Horse meat meals might not sound very appealing to many Taiwanese, but in Japan, this dish known as “sakura meat” is a type of red meat that’s rich in collagen, low in calories, and with very low fat content—making it one of the healthiest red meats. In Japan, there are only a handful of places where you can enjoy horse meat cuisine, and Kumamoto, located in the central part of Kyushu, is one of them. The history of eating horse meat in Japan is said to have started in Kumamoto.
Eating raw horse meat is a unique culture in Kumamoto, where you can try everything from the thigh, back, and pork belly to even the internal organs or the mane-covered neck. The fresh horse meat has a vivid pink color, hence it’s also called “sakura meat.” There are various ways to prepare it, and first-timers can start with grilled horse steaks or teppanyaki. But when in Kumamoto, Kyushu, you definitely must try sliced raw horse meat, or even nigiri sushi with slices of the meat placed over rice—absolutely exquisite. The texture of raw horse meat is quite unique, quite chewy, and when eaten with shredded ginger or onions, it not only helps kill bacteria but also enhances the richness of the flavor.
Tenkaku is a specialty horse meat restaurant with chefs boasting 2 to 30 years of experience. The horse meat used here is sourced through contracts with several farms within Kumamoto Prefecture to ensure the freshest and most delicious meat is always available. To enjoy the purest original flavor, Tenkaku serves its horse meat nigiri sushi with just a small amount of white rice, and the meat topping comes from the top-grade portion—only 7–8 kg can be obtained from a single 400–500 kg horse. The fat is evenly distributed, and as soon as it melts in your mouth, you’ll taste the rich, savory oil spreading through your throat. Tenkaku’s most famous raw horse meat uses the same premium horseback meat, and you can also enjoy freshly grilled teppanyaki.
Additionally, the San-Ai Plateau Hotel, located in the suburbs of Aso, also offers high-end horse meat cuisine, paired with carefully selected Aso plateau vegetables and distinctive takana (leaf mustard), adding a sweet and rich flavor to this local delicacy. The San-Ai Plateau Hotel is surrounded by nothing but open space, offering sweeping views of the lush green Aso region. The hotel also serves Higo beef—an alternative for those hesitant to try horse meat. This wagyu is raised on pasture and can be enjoyed in the form of steak, charcoal-grilled meat, or even hamburger patties—indulge in these delightful meat dishes to your heart’s content.
Tenkaku
Phone: 096-326-4522
Address: 2-13-12 Nihongi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Transportation: Take the streetcar bound for “Tasuki Bridge,” get off at “Nihongi-guchi” Station, and walk about 5 minutes.
San-Ai Plateau Hotel
Phone: 0967-44-0121
Address: Senomoto Plateau, Minamikokubuncho, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
Transportation: Take the Kyushu Odan Bus and get off at “Senomoto” bus stop, then walk about 10 minutes. Shuttle service available.
Website: san-aihotel.gr.jp/
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