Dear readers, do you eat breakfast every morning? I understand that many of you are so busy that you skip it while others make it a regular part of their routine. If you have just one morning to spare, I recommend enjoying breakfast here!

There’s a place in Tsuboi where you can enjoy a blissful Japanese breakfast like no other.

A relaxing and calm space

The restaurant is located behind Meitoku-kan in Tsuboi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City.

Following the passageway next to this building (accessible by car),

you’ll soon spot this charming retro café.

Parking is conveniently available right in front of the restaurant. However, if the lot is full, please use a nearby coin-operated parking lot.

When you enter, you’ll step inside after removing your shoes.

The open, spacious interior has no partitions, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

As the restaurant is the one for book and breakfast, there are books selected by the owner. You can take them to your seat and read them.

A Blissful Breakfast Platter—and Even Morning Drinks!

Here’s the menu for breakfast.

The café’s signature morning offering is aptly named “Shiawase 10-Dish Morning Gozen”, shiawase meaning “happiness” and gozen meaning a set meal platter. A “Blissful Breakfast Platter”, if you will!

I have heard of day drinking, but “morning drinking” is new to me!

You can taste three kinds of the sake: “Reizan Junmai,” “Kouro,” and “Nombiri, Yuttari, Marui Jikan (Relaxed, leisurely, calm time)”. Each sake comes with a card that provides details about its unique qualities.

If you do not plan to drive, it would be nice to sip sake leisurely over breakfast or while immersing yourself in the world of books.

A Gentle Taste That Warms the Body

Unfortunately, I could not drink sake, but I tried “Shiawase 10-dish Morning Gozen”.

This cute Gozen features brown rice balls, a variety of vegetables, fish, eggs, and an assortment of other well-balanced dishes served in small bowls.

Ingredients like legumes and seaweed are skillfully incorporated to create a wholesome spread.

At the bottom of the menu, there’s a handwritten message that reads: “May today overflow with happiness.”—a detail that warms the heart.

The cute round temari omusubi are made of brown rice!

Their flavor is wonderfully mild, and I feel so delighted to kick off my day with a breakfast that has been prepared with such care and dedication.

The simmered hijiki seaweed with Nankan-age tofu and simmered carrots had a rich, natural flavor that stood out on its own.

The piping hot miso soup is packed with various ingredients and is perfect for warming you up on a cold morning.

The simmered potatoes and minced meat were tender and flavorful—a dish that seemed destined to pair well with sake!

The soy milk glutinous rice cake pudding, with just the right amount of sweetness, made for a sophisticated and delightful breakfast!

Who cooks Shiawase-asa Gozen?

Here’s Ms. Honda, the shop owner of “TSUBOI SHOP”

She is incredibly courteous and welcoming. At just 23 years old, she is a skilled woman who takes care of everything, from sourcing ingredients to cooking, as well as managing operations and providing excellent customer service.

Following the meal, I was given a hand towel that had a lovely handwritten note from her. As I was leaving the restaurant, Ms. Honda kindly saw me off with a smile, saying, “Have a good day.”

I truly had a delightful experience. I’m sure that if you have breakfast here, it will set you up for a fantastic day!

It’s such a cozy breakfast spot, and I hope you too can savor this warm and joyful moment.