Sushi is one of the best-known types of Japanese cuisine. This vinegared rice accompanied with seafood, meat or vegetables plus condiments goes down well with both foreigners and locals.
Although probably better known for its horse meat (sashimi) dishes, Kumamoto boasts a large number of sushi restaurants worth checking out. From fine dining to conveyor-belt fast food, you can find something to get your sushi fix. Here’s a selection of places to try.
Sushiro
The biggest conveyor belt sushi chain with outlets all across Japan, Sushiro has garnered a reputation for selling quality sushi at a good price. Stores are very foreigner-friendly, with touchscreen ordering services that are available in the English language (as well as Chinese and Korean). Dishes are available from a little over 100 yen a plate. There are some unique styles available, such as the prosciutto sushi, as well as seasonal specialities like sea urchin in summer. Most branches also have a selection of ramen dishes if you fancy something a little different.
Website: https://www.akindo-sushiro.co.jp/shop/detail.php?id=230
Uo Yoshi
This local gem of an eatery dates back around 120 years and blends traditional and modern sushi styles. Located near ANA Crown Plaza Sky Hotel close to Kumamoto station, it’s fairly central, and serves up some popular dishes as well as specialities. Open for lunch as well as dinner, you can enjoy mouth-watering lunchtime set menus, such as the Tokujo Nigiri made with locally sourced fish. Prices are generally in the 2,000 – 4,000 yen range and you can also order other cuisines such as tempura and soba noodles.
Address: 2-22 Gofukumachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto 860-0035
Tachi Zushi
This newer sushi restaurant opened in 2015 just off Shower-dori near the Shimotori arcade. It provides a fun atmosphere, great food, and reasonable prices. Specialities include the kobore-mori, which is a sushi roll made with salmon, sea urchin and bluefin tuna. The seafood miso soup is also worth a try. Food aside, this place is worth checking out for the interior decoration, stuffed full with memorabilia from manga and anime.
Website: https://www.tachizushi-kumamoto.com/
Murakami
One for those with refined tastes looking for some “gourmet sushi” (prices are in the 20,000 – 30,000 yen price range), Murakami is run by two brothers with a long culinary history. They also run the rated Muraue restaurant in Kumamoto. People come here for the lovingly prepared food, combining fresh fish with gentle rice vinegar. You can enjoy a selection of appetizers served raw before moving onto some fine main courses.
Address: 5-17 Sakura Terrace, 2F, Sakuramachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto 860-0805
Azumazushi
An elegant restaurant in central Kumamoto where diners order at an attractive counter and staff prepare the dishes close by. The restaurant has its own traditional recipe for sushi rice and you can also try raw horse meat (sashimi) here. It’s a popular sushi venue for couples who want a romantic evening, with typical prices between 15,000 – 20,000 yen for a meal.
Website: https://suizenji-azumazushi.jp/
FranHogan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
