A Thoughtful Start to the Day

On a brisk winter morning, the sharp chill in the air heightened my senses. Stepping into TSUBOI SOUP, however, felt like entering a warm embrace where time seemed to slow down, inviting me to savor the start of the day.

This cozy café seamlessly blends books and breakfast, offering both comfort and inspiration. During my visit, I had the chance to chat with the owner, Asumi Honda, about how this unique space came to life.

Riverside Charm by Kumamoto Castle

Tucked away along the peaceful banks of Tsuboi River, and just a stone’s throw from the iconic Kumamoto Castle, TSUBOI SOUP feels like a hidden retreat waiting to be discovered.

I arrived after a quiet morning walk along the river, enjoying the tranquil view of the castle mirrored in the water’s surface.

The café opened in November 2024, sharing its space with Bond Curry, a local eatery known for its gluten-free curry. TSUBOI SOUP operates from 7:00 to 10:00 AM, before Bond Curry’s regular service begins.

The inspiration behind the café came from Honda-san’s two simple wishes:

“Why aren’t there more breakfast spots in Kumamoto?”

“And wouldn’t it be lovely to have a bookstore nearby?”

When she shared her thoughts with Bond Curry’s owner, Endo-san, his response was immediate and encouraging:

“Why not combine the two?”

And just like that, TSUBOI SOUP was born—a place where mornings are filled with nourishing meals, good reads, and meaningful conversations.

A Peaceful Atmosphere

Stepping inside, the café exudes a welcoming warmth. The nostalgic yet stylish interior, adorned with vintage furniture and soft lighting, feels instantly familiar. The gentle aroma of traditional Japanese dashi adds to the comforting ambiance.

Seasonal, Local Flavors on the Menu

The highlight is the “10-Delight Breakfast Set” (¥1,800), featuring ten thoughtfully prepared dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. On this particular day, Honda-san found an exceptional hamachi (Japanese amberjack or yellowtail) at the market, which she used for both the sashimi and the fish head miso soup. This day’s offerings included:

• Yudōfu 湯豆腐 – Simmered tofu with nameko mushroom sauce
• Nitamago 煮卵 – Simmered egg
• Genmai onigiri 玄米おにぎり (梅干し・ごま) – Brown rice onigiri (plum and sesame)
• Miruku mochi purin みるく餅プリン – Milk mochi pudding
• Hamachi no sashimi ハマチの刺身 (紫蘇醤油漬け添え) – Hamachi (yellowtail) sashimi with shiso soy sauce
• Ninjin to shiitake to nankanage no nitsuke 人参としいたけと南関揚げの煮付け – Simmered carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and fried tofu
• Genmai onigiri 玄米おにぎり (昆布) – Brown rice onigiri (kelp filling)
• Hakusai no goma-ae 白菜の胡麻和え – Sesame-dressed napa cabbage
• Jagaimo to hijiki no korokke ジャガイモとひじきのコロッケ – Potato and hijiki seaweed croquette
• Hamachi no arajiru ハマチのあら汁 – Hamachi fish head miso soup

There is also a Kumamoto sake tasting set (¥1,200), perfect for a relaxed “morning drink.”

“You can even enjoy a morning drink here,” Honda-san explains with a gentle smile and a lighthearted voice. Originally from Tokyo, she brings her unique perspective to this charming breakfast spot.

Each ingredient is handpicked by Honda-san at local markets, ensuring minimal food waste. The onigiri’s kelp, for example, was repurposed from the miso soup stock.

The ceramic bowls used for the soup keep it warm until the very last bite, adding to the overall appeal.

It’s rare to take the time to truly savor a well-prepared breakfast like this. Enjoying a fine selection of sake while relishing the seasonal flavors makes for a delightful morning experience.

A Space for Connection Through Books

TSUBOI SOUP is more than a place for breakfast—it’s a haven for book lovers. Honda-san, whose family moved from Tokyo to Kumamoto after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, wanted to create a space where food, stories, and people come together.

The café features what she dubbed the Tsunagaru Bunko (Connecting Library), a book-sharing nook designed to spark human connection. Guests can leave books they’ve finished or wish to share, adding personal messages for future readers. This meaningful exchange is central to the café’s identity.

Browsing the shelves feels like discovering a personal library. From familiar favorites to long-awaited reads, each book seems perfectly placed.

“I hope these shelves will eventually be filled with spines of well-loved books,” Honda-san shares. She personally curates the collection, drawing from favorite authors and cherished stories from her student days.

“The book that influenced me the most is My Six Days With the Secret Society “Ladybird” (秘密結社Ladybridと僕の6日間) by Yasushi Kitagawa,” she recalls. “I hope students and young people will read it, too.”

The experience of reading, much like enjoying a good meal, is deeply personal. Both evoke memories and emotions that linger long after the moment has passed.

Given its proximity to Natsume Soseki’s fifth residence, I couldn’t help but ask:

“Do fans of Natsume Soseki visit the café?”

“Actually, one dropped by recently!” Honda-san responds, her eyes sparkling. Inspired, she quickly added Soseki’s works to the shelves.

She also curates books for international guests.

One special title features nostalgic phrases from different countries—words that may be unfamiliar but resonate deeply with those who know them.

I even picked out some favorite quotes from Paris and Hawaii myself.

“I hope international guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast here,” Honda-san adds with a warm smile, always thinking of how to create a memorable morning experience for every visitor.

Support Through Crowdfunding

Bond Curry, the local eatery that shares its space with TSUBOI SOUP, is currently working toward creating a universal restaurant where people of all abilities can work, dine, and connect. Their vision is to establish a welcoming space that is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical, developmental, or mental health needs.

To turn this vision into reality, they are actively raising funds through a crowdfunding campaign. The initiative supports job training and inclusive dining opportunities, fostering a supportive environment that could reshape the future of Kumamoto’s restaurant culture.

“We would be so grateful for your support,” says the Bond Curry team.

Join the cause here: 障害の有無に関係無く誰もが楽しめる・働けるユニバーサルレストランを創りたい