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Suizenji Azuma Sushi Restaurant [Closed]

Kumamoto & Kaiseki cuisine in a chic neighbourhood

Archived content

The location on this page has been reported permanently closed.

Last updated: Nov 8, 2022

Suizenji has a long history dating back to Heian Period (the 10th century). Its temple was built in memory of the governor Michinokimino Obitona. Soon after the temple was burnt down. Fast forward to the Edo Period (the 19th century) in which Lord Tadatoshi Hosokawa commenced the construction of a tea house, becoming the foundation of the well known "Suizenji Jouju En (Suizenji Garden)". This area became a very popular residential area in Kumamoto city by the 1930s.

Azuma Sushi is located in this quiet residential neighborhood just in front of Kumamoto Budoukan (Martial Arts Hall). After taking a stroll in Suizenji Park, it is only a short distance away. The exterior of the restaurant is not garish with neon lights, instead it has a simple wood sign, with a noren (curtain) when open for business and a soft atmospheric lamp at night. After walking under the noren and the sliding door, a pleasant waitress would escort you to your table. The sushi counter and tables are located downstairs while upstairs has private rooms facing the garden through a traditional shoji window. It is a treat to be here for any occasion whether for a business function, a group celebration party or a family with small children. While the garden is not big, it is well maintained with elegant flower beds and greenery while the light wood colour complements the tatami mats, pillars and wall features demonstrate purity giving a sense of comfort.

The Kaiseki course banquet is easy on the stomach as it is served in small portions. Not only are the chef's techniques shown in the miso and green shoots sauce which gives you a feeling of springtime, with a characteristic Kyushu sweet soy sauce casserole as well as the Japanese style beef steak, but also you’d find his good sense of art on display in the presentation of each dish on elegant plates. Of course, the last course of sushi is fresh and delicious, meeting our expectations.

You should relish the opportunity to eat at the sushi counter. Hearing the stories from the chef about each ingredient and his cooking is interesting and inspiring. You can order sushi just by looking at today’s selection in the show case which is a treat.

The a la carte menu is also available, and I highly recommend the Suizenji set (karashi renkon, basashi and hitomoji guruguru)” for the local dishes if you’re not from Kumamoto. Karashi renkon is the lotus root deep fried in tempura with a mustard miso filling , while basashi is sashimi style horse meat and hitomoji guruguru is boiled green onion rolled up with miso dressing . This set has a small portion of three dishes and you could try all three local delicacies in one go. Don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendation as it changes each season.

It would be a good idea to book as they are busy for lunch and dinner. There is also a delivery service for sushi and party plates which you can check on their Japanese language website.

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