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Introducing Omusubi-ya Ito

Hello travelers! This is Aikero, writer for [SaruKuma].

Today I’m introducing a charming little rice ball shop located in Wakaba, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City (inside Kengun Shopping Street)
[Omusubi-ya Ito].This omusubi (rice ball) shop just opened on April 18th!
Their Instagram playfully warns: “We were so particular about our ingredients we almost went under within 3 days of opening” (;^ω^)

So just what kind of dedication are we talking about?
Let’s take a closer look!The shop is located inside Kengun Shopping Street.
It’s on the tram-line side, and this banner is your landmark!
I drove there and used the Kengun Shopping Street parking lot.
The first 40 minutes are free.
When it comes to omusubi, rice is everything!
Omusubi-ya Ito uses two carefully selected types of rice.

The first is Sugayama Tanada-mai (terraced rice paddy rice) from Takamori Town.
Grown organically, this rice pairs incredibly well with savory fillings!
The terraced paddies are even recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

The second is Tenju-mai from Kosa Town.
This is fully organic rice, grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Because they want you to taste the pure flavor of the rice itself, Tenju-mai is only served as shio-musubi (simple salted rice balls)!The dedication doesn’t stop at rice!

The salt is “Choyo” sun-dried salt from Tsujishima Island in Amakusa.
Sun-dried salt is, as the name suggests, made using the traditional method of harnessing the natural power of the sun and wind.
Combined with hours of careful human craftsmanship, this is salt made with true devotion!
You can also purchase the rice and salt used at the shop, so be sure to grab some if you’re curious!
The nori (seaweed) is first-harvest nori from the Ariake Sea.
First-harvest nori is the very first nori picked from the seaweed nets, prized for its tenderness, aroma, and rich flavor.
For freshly-made omusubi, you can choose to have the nori wrapped on or served separately!
It’s wonderful that you can take home the same rice, salt, and nori the shop uses (^^)/Now that you know about the producers and the shop’s deep commitment to ingredients, let me introduce the menu lineup you’ve been waiting for!

Happiness Omusubi: From 350 yen — add 50 yen for 16-grain rice
・Daily Special
・”Goku” Tenju-mai with Salt
・Traditional Pickled Plum (Ume)
・Kombu (Kelp)
・Homemade Chili Oil with Konjac & Burdock
・Okaka (Bonito Flakes)
・Aotakana (Green Pickled Mustard Greens)
・Fresh Wakame Seaweed
・”Yamitsuki Akuma” (Addictive Devil)

Hearty Vegetable Soup: 500 yen (450 yen with your own cup)

Omusubi-ya Ito Recommended Menu

Behold — the omusubi!
With so many flavors to choose from, the decision was tough…
Since I was with a friend, we picked four to share!

From top to bottom:
Yamitsuki Akuma, Homemade Chili Oil with Konjac & Burdock, Aotakana, and the Daily Special (scrambled egg).

The omusubi are typically made to order, so there can be a short wait, but these were already on display at the counter so we got them right away!Here’s how it looks in my (large) hand for scale. (Maybe that doesn’t help? lol)
Before tasting it, I thought “Yamitsuki Akuma” looked like fried rice, but it’s surprisingly Japanese-style!
The rich flavors of bonito flakes and green onion shine through — it’s like a savory side dish wrapped in rice (●＾o＾●)Sorry for the half-eaten photo… (>_<)
The aotakana had a wonderful crunchy texture with the distinctive flavor of pickled mustard greens, but with such a fresh, bright taste!This is my friend’s homemade chili oil with konjac and burdock.
As you can see, the filling tends to spill out, so this little bag makes it really easy to eat (^^)

True to its name, even the chili oil is handmade!
The spicy chili oil coats the burdock and konjac perfectly — you’ll be eating bite after bite!I also ordered the hearty vegetable soup!
I brought my own cup and enjoyed it right outside the shop (●＾o＾●)
If you’re planning to visit Ito and have the soup, definitely bring your own cup for the discount! (^^)/

This soup was absolutely delicious!
It felt like such a kind, gentle thing to do for my body.
Packed with vegetables, miso-soup-like but with the miso taking a back seat,
the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the aroma of sesame oil made me say “So good!” with every spoonful.

It’s made using the “kasaneni” (layered simmering) method.
I’d heard of kasaneni before but never tried it — I was amazed at how delicious it was!Advance reservations are accepted for orders of 10 or more omusubi!
If you’re picking up gifts or grabbing a big batch for the family, definitely call ahead!

They’re open from 9 AM, so they’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or anything in between (●＾o＾●)
If you’re visiting Kumamoto and want to taste authentic, locally-sourced Japanese rice balls made with love, be sure to stop by Omusubi-ya Ito! (^^)/

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