Hi there! My name is Harucchi, and I’m a writer for the food and restaurants section of our sister Japanese-language website Oruto-Kumamoto (おるとくまもと).

Do you eat breakfast every day? Life can get busy, and skipping breakfast might happen more often than one would like. Today, allow me to introduce a restaurant where you can enjoy what is possibly the best breakfast in Kumamoto.

Japanese Cuisine by a Renowned Sushi Establishment

Founded by Mine Sushi, a popular home-grown sushi establishment in Kumamoto since 1971, Sahanji opened its doors in November 2023 in the central Suidocho district of Kumamoto City. The restaurant is located on the first floor of a building near Tetori Tenmangu Shrine — about 100 meters from the red torii gate facing the main tramway.

The name “Sahanji” (魚飯時) combines the kanji characters for “fish” (魚), “rice” (飯), and “time” (時) “, while implicitly referring to idiom “茶飯事” meaning “something routine or commonplace”, and also pronounced sahanji. In Japanese culinary culture, fish and rice are a timeless pairing — akin to “meat and potatoes” in Western cuisine — a comforting yet familiar part of everyday meals. At Sahanji, this familiar combination is elevated into an unforgettable dining experience that transforms the ordinary into a moment of heartfelt enjoyment.

Sahanji offers three different courses throughout the day. In the morning, they offer “The Best Breakfast” (最高の朝食, Saikō no Chōshoku) (¥2,000); for lunch, the “Seasonal Gourmet Set” (旬の贅沢御膳, Shun no Zeitaku Gozen) at ¥2,800, and in the evening, the “Omakase Sushi & Japanese Cuisine” (おまかせ鮨と日本料理コース) at ¥10,000.

Set Meal Times for a Perfect Dining Experience

Meals begin simultaneously at fixed times: 8:15 AM for breakfast, at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM for lunch, and at 7:00 PM for dinner. This approach ensures peak freshness and a harmonious dining environment. Late arrivals beyond 15 minutes result in automatic cancellation.

In September, the featured fish was salmon (鮭, sake). During this season, the salmon freshly caught is referred to as “autumn salmon” (秋鮭, aki-zake), known for its rich flavor and tender texture. (In 2025, the featured fish may be different－check the menu online in advance to see the fish of the month.)

Each month, a different seasonal fish is featured.

Seasonal Fish and an Array of Side Dishes

This is Sahanji’s “The Best Breakfast”!

Behold the beautifully grilled autumn salmon. The skin is perfectly crispy, while the meat inside remains tender and juicy. Its thickness is impressive also—much more substantial than the salmon I get at the supermarket for my regular breakfasts at home.

Freshly Cooked Clay Pot Rice

Each portion of rice is prepared individually in a clay pot, timed precisely to be ready at the 8:15 AM breakfast start.

The rice comes out fluffy and aromatic, and the serving size for each person is generous.

While the standard offering is white rice, you can upgrade to seasonal mixed rice steamed together with various ingredients for an extra charge if reserved in advance. In September, the special is mushroom rice — an autumn favorite!

Each diner also gets their own large, beautifully made dashimaki tamago or traditional Japanese rolled omelette.

Its delicate texture and savory-sweet taste reflect the craftsmanship of a sushi restaurant (it’s often said that the quality of a sushi restaurant can be determined by the quality of their rolled omelettes).

The miso soup contains generous portion of seasonal vegetables.

Just when you think you’ve had enough, there’s more: ochazuke (rice with dashi broth) is also included.

Transform your rice by topping it with sea bream sashimi, wasabi, nori, and sesame seeds before pouring hot dashi over it — creating a delicious sea bream ochazuke.

Starting the day with such a hearty, thoughtfully prepared breakfast sets the tone for a fantastic day ahead!

Recommended for Dinner, Too!

Sahanji also offers a delightful dining experience in the evening with the “Omakase Sushi & Japanese Cuisine” (おまかせ鮨と日本料理コース). I recently had the pleasure of trying this exquisite course — you can read all about it on my blog!

All courses, breakfast, lunch and dinner must be reserved in advance, and reservations can be made online only.

While ¥2,000 for breakfast might seem pricey, the seasonal flavors and carefully prepared dishes offer exceptional value and an unforgettable dining experience.

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The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese-language sister website ALT Kumamoto. For the original content, see the article below!

【魚飯時（さはんじ）】「最高の朝食」で旬を味わう！９月は焼き鮭ときのこの炊き込みご飯！