Surrounded by the sea on all sides, Amakusa is a lush island region on the western edge of Kumamoto Prefecture. Known for its natural beauty and rich culinary culture, it’s often called a “treasure island.”

Though it takes about two hours by car from Kumamoto City to reach Hondo, the main built-up area of Amakusa, the journey offers scenic views, and the destination is well worth the trip—especially for food lovers.

Here are five top lunch spots in Amakusa’s Hondo area I personally recommend:

1. Hide Sushi (秀寿し)

Affordable, fresh sushi made with Amakusa’s local catch

Ask any local about sushi in Amakusa, and Hide Sushi is sure to come up. Known for its incredible value, you can enjoy a freshly made sushi set or kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) for around ¥1,000.

In spring, seasonal specials like the uni (sea urchin) and flounder rice bowl appear on the menu—for under ¥2,000! Don’t miss the dessert: their house-made coffee jelly is a local favorite.

Details:

• 📞 0969-23-9500
• 📍 12-34 Suwa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (Japanese: 熊本県県天草市諏訪町12-34, Google Maps)
• 🕒 11:00am – 2:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

2. Tairyo (大漁)

Local-style seafood lunch right by the fishing port

Located next to the Hondo fish market, Tairyo is always busy—there’s almost always a line. That’s how you know it’s good.

Their popular daily set lunch is just ¥800 and features a rotating menu centered around fresh fish.

The kakiage (crispy vegetable and seafood fritter bowl) is especially filling and delicious.

A ticket vending machine has recently been installed to streamline ordering.

Details:

• 📍 4-201-7 Minato-machi, Amakusa City (Japanese: 熊本県天草市港町4-201-7, Google Maps)
• 🕒 11:15 am – 1:30 pm

3. Isoizumi (磯泉)

Exceptional tempura and seasonal small plates

A favorite among locals, Isoizumi serves some of the best tempura in town—light, crispy, and served fresh, one piece at a time.

Their weekday lunch is just ¥800, but the Isoizumi Gozen (御前) is worth the splurge. It comes with nine seasonal side dishes on a single plate, plus sashimi and five types of tempura.

If you’re craving a more balanced meal with lots of vegetables, this is your spot.

Details:

• 📞 0969-23-3600
• 📍 8-10 Kawahara-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (Japanese: 熊本県天草市川原町8-10, Google Maps)
• 🕒 11:40am – 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

4. Aji Ichibankan (味一番館)

Best value for hearty local meals

For budget-friendly, satisfying meals, Aji Ichibankan is unbeatable. Their weekday lunch sets start at just ¥770, with the Friday seafood bowl being a standout.

They’re also open for dinner, offering filling favorites like fried seafood combos and the generous “Amakusa Gozen” set meal. The “Assari Zen” (light meal set) features plenty of fish and is both healthy and flavorful.

Details:

• 📞 0969-22-3537
• 📍 3532-2 Imagamashinmachi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県天草市今釜新町3532-2, Google Maps)
• 🕒 11:00 am – 2:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

5. Yamanokuchi Shokudō (山の口食堂)

Enjoy a meal served on local Amakusa pottery

A hidden gem just 10 minutes by car from central Hondo, Yamanokuchi Shokudō is run by a local pottery workshop.

Here, you can enjoy beautifully prepared meals served on Yamanokuchi-yaki—a regional style of ceramics. Choose between the classic A lunch or the daily B lunch. The food is delicious on its own, but the handmade tableware enhances the entire dining experience.

After your meal, take time to admire or purchase some of the pottery. It’s a peaceful and uniquely Amakusa experience.

Details:

• 📞 0969-24-2072
• 📍 1755-3 Hondo-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (Japanese: 熊本県天草市本渡町本渡1755-3, Google Maps)
• 🕒 11:30–14:00

These are just a few of the local favorites in Hondo, Amakusa. Each restaurant offers a different taste of the region’s seafood, hospitality, and culture.

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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!

天草のおススメランチ５選！