About the Restaurant

Hello travelers!
Sanji here, writing for Sarukuma!

The end-of-year and New Year season kept me busier than expected, so my updates have been a little sparse lately.

Apologies to anyone who’s been waiting!
(What’s that — nobody’s been waiting? Ouch!)

Anyway, today I’m excited to introduce a real gem
tucked away inside Hirayama Onsen in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Jidori-an Sanzo”.

It’s a specialty jidori (free-range local chicken) restaurant set right within the Hirayama Onsen hot spring village.

And let me tell you — this place is wildly popular!

Because Kumamoto Prefecture had declared its own state of emergency at the time, I figured I might be able to walk in without a reservation. Big mistake!

I arrived right before opening, and they were already fully booked with reservations.

Travelers, take note — reservations are absolutely essential here!

There are about 8 parking spaces in front of the restaurant, but they fill up quickly.
I strongly recommend booking ahead and arriving a little early.

After waiting nearly an hour, the first group of guests left and we were finally seated.

The interior is surprisingly spacious and relaxed.

Each table has its own ventilation outlet, so the hygiene measures are top-notch — a real plus for travelers!

Recommended Menu

Here’s the menu.

Each set comes with kettle-cooked rice, soup, and homemade tofu.

You can choose between Kumamoto’s signature local chicken “Amakusa Daio” or premium domestic wagyu beef.

Amakusa Daio breast — grilled with salt or with sweet-savory tare sauce,
plus chicken sashimi and other raw delicacies,

and a generous selection of à la carte grilled items!

This time I ordered the Sanzo Set with chicken sashimi for 1,700 yen — the standard course.
First up: gizzard and chicken tenderloin sashimi.

Crunchy, glossy, and almost creamy in texture — absolutely divine!
Dipped in wasabi soy sauce, it was simply heavenly.

If only I’d ordered a beer to go with it…

Then came the white liver sashimi!

It melted on the tongue like foie gras — a remarkable, buttery texture.
This one was served with sesame oil and salt, and oh my, it was unforgettable.

Why did I have to drive here today? I really wanted that sake…

Then the tofu arrived as part of the course,

followed by soup and pickles — all handmade in-house.

The flavors are gentle and warming, perfect for waking up the appetite and getting ready for the main jidori event!

And finally — the jidori chicken arrived!

Lightly salted and grilled over real charcoal — that’s the Sanzo way.

Juicy, smoky, and irresistible!

Most jidori restaurants offer both salt-grilled and tare-glazed versions,
but I usually go for salt — it lets the natural flavor of the chicken really shine.

The slight bite and signature “crunch” of jidori chicken is something I can never get enough of!

The chicken is enjoyed dipped in a special cabbage-based sauce,

and partway through your meal, you can mix in their house-made spicy chili miso for a delicious flavor twist.

Finishing things off with that fluffy kettle-cooked rice — pure happiness, every grain of it.

On your way back, drop by one of the day-trip onsen baths in Hirayama for a mini-vacation feeling.
It’s the perfect recipe for a luxurious half-day escape from Kumamoto City.

Just remember — at “Jidori-an Sanzo,” reservations are an absolute must!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information accurate at time of visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.