Located nearby Zenko-ji Temple – in the city’s historic and quaint Patio Daimon complex – ‘Japanese Cuisine Yorifuji Ayu’ is unique experience where you can try two very traditional foods cooked to perfection. Those two are ayu, also known as a sweet fish in English, and unagi, or eel.

Japanese Cuisine Yorifuji Ayu uses ayu(sweet fish) from one of the the clearest, cleanest and most delicious water sources in Japan, the Kawabegawa River in southwest Kumamoto. This region prides itself in having the most delicious water in Japan and the best tasting freshwater fish in that water. The salted ayu is slowly grilled over hot coals, creating a wonderful aroma that no one can resist. This shop in particular specializes in not just the grilling of the ayu, which you can buy individually as more of a snack, but rather the creation of a full set meal to compliment and bring out the flavors of the fish. And don’t forget the unagi (eel), which is served up in a variety of ways but always with that special savory sauce that everyone loves.

Try some Japanese river fish form the freshest streams and travel back in time to the late 1800’s when these style of dishes were popularized. This is definitely an experience that won’t be forgotten easily, whether it is simple trying one of the fish or getting the whole meal!