In a room set at just the right temperature, a hot oshibori (wet towel) is placed in your hands as you are seated. The sounds of dishes being cooked and liquor being poured mingle with the voices of the staff and owner. In such a comfortable atmosphere, why not relax and unwind for a while? This article introduces 3 places where you can enjoy this type of ambience, all in the vicinity of Kamitori. 

On the second floor of an old, multi-tenant building, there is a room with a large window showing the beautiful greenery outside. Open from one in the afternoon, this hidden gem of a bar is run by Hirotoki Yatsunami. Named 8-Otto, it can be pronounced in Japanese (hachi), English (eight) or any other language. In fact, Mr. Yatsunami's name is written as in Japanese, and the first kanji character means eight, so the number is fitting!

While the image of a bar is a long counter, here at 8-Otto, there is only one long table. The guests are seated around this table to enjoy their meals and drinks. This wide, spacious design expresses Mr. Yatsunami's view of life.

He explains, When I traveled abroad, the idea locals taught me of 'brotherhood' became my inspiration when creating this place. Sitting at the same table, sharing a bottle of wine over an exchange of ideas is a wonderful thing. The person sitting next to you, another one seated across from you, and me at the counter: we are all connected. Such an environment can be so refreshing when you go out for a drink.

8-Otto opened in April of 2020, just when the coronavirus pandemic forced businesses to close or adjust their hours in order to reduce the spread of the virus. During this time, Mr. Yatsunami says that he kept calm and focused on his wine. He would like to offer his patrons light and refreshing wines that can help them relax.  

8-Otto

2F Ezoe Bldg., 2-12 Suidocho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi 

In the Kamitori Shopping Arcade, on the eastern side of Namiki-Zaka, is the Kami-no-Ura area. Here, a lot of small but unique shops and eateries line the street. One of them is Chuka Soba SANYO, a ramen eatery that opened in July of 2019. Particular about everything that goes into his food, owner Eiko Ikeda sources ingredients not only from Kumamoto, but from beyond the prefecture too, from environments as close to nature as possible, which he uses to makes each bowl of ramen. 

The menu also features side dishes such as Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing, Fried Gyoza Dumplings, and Potato Salad. Why not add one of them to your ramen order or savor them as a snack to go with beer or wine?

Chuka Soba SANYO

7-17, Minami Tsuboi-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi

Opened in March of 2020, Washoku Tomoki is a home-style Japanese restaurant run by a couple. With his wife Tomoko, chef Ryoichi Kai, who polished his skills at fishmongers and Japanese restaurants in Kyoto, will greet you upon arrival. 

The owner excels at seafood cuisine. Many of the items on the menu mention where the fish is from. The first one to appear is the rich aroma of Filet Dashi, and the next one is Torafugu no Sashimi, raw tiger globefish served with a dashi-broth flavored soy sauce. These are followed by crab, broadfin thornyhead, and salmon sushi. Each and every one is a fabulous, delicious dish! 

We recommend the Leave it to the Chef course, which can be reserved on the same day. The chef decides the content of the menu after consulting with each customer.

Before you know it, you'll have one glass, then another, then your glass is empty! The more you talk, the more familiar you will feel with the place, which is really the best part of going out to drink!

Washoku Tomoki

3F, Asai Bldg. 11-3 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi