To say there was a huge buzz around Burger King’s launch in Kumamoto is no exaggeration. I couldn’t wait and headed straight there to Yatsushiro to check out their newest location!

Grand Opening at Yume Town Yatsushiro

The latest addition to Yatsushiro’s food scene, Burger King, is now serving up its famous menu on the second floor of the Youme Town shopping center.

The restaurant is located in the food court on the second floor.

Founded in 1954 in Florida, Burger King has grown into a global giant, with over 19,500 outlets in more than 100 countries.

However, expansion in Japan initially faced troubles, with all locations being closed in 2001. Since then, new attempts have been made at entry to Japan’s market and recently even in Kyushu! 

Currently Burger King is becoming quite trendy and has undergone a rapid expansion with six new locations having opened in just the two months of February and March this year!

Whopper with Cheese: No. 1 Best Selling Item

Whopper with Cheese Combo Meal ¥990

 As a first-timer at Burger King, I went straight for the most popular menu item—the Whopper with Cheese Combo!

The patties are 100% beef and flame-grilled, adding a rich layer of smoky flavor. Stacked with two slices of cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and onions, the burger is surprisingly large.

Compared to typical Japanese burgers, it’s about 1.4 times bigger. The “Whopper”  truly lives up to its name—this burger demands a big bite.

The staff showed me a great trick for easier eating.

Just grab the paper wrapping at the top of the burger, pull slightly…

…and the wrapping splits neatly in half!

This way the burger is super easy to eat without getting your hands dirty. You can even ask them to cut it in half for you if you find it too big to hold.

The first bite tells you everything: the patty is not just thick but juicy and flavorful. It fills your mouth with a delicious smokiness, complemented by the creamy, rich taste of the cheddar cheese. It’s a substantial meal, but the veggies keep it balanced and enjoyable right to the end.

Trust me, it’s a delightful experience. I was utterly content.

The fries were neither too thin nor too thick, perfect for tasting the natural flavor of the potatoes, which was also delicious!

Final Thoughts

As Burger King continues to expand, visiting this place immersed me in its allure.

Given that Yatsushiro is strategically located roughly midway between existing locations in Fukuoka and Kagoshima, it was chosen as the site for Kumamoto’s first store.

If there is a second Kumamoto location, we are looking forward to seeing where it will be.

Burger King