Sakuramichi

Sakuramichi, a restaurant serving traditional Japanese set meals, sits tucked back in the corner of the Josaien complex at the foot of Kumamoto Castle. It's easy to overlook this unobtrusive building in favor of the nearby buffet restaurant serving local specialties, or the noodle outlet just down the walk. But thanks to its location, Sakuramichi usually has an available seat when the lunch time crowds descend on the other eateries.

During the lunch hour, Sakuramichi serves up set meals of traditional Japanese dishes. There are usually about five to six sets to choose from, as well as a children's set. (And if the children's set looks the most appealing - and affordable - to you, go ahead and order it. The waitresses won't bat an eye.) Though the sets are all different, nearly all of them include the standard fare of rice, pickles, and miso soup. A small plate of tuna and sea bream sashimi is also added to nearly every tray. More affordable sets include tempura, often with shrimp and vegetables that are currently in season (mushrooms and pumpkin featured heavily in October). Increase your price point and your tray might come with chawan mushi, a typical Japanese steamed custard, or a small portion of sukiyaki with horse meat, a Kumamoto specialty. If you're lucky a small portion of homemade tofu might accompany the meal.

Sakuramichi closes between 3pm and 5pm every day. When they reopen for dinner, only two choices are on offer - a kaiseki meal of nine courses and an omakase option, or chef's choice, comprising a series of dishes that are entirely up to the discretion of the kitchen.

Seating at Sakuramichi is either in private rooms with sunken tables or in a large group dining area with floor tables separated by partitions (but no sunken seating). All rooms are decorated tastefully with pastel-colored paintings and a view of the garden's maple trees is visible from the main hall.

There's nothing truly remarkable about Sakuramichi to recommend it over other restaurants. But in a complex full of food choices, the food is solidly good and the service is incredibly quick. You'll come away satisfied and primed for more sightseeing in Kumamoto City.