A short walk from Hotel Nikko Kumamoto, where I was staying downtown, just below the castle, I discovered a beautiful gourmet city. Each region has their own unique food, and at Josaien, Edo period shops sell local Kumamoto specialties, including taipien noodles, horse sashimi, Kumamoto ramen, spicy lotus root, and many more. Most stores have small portions and samples so you can try a bit of each food. You can also learn about historical castle town life here.
- 1 min read
Josaien
Edo period shops with local specialties

Community writer

Josaien at night

Noodle restaurant Yume Akari

Kumamoto gourment restaurant Sakuramichi

Ginnan has a buffet and uses local ingredients

Another Kumamoto gourmet restaurant, Yamamichaya

Amakusa Kaishoku Maruken, a store that sells sea urchin croquette

Shiratamachaya, a cafe type store that sells rice cake sweets
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