Tabelog ratingYoshii Tohachi (吉井十八) is a house-restaurant in the rural town of Ukiha, and one of the very few places in Kyushu dedicated to Tokyo X pork. The chef sources the prized breed whole, a practice that allows for an unusual depth of flavor and a menu that showcases the entire animal.
The two standout dishes are expressions of this philosophy. The first is a unique shabu-shabu where paper-thin slices of Tokyo X are cooked in a hot pot with aged, pickled napa cabbage. Reviewers praise the clean, melting sweetness of the pork and the complex broth, which is often finished as an ochazuke (rice with broth poured over). The second is a tonkatsu, slow-fried at a low temperature in the pork's own rendered lard. Guests consistently describe the fat as buttery and melt-in-the-mouth, with a thin, flavorful crust. Many recommend trying the first piece plain or with the house truffle salt to appreciate the pure flavor. Regulars also praise the duck (kamo) dishes.
Diners should be aware that the signature Tokyo X dishes, especially the tonkatsu, often require an advance reservation and may be unavailable otherwise. While some find the fatty cuts sublime, others find them too rich. A few also note the prices are high for a rural eatery, though most agree the rarity and quality of the pork justify the cost. The owner is a known character, whose talkative nature most find charming but a few find overbearing.
Reviewers in 2024 paid around ¥2,500–¥3,000 per person for the Tokyo X shabu-shabu and ¥3,000–¥3,300 for the tonkatsu set. More affordable lunch options like a one-bite katsu for ¥900 are also available, explaining the restaurant's lower base price tier.
- Booking: Reservations are essential for the Tokyo X tonkatsu and highly recommended for any visit, as seats and specialty items are limited.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Access: A 10-minute walk from Chikugo Yoshii Station (JR Kyudai Main Line). Parking is available.
- Language: The menu and service are primarily in Japanese.
- Seating: The restaurant has private rooms and tatami seating, where you may need to remove your shoes.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Dress Code: There is no dress code.
- Service Charge: A service charge is added to the final bill.
