Robatayaki Sanroku (ろばたやき山ろく) Yamaga

【Restaurant Name】Robatayaki Sanroku 【Location】Kumamoto Prefecture, Yamagata City, Shikihokucho, Shimochi 【Price】JPY 5,000 - 6,000 【Payment】Cash only 【Occasion】Friends, Family 【Visit Time】Sunday around 10 AM 【Parking】Available 【Smoking】Non-smoking 【Private Room】No 【Recommendation Level】Highly Recommended 【Review】This place will change your perception of chicken! It’s truly amazing! 【Business Hours】 Open from around 10:00 until ingredients run out Closed on Wednesdays 【Order】 - Sanroku Sauce Grilled Chicken: JPY 1,672 - Sanroku Salt Grilled Chicken: JPY 1,672 - Skin Sauce Grilled Chicken: JPY 995 - Heart Salt Grilled Chicken: JPY 770 - Takikomi Rice: JPY 412 - Horumon: Market Price 【Additional Notes】 This restaurant was recommended by a senior colleague. It was an incredibly wonderful place, and I have a lot to say. Without any bias just because it was recommended by my senior, this place was outstanding and truly exceptional. I arrived around 10 AM on Sunday, and the restaurant was already open and packed with the first wave of customers! I informed the staff of my car number and waited in the car. We were seated for the second round after about 10 minutes. They only use chickens that were freshly slaughtered that day, and some parts may run out right at opening time. The soft roe and liver were already sold out. My senior grilled everything for us, repeatedly grilling and dipping in sauce. The moment I took a bite, I experienced a texture of chicken I had never tasted before. I was amazed by the flavor and quality! And the salt! I believe it’s the pinnacle of salt-grilled chicken. That day, they had some Horumon in stock (not listed on the menu), the staff informed us about it. It was delicious too!!! The heart salt grilled chicken was rich in flavor and very juicy. While enjoying the exquisite chicken grilled over charcoal, I admired the surrounding mountain scenery! I felt completely satisfied. After this, my senior mentioned it’s customary to refresh at a nearby hot spring. The hot spring had a wonderful quality with a hint of sulfur aroma. My senior from Omuta calls this the Omuta Road. Robatayaki Sanroku → Yamagata Onsen → Pachinko in Kumamoto (apparently, Kumamoto has a good exchange rate). Even though it starts in Omuta, none of it is actually in Omuta; it’s all in Kumamoto! #Tachin's Gourmet Memory #Tachin's Gourmet Memo Kumamoto #Tachin's Gourmet Memo Yakiniku Less

I finally visited Robatayaki Sanroku, a place I had wanted to go for a long time. I arrived just before 10 AM on a Sunday, but it was fully booked, so I made an on-the-day reservation and waited about 20 minutes before being seated.I was impressed by how quickly the dishes were served after ordering. I received advice that it’s better to grill each item individually, as longer cooking times can make the meat tough. I tried grilling them myself, but some pieces felt a bit hard, possibly due to overcooking. Since the quality can change with the grilling time, it would be ideal to find the right balance.I traveled about an hour from Kumamoto City to enjoy this meal, and I left feeling satisfied. Less

Before 11 AM on Friday, we had a reservation for 7 people.This is the third day of our trip to Saga.We drove from Saga to get here!It’s been a while since I last visited Robatayaki Sanroku.This time, I made a reservation a month in advance and arrived before 11 AM, going straight in. Perhaps due to the impact of the earthquake, it seems much less crowded compared to before.We sat around the irori (traditional Japanese hearth) and grilled the chicken ourselves. We ordered a variety of dishes this time.Here’s what we had:⚫︎ Sanroku Salt-Grilled Chicken The skin was perfectly crispy, and the meat was incredibly tender with a rich chicken flavor! This is definitely a must-order.⚫︎ Skin with Sauce This is completely different from the chicken skin you find in the Kanto region. The sauce pairs perfectly with the beautifully grilled skin. You absolutely have to try this.⚫︎ Heart Salt-Grilled With a bouncy texture, the moment you bite into it, the juices burst out. This juiciness is irresistible.⚫︎ Liver Grilled This is another dish I highly recommend ordering. It’s completely different from the liver you usually eat, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that is fantastic!⚫︎ Gizzard Grilled (Salt) Personally, I often enjoy gizzards as a snack with drinks, but the gizzards here have a completely different texture. They have a delightful crunch while still being juicy. I was pleasantly surprised.⚫︎ Sanroku Grilled with Sauce Last time I recommended the salt-grilled version, but this time I was amazed by the grilled with sauce. The quality of the ingredients really shines through, and I highly recommend it!⚫︎ Bonjiri and Seseri Both are delicious, but I particularly prefer the bonjiri. The flavor of the fat is outstanding.⚫︎ Premium Shiitake Mushrooms I recommend these when you want a little accent. Sprinkle a bit of salt and grill them, and they become incredibly juicy.⚫︎ Sato no Kuro on the Rocks Chicken and Imo Shochu really go well together. This time, I ended up drinking continuously!As I mentioned last time, it’s nice that ordering on the rocks is more economical than with soda.It was a great meal!This restaurant changes the concept of chicken.After trying it again, I can confirm it’s still delicious. It’s a place I want to visit regularly. I’ll definitely be back! Less

On weekends and public holidays, the parking lot opens at 9 AM (／▽＼)♪Today, there were fans visiting from Tohoku (*´σｰ｀)Since it’s been only 10 years since the earthquake in Kumamoto, I felt the need to support the local economy by visiting this place!Robatayaki Sanroku always serves delicious chicken! ❕Reservations are possible, but I couldn’t call between 2 PM and 4 PM, making it hard to secure a spot (*´σｰ｀)I arrived at 9 AM today and waited.Here’s what I ordered:■ Oolong Tea■ Ginger AleBoth were around JPY 382 each, I believe! ♪Unfortunately, photography is not allowed, even for drinks, so I had to settle for some quick snapshots on my phone (／▽＼)◇ Sanroku Grilled Chicken [JPY 1672]A huge portion of thigh and breast meat comes out (*´・ω-)bThe meat is beautifully prepared every morning, which might be why it looks so fresh! ♡And most importantly, it’s delicious! ♥◇ Grilled Chicken Skin [per person] JPY 995It comes out in large pieces! Grill it all at once! When the fat starts to render, cut it with scissors! ❕Watching the skin sizzle until it’s perfectly browned is the best way to enjoy it! ♪◇ Grilled Heart (Salt) ♡ JPY 770It’s incredibly fresh, so there’s no unpleasant smell! It’s just too delicious! (*’ω’ﾉﾉﾞ☆ﾊﾟﾁﾊﾟﾁ◇ Grilled Bonjiri (Tail) ♥ JPY 695The combination of fat and a crunchy texture is irresistible (*´σｰ｀)♡◇ Grilled Seseri (Neck) JPY 695The quality protein with just the right amount of muscle and no excess fat truly nourishes my body! ♪◇ Rice [Large] JPY 382Served in a large plastic container, there’s plenty of white rice! My husband seemed very satisfied! ❗Additionally,◇ Raw EggI enjoyed the raw egg with soy sauce! ♥ (人*´∀｀)‼️ What a luxury! (*’ω’ﾉﾉﾞ☆ﾊﾟﾁﾊﾟﾁSatsuma chicken is a bit pricey, but it’s delicious, so you should definitely try it! ♡The horse sashimi is also incredibly tasty! ♪Thank you for the wonderful meal! (^.^)(-.-)(__)I hope to make a reservation next time!Kumamoto‼️ Let’s keep going strong! Less

I had some hesitation, but my partner's words about spending money in Kumamoto potentially supporting the disaster-stricken area made me realize it was indeed a good idea. So, just a little over a week after the earthquake, I came to Kumamoto.I arrived early in late April, but to my surprise, there were no other customers. I thought it was strange until I found out the restaurant was closed for the day (tears).This time, I was back at Sanroku after a long while ( •ᴗ• )888.Previously, they had chicken sashimi, but now it’s no longer available.I ordered, "Everything grilled ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)✧."Wait, wait, wait! Why are you ordering like that? (>_ Less

Robatayaki Sanroku is a popular robatayaki restaurant nestled in the mountains of Yamagata City, Kumamoto Prefecture.Reservations are not accepted on weekends, so I arrived just after 9 AM based on reviews. The system involves waiting in the car and being called in order as preparations are completed. On this day, I was able to enter before the 10 AM opening.I ordered the Sanroku tare grilled chicken, local chicken, heart, liver, soft roe, rice, egg, and dumpling soup.What surprised me first was the freshness of the chicken. Each part was rich in flavor, and the taste of the meat expanded with every bite.The heart and liver had no unpleasant odor at all, allowing me to fully enjoy the unique aromas and textures of each part. The chicken soft roe, a rare delicacy, was impressively rich and creamy in flavor.The style is to grill the meat over charcoal yourself, but the staff kindly guide you on the grilling time and technique, making it easy to cook deliciously even for first-timers.Additionally, the egg was astonishingly rich. When served over rice, its simplicity highlighted the quality of the ingredients, making it satisfying on its own.Finally, I enjoyed a comforting bowl of dumpling soup. It was the perfect way to wrap up after thoroughly enjoying the charcoal-grilled dishes.The total bill was about JPY 6,000 per person. Considering the opportunity to taste such fresh local chicken in various parts, along with the experience of charcoal grilling, this place offers excellent value and a high level of satisfaction. Less

【Address】 3264 Shiimochi, Kakuhoku-cho, Yamagakishi, Kumamoto Prefecture 30 minutes by car from JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line, Koba Station 40 minutes by car from Kyushu Expressway, Yame IC 40 minutes by car from Ueki IC 【Restaurant Introduction】 A renowned restaurant where you can savor local chicken grilled over charcoal in a traditional irori setting. Despite being located in a secluded mountainous area, it attracts many visitors from across the country. SILVER 2026 BRONZE 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 Top 100 Chicken Restaurants 2025 【Established】 Founded in 1995 by Nobuo Ogawa, a former carpenter who built the restaurant himself. Currently managed by his son, Ryuichi Ogawa. 【Visit Time, Wait Time, and Restaurant Crowding】 Visit Time: Sunday at 11:00 AM Wait Time: 20 minutes (waiting in the car) Crowding: 100% Reservation Availability: Reservations accepted If you sign in on the reception ledger, the staff will come to call you from the parking lot when your turn arrives, allowing you to wait comfortably in your car. 【Ordered Items, Taste, and Description】 ~Grilled Gizzard~ JPY 695 The crunchy texture is delightful, and the flavor of the chicken expands with each bite. ~Sanroku Sauce Grilled Chicken~ JPY 1,672 The fresh local chicken is moist, tender, and has a chewy texture. The sweet and savory secret sauce enhances the rich flavor of the chicken, perfectly complementing rice and drinks with the aroma of charcoal. ~Grilled Liver~ JPY 758 The surface is crispy while the inside is creamy, with minimal odor, offering a rich and sweet flavor. ~Horse Sashimi (Top Red Meat)~ JPY 1,749 The exceptionally fresh red meat has a chewy texture, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavor of the horse meat with a refreshing and refined taste. ~Satsuma Chicken~ JPY 2,970 With a firm texture and a burst of flavor with each bite, the charcoal aroma adds to the balance of the light fat. ~Grilled Chicken Skin with Sauce~ JPY 995 The chicken skin is elastic yet melts in your mouth. It pairs well with the sweet and savory special sauce, releasing the sweetness and rich flavor of the fat with each bite. ~Miso Soup with Dashi Flavor~ JPY 330 The umami of the dashi spreads throughout. ~Special Fresh Egg (Taiyo Egg)~ JPY 290 Rich yolk with depth and sweetness. ~White Rice (Small)~ JPY 332 Fluffy and well-cooked, with a sweet flavor that emerges with each bite. 【Interior】 The high ceiling and spaced-out irori tables create a sense of openness. All seats are in the irori style. 13 tables (irori tables only). 【Service】 Friendly and pleasant service. Staff members visit each table to kindly explain grilling methods, eating tips, and recommend parts of the chicken. 【Business Hours】 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM (until sold out) Saturday, Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (until sold out) Closed on Wednesdays, the second Thursday, and the fourth Thursday. 【Parking】 The spacious parking lot fills up quickly before opening. Less

The journey from Tokyo was quite long.It took about an hour by taxi from Kumamoto Airport. I recommend making a reservation in advance, as it can be difficult to find a taxi for the return trip.Due to a flight delay, I arrived much later than planned, around 11:10, but I was promptly guided to my table.Since it was my first visit, I was a bit anxious about getting in, but I was thrilled to be able to enjoy my meal without any issues.It's best to wear clothes that you don't mind getting a bit of smoke smell on.The surroundings were lush with greenery, and the scenery was absolutely beautiful.I definitely want to visit this place again. Less

Whenever I have business trips or travel plans to Fukuoka, Saga, or Kumamoto, I always try to fit in a visit to this restaurant.The first time I tasted the chicken, I was captivated by its crispy texture.This time, since there were more people, we ordered our usual grilled chicken with sauce, chicken skin, and bonjiri, along with some horse sashimi and duck meat.While the duck may not be as good as the chicken, its quality is still impressive.I can already tell that I’ll be pondering what to order next time.The eggs and miso soup are delicious too.The rice is good, but I prefer it a bit firmer.I would love to try the soft roe at least once (it wasn’t available this time).I’ll definitely be back! Less

This is a popular free-range chicken restaurant that attracts many visitors from all over the country, despite being located deep in the mountains.The dining style revolves around a sunken hearth, where the chicken is grilled slowly over charcoal, filling the air with a tantalizing smoky aroma that instantly whets your appetite.Here’s what I ordered:- Satsuma Jidori (Free-range Chicken)- Sanroku Sauce Grilled Chicken- Bonjiri (Chicken Tail) Grilled- Salt Grilled Heart- Grilled Liver- Sauce Grilled Skin- Grilled Gizzard- Salt Grilled NeckLet’s start with the Satsuma Jidori.With each bite, a robust umami flavor bursts forth, and the unique chewy texture of the free-range chicken is simply irresistible.The smoky aroma from the charcoal enhances the dish, and the simple seasoning allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through.The Sanroku Sauce Grilled Chicken features a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce that makes you crave rice with its rich flavor.The combination of the smoky scent and the depth of the sauce makes it impossible to put down your chopsticks after just one bite.The Bonjiri is rich in sweet fat that fills your mouth, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture.The Salt Grilled Heart has no unpleasant odor, and you can enjoy its crunchy texture along with a light umami flavor.The Grilled Liver is a standout dish that showcases freshness, with a moist and smooth mouthfeel.It has minimal liver-specific aftertaste, allowing you to fully appreciate its rich umami flavor.The Sauce Grilled Skin is perfectly charred on the outside, with a delightful chewy texture that pairs excellently with the sweetness of the sauce.The Grilled Gizzard has a satisfying crunch, and the more you chew, the more flavor is released.The Salt Grilled Neck has just the right amount of fat and elasticity, making it juicy yet refreshing on the palate.Each part of the chicken reflects its high freshness, and I thoroughly enjoyed the unique smokiness that comes from charcoal grilling.It’s no surprise that this place is popular; I highly recommend visiting if you want to experience free-range chicken in Kumamoto. Less

I visited during my trip to Kumamoto, and it was an incredibly satisfying experience.The staff carefully explained the best cooking methods for each ingredient, allowing us to enjoy everything at its most delicious. I was particularly impressed by the attentive service, which made it easy for first-time visitors to feel comfortable dining here.Every dish was delicious, but I especially enjoyed the soft roe from the chicken, which I tried for the first time. It was rich and creamy without any strong flavors, leaving a lasting impression. I was glad to have been recommended to try it, as I might not have had the chance otherwise.The atmosphere in the restaurant was lively yet cozy, making me want to return whenever I visit Kumamoto again. It was a great meal, and it truly highlighted my trip. Less

They only serve chicken that was freshly slaughtered that morning, which shows their commitment to quality. The journey to the restaurant makes you wonder if such a place really exists. Once inside, you feel an indescribable sense of comfort, reminiscent of an old country grandfather's home. I love this place so much that I almost want to call it my second home. It's worth traveling all the way to Kumamoto just to experience the unique flavors they offer. I still regret not having tried the entire menu yet. Next time, I must conquer it! Less

During my last trip to Kumamoto, I was amazed by how delicious chicken can be, which made me crave it. I found this restaurant and tried to make a reservation about a week ago, but it was fully booked.However, I couldn't give up, so I decided to go there on the day and wait in line. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long to get inside.Every piece of meat that came out was delicious. There were also large shiitake mushrooms and duck meat that I wanted to try, but the chicken was so good that I kept ordering more until I was completely full.The horse sashimi was also incredibly tasty, so I ordered another plate of that as well...Although we didn't drink, I noticed many people enjoying beer and chicken during lunch, and I definitely plan to come back.It was a great meal! Less

Robatayaki Sanroku is located about 90 minutes by car from Kumamoto City, nestled in a mountainous area that feels like a hidden gem. Despite its remote location, it boasts top-class ratings and popularity among numerous dining establishments, having won the "Silver" award at the Tabelog Award in 2026.*Reservations are accepted by phone.This restaurant has an extraordinary commitment to serving only chicken that has been freshly processed that very morning.*Menu*- Sanroku Salt Grilled Chicken- Sanroku Grilled Chicken with Sauce*Thoughts*Those who have tasted the dishes unanimously agree that it completely overturns their previous concept of chicken. I finally understood what it means to experience overwhelming flavor and a unique texture.The moment you take a bite, the richness of the meat floods your mouth with chicken essence.There is absolutely no unpleasant odor or off-flavors, just an incredibly rich taste that brings out the true essence of the chicken to its fullest. Less

Definitely worth the trip! I encountered the best chicken dishes of my life. It's a place you should visit, even if it means traveling deep into the mountains of Kumamoto.【Crowd Situation】 I arrived around 11:45 on a Monday. I was prepared for a long wait, but fortunately, I was able to enter smoothly without lining up! Getting into this popular restaurant so easily felt like quite a stroke of luck.【Atmosphere】 From the moment I stepped inside, a charming ambiance enveloped me. The style of gathering around the irori (traditional Japanese hearth) evokes a sense of travel, heightening my anticipation even before the meal began.【Cuisine】 It was "the most delicious chicken I've ever eaten." The freshness provided a delightful texture, and the rich umami burst forth with every bite. I enjoyed grilling different parts of the chicken myself, and honestly, everything was delicious. Less

Located deep in the mountains of Yamagata, I arrived around 11:00 AM. The place was already fully booked, but I was lucky to find one seat available without having to wait. Perhaps it was less crowded since it was right after Golden Week?I ordered:- Sanroku Grilled Sauce- Liver- Skin with Sauce- Bonjiri (chicken tail)- Sunazuri (gizzard)- Shiitake mushrooms(Note: They were small for this season, but still quite large.)- Miso soup- RiceI can't forget the liver and skin. I truly won't forget them. In fact, everything was so delicious that I lost my words. They use Binchotan charcoal instead of Ogatan, which provided excellent heat and aroma. Just be cautious of the flare-ups.Unfortunately, the seseri (neck meat) and heart were already sold out, so I plan to arrive before opening next time. Less

When you come to Kyushu, this place is a must-visit.I fell in love with Robatayaki Sanroku during my last trip to Kyushu.I arrived just after 1 PM, and since it was during Golden Week, there were nearly 30 groups waiting. I had to write down my car's license plate number and color at the reception and wait in the car until the staff called me.The chicken here is truly delicious. It's the best chicken I've ever had in my life. The charcoal grilling adds to the flavor, and the chewy jidori (local chicken) becomes more flavorful the more you chew. The crispy skin is simply irresistible.Unfortunately, the liver and heart were sold out again this time.Next time, I will definitely try again.I struggle to wake up early, so I need to make an effort! Less

Although it's a bit far from my place, I just can't forget this amazing flavor, so I visited again! I arrived before 9 AM, and there were already four groups of customers. It seems everyone is anticipating a busy Golden Week, so they arrived early. At 9:30 AM, the reservations started in the order of arrival, and I was able to enter well before the opening time, around 10 AM (what a delight!). I enjoyed the Sanroku sauce-grilled dishes, as well as seseri (neck meat), liver, bonjiri (tail), and sunazuri (gizzard). Wow, I just can't resist this deliciousness! It was a great meal! I'll be back again soon! ☺️ Less

This is a restaurant I had been wanting to visit for a long time. During the peak of Golden Week, I drove from Fukuoka, prepared for a line and wait, arriving at the restaurant by 9 AM. I was the fourth in line for the first round of seating. After providing my name, car number, and color, I waited in my car. While waiting, the staff came to my car to invite me in. The dining style is charcoal-grilled around an irori (traditional Japanese hearth). I ordered the Sanroku Sauce Grilled Chicken for JPY 1,672, Bonjiri (grilled chicken tail) with sauce for JPY 695, Salt Grilled Seseri (neck meat) for JPY 695, Premium Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms for JPY 803, Large White Rice for JPY 328, Special Fresh Egg (Taiyo Egg) for JPY 290, and Draft Beer (Premium Malts) for JPY 675, along with Miso Soup with Dashi for JPY 330. The staff carefully explained the grilling methods. As expected, the sauce for the Sanroku Sauce Grilled Chicken was exquisite—not too sweet, not too spicy, perfectly enhancing the chicken's flavor. The chicken was fresh, flavorful, and had a satisfying texture with a hint of sweetness from the fat. The Bonjiri and Seseri were delicious, but I was particularly surprised by the taste of the Premium Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms. I believe this is the best way to enjoy the umami of shiitake. One beer wasn’t enough, so I ordered some Imo Shochu as well. Indeed, a renowned restaurant delivers great taste. After this, I enjoyed a blissful day trip plan of soaking in an onsen in Yamagata, all thanks to my wife who drove. Thank you! Less

I visited on a weekday at 9 AM, but the parking lot opened at 10:30, so I had to leave and return at that time. I was able to enter smoothly without any wait.I ordered a variety of items from the a la carte menu that caught my interest.The signature Sanroku sauce-grilled chicken had a firm, chewy texture, and the flavor gradually emerged with each bite. The harmony with the rich sauce was excellent, making it a high-quality dish. The Sanroku salt-grilled chicken and Satsuma jidori also highlighted the quality of the ingredients.The grilled sunagimo (gizzard) with salt was packed so tightly that it felt like it would burst, and the texture was explosively satisfying with each bite. It updated my previous concept of sunagimo.The grilled bonjiri (tail) with sauce had a delightful bounce, and the fat was not overwhelming, spreading elegantly on the palate. The balance was impressive, making it feel light.The grilled hatsu (heart) with salt also had a crisp, bouncy texture that conveyed its freshness directly.The seseri (neck meat) resembled shrimp in both appearance and texture, with a pleasant sweetness of fat that spread gently with each bite.The shiitake mushrooms (medium size) were surprisingly large for their category, and their juiciness was striking as they released moisture with each bite.Among all, the grilled skin with sauce was particularly outstanding. It had a unique texture that combined crunchiness and tenderness, along with a rich flavor of fat that made me want to order more.The experience of grilling over charcoal added to the overall satisfaction, making it not just a meal but a memorable experience. Less

A week ago, I called to make a reservation, but they were fully booked for the next two weeks. I arrived at 8:50 AM without a reservation and was informed by the staff that the parking lot would open at 10:30 AM, so I waited on the nearby roadside. As I watched more cars head towards the restaurant, I started to feel anxious and decided to go in around 10:20 AM. When I arrived, the same staff member was at the reception and said, "You were the first to arrive, so I’ll check you in first." That was exactly what I wanted to hear! ❤️ Shortly after, they called me in. I had done my homework by reading reviews beforehand, so I ordered the horse sashimi, heart, skin, liver, neck, tail, sausage (both with sauce and salt), seasoned rice, plain rice, Tago soup, and shiitake mushrooms before they sold out... I might have over-ordered a bit. However, I must say that the texture of the chicken was different from what I’ve had before. It had a delightful crunch, especially the skin, which I really enjoyed. I completely understand the high ratings based on the kindness of the staff, the quality of the food, and the pleasant atmosphere. Less