Basashi (Horse Sashimi) — Kumamoto's Signature Dish
Kumamoto is Japan's capital of basashi (馬刺し) — raw horse meat sliced thin and served with garlic, ginger, and sweet soy sauce. The meat is lean, sweet, and tender with a texture between tuna and beef. Kumamoto produces 40% of Japan's edible horse meat, and locals eat basashi as regularly as sashimi in coastal cities.
The tradition originated in the 1600s when Kato Kiyomasa brought Korean horses to Kumamoto. Today, basashi is sold at every izakaya and supermarket in the prefecture.
Essential Information
Opening Hours
Suganoya lunch 11:30–14:30, dinner 17:00–23:00.
Closed: Check individual restaurant — Suganoya typically open daily.
Entrance Fee
Basashi set meals ¥1,500–3,000. Frozen take-home basashi ¥1,200–2,000 per 200g.
Best Season
Year-round; best enjoyed at local izakaya with shochu during evening dining hours
Visit Duration
60–90 minutes for full basashi dinner with multiple cuts and shochu pairing
Getting There
Access Information
Insider Guide
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