Teuchi Soba Tomoe offers refined soba made from stone-ground buckwheat flour sourced from Aso and other domestic regions. This fragrant soba, with its slightly coarse texture that delights the palate, is beautifully presented on bamboo. The freshly fried dashimaki tamago and tempura also evoke a sense of Japanese elegance.
"Saien no Kaze" is an Italian restaurant located in the lush natural surroundings of Kumamoto. Each dish, starting with a fresh salad, is meticulously prepared, and the pasta is particularly renowned for its perfect cooking and exceptional sauce adherence. It's the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a leisurely lunch with a beautiful view.
In a simple and cozy space, you can relax by taking off your shoes. I appreciate that there are partitions, allowing me to enjoy my meal without worrying about others. Whether it's a meat platter or individual items, everything was satisfying, especially the seasoned short ribs, local chicken, and offal, which I particularly liked. The rice and pickles were also delicious, making it hard to put down my chopsticks. It seems to be a place beloved by locals, and I felt that the quality of the meat, vegetables, and rice was excellent. I felt at ease with the warm personality of the owner, who is also involved in agriculture, and I was able to spend a comfortable time there.
Teuchi Soba Yushin is a refined soba restaurant nestled in the beautiful streets of Oguni. The interior is abundantly adorned with Oguni cedar, creating a natural space filled with the warmth of wood, where you can enjoy your meal. The popular thin-cut soba boasts exceptional flavor and texture, making it so delicious that you'll forget the passage of time. This establishment allows you to fully savor seasonal soba paired with a variety of brewed sake.
Savor fresh horse sashimi at this exquisite horse meat specialty shop
Located in Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, this specialty shop boasts fresh horse sashimi as its pride. The horse meat is cut for sashimi and served with ice packs to maintain its freshness, which is a charming service. Additionally, it has great access from the local hot spring areas, making it an ideal stop for tourists. Loved by both locals and visitors, this establishment is a wonderful place to experience Kumamoto's horse meat culture.
A diner with a warm atmosphere and pleasant service
Shokudo Komatsu is a heartwarming diner greeted by friendly and cheerful staff. You can enjoy delicious set meals and a comfortable experience every time you visit. This is felt through thoughtful touches, such as serving side dishes in small bowls, showing care for the customers. Additionally, the cheerful "Thank you!" as you leave enhances the anticipation for your next visit.
The terrace by the river is pleasant, and the sound of the babbling water and birdsong is soothing. It's a bit set back from the road, but if you go down the path and stairs, a wonderful view unfolds. The interior is stylish and has a calm atmosphere, making it a great place to relax. The morning meal is a Western-style buffet, with salads conveniently portioned for easy serving. I also had the Akagyu hamburger, which was very delicious with a rich meat flavor. With both a pleasant view and comfort, this place is perfect for a leisurely time.
A historic and charming long-established eel restaurant
Oumiya is a charming, long-established eel restaurant in Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, with a history of 130 years. Located by the Chikugo River, the view from the window is captivating. The eel, seasoned with a secret sauce, boasts a delightful aroma that is highly praised locally, and each bite brings a sense of happiness. Every visit offers the same deliciousness, providing a heartwarming experience.
Established for 27 years, Hokosugi is a restaurant that serves healthy and delicious Akagyu steak and hamburgers raised in the grasslands of Aso. Dining on the terrace that juts out over the river allows you to enjoy breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of water, creating a special experience. The hamburgers, served with a choice of sauces, offer an extraordinary meaty flavor that feels even more substantial than just a chunk of meat.
A diner that evokes a sense of old-fashioned warmth
Isshintei is a simple and cozy diner located at the roadside station in Oguni, surrounded by rich nature. It is particularly renowned for its fried dishes that highlight local flavors, such as katsudon and basare udon. The tempura batter has a perfectly crispy texture, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness harmonized with seasonal ingredients. This is a place where you can casually savor local tastes in a nostalgic, homey atmosphere.
Sangenya is a horse meat specialty restaurant beloved by locals in Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. It offers a rich menu featuring unique flavors, including horse sashimi and horse offal, with a focus on fresh ingredients that are true to the region. The horse sashimi, in particular, is free of any gamey taste and juicy, making it an unforgettable experience after just one bite. It can also be enjoyed in an izakaya style, making it a recommended spot for those wanting to savor local flavors.
Sophisticated Western cuisine and delightful service
Adjacent to a roadside station, Yoshii Shoten offers refined Western dishes. The menu features traditional Western favorites like omelets and hamburgers, reimagined with a modern twist. Guests are welcomed with attentive service, including fresh salads made with seasonal vegetables and options for egg doneness. This is a place that provides a new culinary experience every time you visit, complemented by pleasant hospitality.
A roadside station eatery where you can savor heartwarming, exquisite set meals
Meshiya Ofukuro is a dining spot located at a popular roadside station frequented by tourists and locals alike. Each visit offers comforting home-cooked meals, with the hot and tender chicken tempura set meal being especially beloved by many. It's a place you definitely want to stop by during breaks or business trips, satisfying both your hunger and your heart.
Enjoy Wood-Fired Pizza and Handmade Pasta in a Diverse Space
Food Bar Takenokura, recently relocated and renovated next to the Oguni Town Library, is a spacious food bar that allows guests to enjoy both drinks and meals in a setting that retains the charm of an old ryotei (traditional inn). The wood-fired pizzas and chewy handmade pasta are infused with the flavors of local vegetables and yuzu, making them a perfect match for the extensive selection of cocktails and rare wines. This is a highly recommended spot in the area where you can leisurely savor carefully crafted dishes and drinks.