Opened in November 2023 by the Kumamoto-based “Mine Sushi,” a venerable player in the local sushi restaurant business for over 50 years, “Sahanji” has quickly become a must-visit for those who treasure the simple yet divine combination of traditionally prepared Japanese rice and fish.

A Refined Retreat near Tetori Shrine

Sahanji is located on the ground floor of a building along the pathway to Tetori Shrine, right next to the tapas bar “BonbonDo.”

On the outside, Sahanji welcomes you with an elegant white facade and appetizing signage.

After entering the main entrance, you first pass through a corridor ending with a long noren curtain…

…and beyond the curtain, you are met with a long row of twenty earthenware pots, each directly adjacent to stoves specifically built for them.

A 12-seat counter encircles the kitchen.

At lunch time, there is additional table seating is available for guests further back.
The lunch service operates in two slots, starting at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, each limited to 20 diners.
Reservations are required and must be made online through this website. If you’re not tech-savvy, enlist a friend or family member—this experience is too good to miss!

A Feast of Seasonal Fish

Each diner is greeted with their own steaming pot of rice cooked in a traditional Japanese donabe.

The shining, perfectly cooked rice alongside an array of skillfully prepared Japanese dishes will take your breath away.

The lavish seasonal platter changes monthly to spotlight the best fish of the season.

Expect delights like early summer katsuo (bonito) and anago (conger eel) in May, or ayu (sweetfish) and kampachi (yellowtail) in June.

Each table features hand-drawn cards detailing the seasonal fish, ready to be sent as postcards.

Indulge in golden dashimaki-tamago rolled omelet and delicately cooked conger eel, each served with a sauce freshly poured for each guest one by one.

I savored the early-season bonito with a dab of freshly grated daikon and ponzu.

Some of the conger eel was made into tempura. Everything was a taste of true seasonal indulgence.

From the salad, ankake chawanmushi (steamed egg custard with a thick and savory sauce), to the array of small dishes, each creation showcases the craftsmanship of the chefs in every delightful bite!

The harmony between the delicately cooked rolled omelet and the tender anago is just a culinary work of art.

Enjoying the first bonito of the season, generously topped with condiments like ginger, myoga, and green onions, was like a breeze of early summer—each bite was truly exquisite!

Clay Pot Rice, Fresh from the Hearth

The standout companion to these dishes is the rice cooked fresh in a clay pot.

Sourced exclusively from the small town of Naoirimachi in Oita Prefecture, the hinohikari rice is delicious.

Each individual grain of rice stood out on its own, each plump and slightly glossy.

The slightly chewy and shiny rice goes well with the delicious food.

There were enough for three bowls, so you can eat your fill.

And at the end…

At the end, each customer gives a pot of delicious dashi broth to pour over the remaining, slightly toasted rice stuck to the bottom of the claypot.

A variant of ochazuke, this dashi-chazuke with dashi made from dried kelp and bonito flakes from Hokkaido, work to transform the rice into a delicious and comforting cross between soup and porridge to cap the meal.

There’s even a chocolate cake for dessert, so the happiness never stops!

The green tea, fragrant and exquisite, is truly befitting of a sushi restaurant.

This renowned spot leaves a lasting impression of deliciousness, rekindling an awe for the finesse of Japanese cuisine!

Suited for Special and Everyday Occasions

At Sahanji, the beverage selection is as refined as the food, with choices ranging from beer and sake to whisky and sparkling wines—perfect for celebrating those special moments.

With its location being in the center of Kumamoto City, it’s ideal for enjoying a delicious meal paired with excellent drinks, since you can always use public transportation to get home.

The evening menu at 7,700 yen features dishes like freshly sliced sashimi and hot-off-the-grill items prepared right before you.

With breakfast (￥1,800) and lunch (￥2,500) priced accessibly, Sahanji offers a fantastic opportunity to indulge in superb dining, whether for a casual meal or a special occasion. Don’t miss this culinary gem for a taste of the true heart of Japanese cuisine, delicious rice and seasonal fish!