi roll) (^^♪

One roll cost ¥700 — basically at cost, the owner told me.

I asked the owner, “Do you do anything special for families with young children?”

His response melted my heart:

“If we have an opening, we’ll happily open up our tatami room even for small groups with little ones.“

“On a personal note, many of my staff are working mothers. To give them a little time back for themselves,
twice a month, I cook meals for all of their family members.“

“I think working moms have the toughest job in the world.“

I nearly cried right there at the counter!!! Wahhh—— 😭 ——!!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate as of the time of writing. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.