Menya Kokoro Kagoshima Yamashita Branch (Taiwan Mazesoba)
Table of Contents
Situated near the Kagoshima City Hall and the Kagoshima Prefectural Cultural Center (Houzan Hall), Menya Kokoro Kagoshima Yamashita Branch brings the world-famous “Taiwan Mazesoba” craze to the heart of the city. As a authorized branch of the Tokyo-based “Menya Kokoro” chain, this shop serves the same high-impact, flavorful noodles that have gained a cult following globally.
Restaurant Overview
Features and Particulars
- Addictive ‘Taiwan Mazesoba’ : The signature dish is a soupless creation featuring a soy-based sauce, spicy minced meat (Taiwan mince), fresh chives, green onions, fish powder, seaweed, and a raw egg yolk sitting proudly in the center. Once vigorously mixed, these ingredients combine into an explosion of savory and spicy flavors.
- Chewy Thick Noodles Crafted for Mixing : The noodles are extra-thick and custom-made for maximum resilience. Following the traditional Kokoro technique, the noodles are roughly agitated in a strainer after boiling to slightly scuff the surface, allowing the rich sauce and minced meat to cling perfectly to every strand.
- The Finishing Touch: Free ‘Oimeshi’ Rice : After finishing the noodles, a rich layer of sauce and toppings usually remains at the bottom of the bowl. Guests are welcome to order a free “Oimeshi” (mini-serving of rice), which the staff adds directly to the bowl to ensure every last drop of the savory mixture is enjoyed.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-12 Yamashita-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima |
| Access | 2-minute walk from the “Asahi-dori” tram stop. |
| Phone Number | 099-295-0205 |
| Business Hours | 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM / 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Regular Holiday | None (Closed only for New Year’s) |
| Special Holidays / Info | - |
| Seating / Facilities | Approx. 15 Seats (Counter and table seating available) |
| Smoking / Non-smoking | Non-smoking throughout |
| Parking | None (Nearby coin-operated parking lots available) |
| Official SNS | |
| Official Website | Official Site |
| Other Foodie Sites | Google Map: https://maps.google.com/?cid=5572968260064374159 |
Main Menu
| Recommended | Category | Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ | Signature | Signature Taiwan Mazesoba | 880 JPY |
| ★ | Deluxe | Meat-Rich Taiwan Mazesoba | 1,130 JPY |
| ★ | Classic | Salt-Based Ramen (Shio) | 830 JPY |
| ★ | Spicy | Numbing Spicy Taiwan Mazesoba | 930 JPY |
| Finish | Oimeshi (Rice after noodles) | Free |
Prices are estimates. Garlic (optional) can be chosen during ordering for the full authentic experience.
Google Reviews Analysis
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating (Stars) | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| Review Count | 223 reviews |
(As of March 20, 2026)
Positive Review Trends
- “So happy to have the authentic Menya Kokoro taste in Kagoshima. The balance of the minced meat and the free rice finish is perfect.”
- “The thick noodles have a great texture. Using the kelp vinegar (konbu-zu) on the table halfway through makes the meal light and refreshing.”
- “The restaurant is bright and clean, making it easy for solo female diners to enjoy a meal comfortably.”
Points for Improvement / Negative Trends
- “Keep in mind that even without ‘extra’ garlic, the dish has a lot of punch—plan your social interactions accordingly!”
- “It’s a popular lunch spot, so you might wait 5-10 minutes, but the seating rotation is very fast.”
Summary & Recommendations
Recommended for:
- Diners in Kagoshima who are craving a high-impact, flavorful noodle dish that is different from traditional ramen.
- Fans of authentic Taiwan Mazesoba who want the full experience including the “Oimeshi” finish.
- Anyone in the Yamashita or Tenmonkan area looking for a satisfying, high-energy lunch.
Tips for Visiting:
- This shop is very easy to access from the Asahi-dori station. For a first-time visit, we strongly recommend the “Signature Taiwan Mazesoba” with garlic. After eating about half the bowl, try adding a splash of the “Kelp Vinegar” provided at the table to mellow the salt and bring out a subtle sweetness. Finally, don’t forget to handover your bowl for the “Oimeshi”—it’s essentially the second half of the meal!