Himematsu-ya — Restaurant in Shimabara

I was not going to review this because the food wasn't bad, but before you queue up for an hour wanting to eat here, let me tell you this restaurant might be famous for the "Guzoni" the sticky rice balls in broth, and yes, they do taste alright but I do not get the hype and the queues.

Saying thatm it is a perfectly okay large restaurant also catering to many tour groups. You pull a number at the entrance then you get called when your time has come. Menu is rather small, Japanese standards, like tempura, sushi, sashimi - and guzoni with all sorts of veg and fish and sadly also meat in an okay broth. For that, it isn't that cheap, but not totally overpriced. Felt a bit touristy but well, it's right across from the castle and obviously a famous...

Good and friendly service, fast. Very crowded, must be popular with local and japanese tourists. We went at 2:30pm on a public holiday and had to wait for 20mins for a seat. Once you passed the main entrance, on your left side on the cashier table, pick up a queue number token (yellow color with number on it), and wait for your turn. On first floor, max guest per table to seat comfortably is 5 adults approximately. The local specialty is very popular. We had udon n soba and the broth is very light and nice. Price is reasonable. When we left at 3:30pm, there are still customers waiting for table. Even thought so crowded, there are no feelings that they are rushing guests to leave at all. Very good. Will be there again given the...

One of the easiest places to get to after sightseeing at the castle. They brought us an English menu, which helped with a few things we couldn't read. Getting the lowdown on guzoni, a local hot pot dish with mochi, was definitely helpful. I was steered in that direction because I like mochi but don't find many chances to eat it. It came out pretty fast, too.

The guzoni broth was gentle and warming, with a variety of ingredients like fish cake and mushrooms hiding under the mochi. Really satisfying on a cold day. The inari sushi that came with my set was some of the best I've ever had, hitting the right balance of sweet and savory with just enough ginger for a kick without overwhelming the flavor...