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Korantei Shimotori Main Store

Taste Kumamoto's soul food, Taipien, at a long-established restaurant founded in 1934

Taipien is so familiar to locals that it even appears in school lunches and is featured on the menus of many Chinese restaurants. At first glance, it looks like champon, but its biggest feature is that it uses healthy vermicelli noodles instead of Chinese wheat noodles.
One of the restaurants said to be the birthplace of Taipien is Kourantei Shimotori Main Store, founded in 1934 (Showa 9). Their signature Taipien features a rich soup based on chicken stock blended with pork bone broth, and 100% mung bean vermicelli that is firm and does not get soggy easily. Natural salt from Fujian Province, China, is used for seasoning. A variety of ingredients such as fried egg, shrimp, squid, pork, and cabbage add layers of flavor.

An interior design with a sense of gravitas that reflects the prestige of a long-standing establishment

For lunch, they offer set menus such as the "Taipien Course," which includes shrimp chili sauce and fried rice, and the "Sweet and Sour Pork Set Meal," as well as individual "Taipien" dishes. Since you can order until 5:00 PM, it is a reliable place to go even if you miss the standard lunch time.
The restaurant underwent a major renovation in 2020 and was reborn with a stylish, high-class atmosphere. It was designed by Hiroshi Naito, one of Japan's leading architects. The space, based on solid wood with red accents, exudes the dignity and quality of a long-established restaurant.

Local
Supporter

There may be a line at lunchtime, but there is a waiting area inside the restaurant, so you can stay comfortable even in the middle of summer or winter.

Kourantei Shimotori Main Store

• 5-26 Anseicho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto MAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from Torichosuji tram stop
• 11:00–21:00 (Lunch L.O. 17:00, Dinner L.O. 20:00)
• December 31, January 1
• 096-352-7177
• None

2
uni

Hearty seafood champon overflowing with the rich flavors of Kumamoto

A restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled dishes. At lunch, you can casually enjoy elaborate menus that make the most of local ingredients, such as noodles, rice bowls, and set meals.
Among them, the most popular is the "Amakusa Daio Dashi Seafood Soy Sauce Champon," served on a large plate and packed with ingredients. The soup, which draws out the umami of various ingredients such as shrimp, squid, clams, pork, and cabbage in a broth made from the local Kumamoto chicken "Amakusa Daio," is exquisite and pairs perfectly with the firm Chinese noodles. Furthermore, you can choose the amount of noodles from "no noodles, half portion, one portion, or two portions" for free.

A relaxing interior where you can unwind even after your meal

The lunch menu also features a wide array of dishes that highlight Kumamoto, such as set meals featuring the brand chicken "Oaso-dori" that Kumamoto is proud of, and curries made with "Hinokuni Pork," a brand pork from Izumi-cho, Kumamoto, or the rare domestic "Aso Shiro-hitsuji" lamb. Every menu item comes with a salad and drink, making for a satisfying meal.
The modern and stylish interior features single-plank wood counters and tables, creating a luxurious space. There is also a raised tatami seating area at the back of the restaurant, where you can relax and unwind.

Local
Supporter

In the evening, when charcoal-grilled dishes are served, the menu features rare ingredients sourced not only locally but from producers across the country, such as "Hinamoto Pork," local "Amakusa Daio" chicken, "Aso Shirohitsuji" lamb, and Ezo venison.

uni

• DORO BUILD 1F, 4-7 Suidocho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto MAP
• Approx. 6-minute walk from Suidocho or Torichosuji tram stop
• 11:30–15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:30–22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
  *Lunch until 16:00 (L.O. 15:00) on Sundays only
• Open every day
• 096-352-1001
• None
• Reservations required by the previous day for Sunday dinner

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Sekkasambo

A soba restaurant where you can drink and enjoy the "soba-mae" culture

The owner blends buckwheat seeds carefully selected from all over the country each season and mills them in-house using a stone mill. The soba, which is entirely hand-kneaded using Kumamoto's clear spring water, is characterized by its smooth texture and rich aroma. A sharp, rich, and refreshing dipping sauce enhances its deliciousness.

Also, for enjoying soba to the fullest, we recommend "soba-mae." This is the culture of enjoying sake with appetizers while waiting for the soba to be boiled. Why not try it with some local sake recommended by the owner?

A luxurious moment to enjoy soba in peace, away from the hustle and bustle

From simple dishes like "Zaru Soba" for 1,500 yen and "Kake Soba" for 1,500 yen, where you can fully enjoy the deliciousness of the soba itself, to creative and seasonal limited-time menus, there is a wide variety of soba dishes, so you can encounter new flavors every time you visit. This is all made possible by the careful work of the basic soba-making process.
The restaurant is located on a quiet street called "Kaminoura-dori," one block away from the Kamitori Arcade. Why not step through the noren curtain when you want to have a quiet drink at a soba restaurant?

Local
Supporter

A famous restaurant in Kumamoto that is well-known even among soba enthusiasts. It is an authentic establishment that has also been selected for the Michelin Guide's "Bib Gourmand."

Sekkasambo

• 7-22 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 6-minute walk from "Torichosuji" or "Suidocho" tram stops
• 11:30–14:30 (L.O. 14:00), 17:30–21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
  *Closes once the soba runs out
• Wednesdays (Open if a public holiday, closed the following day)
• 096-327-5078
• None

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Amamiya

An oasis-like sweet shop in the city where you can take off your shoes and relax

Established in 1998, this traditional Japanese sweet shop is located on the second floor of a building just inside the Kamitori Arcade. A complete change of pace from the bustling atmosphere of the arcade, climbing the stairs reveals a calm, Japanese-style space where you can take off your shoes and relax.
While sweets are the main focus, you can also enjoy hearty meals such as udon, curry, and tonkatsu, making it a reliable spot for lunch as well. The "Kumamoto Chestnut and Azuki Bean Curry," typical of a sweet shop, features a perfect match between the moderate spiciness of the curry and the gentle sweetness of the azuki beans and chestnuts. The sweet and salty flavor created by these unexpected toppings is sure to whet your appetite.

A wide selection of rich matcha sweets to enjoy after your meal

After enjoying your meal, don't forget the star of the show: the sweets. We are thoroughly committed to carefully selecting our ingredients, such as Dainagon azuki beans from Tokachi, Hokkaido, shiratama flour from Ogawa, Kumamoto, and kinako (roasted soybean flour) from Kumamoto. We also offer a wide variety of matcha desserts, such as the "Two-Choice Ice Cream and Shiratama Anmitsu," which is served with a rich matcha syrup made using "Yame no Shiro," a matcha favored by the head of the Urasenke school.

With a rich selection of seasonal menus and meal-plus-dessert sets, there are over 100 items to choose from. You might find yourself struggling to decide what to eat.

Local
Supporter

The horigotatsu-style seating is relaxing and adds to the travel experience. You can also check the English menu and allergen information via QR code for peace of mind.

Amamiya

• Tabara Building 2F, 4-16 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from Torichosuji tram stop
• 11:30–19:00 (L.O. 18:30)
• Tuesdays, December 31, January 1
• 096-323-1136
• None

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Shunsai Ryori Teitaku Hachigotei

A high-value set meal to fully enjoy the local flavors of Kumamoto

In this 100-year-old traditional folk house, you can savor the flavors and local cuisine of Kumamoto. We are committed to using ingredients from Kumamoto Prefecture for our vegetables, eggs, and rice, as well as the ingredients Kumamoto is proud of, such as horse meat dishes and Kumamoto-grown Akaushi beef.
The "Reiwa Gozen" is particularly popular for lunch. It offers great value, featuring Kuroge Wagyu beef grilled on our signature ceramic plate, karashi renkon (mustard lotus root), special horse meat yukhoe, and even dessert and a drink. The fact that you can easily enjoy Kumamoto specialties for lunch has made it popular not only with tourists but also with locals.

The charm of an old folk house adds a special touch to lunchtime

You will need to take off your shoes to enter, which helps you further appreciate the charm of this renovated traditional house. The first floor features table seating, while the second floor is equipped with tatami rooms that can accommodate large groups. Additionally, there is a glass-walled terrace on the first floor where you can enjoy your meal in an open, airy atmosphere.
Once you step inside, you will find a quiet, tranquil atmosphere that makes it hard to believe you are just off the street known as "Densha-dori" (Tram Street), where the streetcars run. Spend a luxurious lunchtime savoring the flavors of Kumamoto in a relaxed setting where you can lose track of time.

Local
Supporter

With an extensive drink menu including local sake and Kuma shochu (rice shochu), this is a restaurant you'll want to visit for a leisurely dinner as well.

Shunsai Ryori Teitaku Hachigotei

• 5-41 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from Suidocho tram stop
• 11:30–14:30 (L.O. 13:30), 17:00–24:00 (L.O. food 22:00, drinks 23:00)
• Open every day
• 096-324-8505
• None