Japan Guide
Kyūshū
Eating
1 
Aoyagi 1-2-10 Shimotōri-chō 
www.aoyaginet.com Large, elegant restaurant behind the Daiei store, with a choice of counter, tatami room or tables. Despite appearances, prices aren't astronomical; lunch sets start at ¥1000, though you could spend a lot more. Beautifully presented house specialities include basashi (from ¥2100). Opening time: Daily 11.30am–10pm
2 Hanaichimomme 5-16-23 Oe A good choice if you're staying at the nearby Suizenji Youth Hostel. It's a bit run-down but friendly and cheap, serving up huge helpings of curry rice, chicken cutlets, fried noodles, and occasionally basashi. The garrulous host speaks a little English and can regale you with songs in any language. Opening time: Daily 5–10pm
3 Ichinosōko 2-8 Kachikōji A tiny door leads into this spacious, wood-beamed beer restaurant, which started life as a silk-weaving workshop. The food is a typical mix of Western and Japanese, with both snacks and full meals available, and you should be able to eat well for around ¥2000. Opening time: Daily 11.30am–11.30pm
4 Kōrantei 1-15 Kamitōri-chō www.kourantei.com Low lighting and black-and-red decor set the tone in this sleek Chinese restaurant, set behind a courtyard on the Kami-tōri arcade. There's a good choice of set meals from ¥950 and course menus from around ¥1600. As an extra bonus, you can sit outside in fine weather. Opening time: Daily 11.30am–9pm
5 Plaza del Sol 3F, 4-18 Kamitōri-chō Locals swear by the burritos (veggie version available on request) at this jolly little Mexican restaurant one block west of Kami-tōri. Other classics include quesadillas, ceviche and enchiladas, and they stock a mean range of tequilas. Price: Set meals at ¥1300 or count on around ¥2500 from the menu Opening time: 6–11pm; closed Wed
6 Private Lodge 2F, 3-33 Kamiyabashi-machi Arty café at the north end of Kami-tōri serving organic teas and coffees, soy smoothies and a delicious baked cheesecake, as well as simple set lunches along the lines of pasta and burgers. It also has a small outdoor seating area. Price: Set lunches from around ¥750 Opening time: Mon, Tues & Thurs– Sun 11.30am–10pm, Wed 11.30am–8pm
7 Yokobachi 11-40 Kamitorōri-chō This bustling and inexpensive izakaya round the corner from the Maruko Hotel offers tatami-mat rooms overlooking a pretty Japanese garden. The menu ranges from karashi renkon and jidori (free-range) chicken salad to Thai green curry. Opening time: Daily 5pm– midnight