Hello, travelers!
I’m Saa-mama, a writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’m introducing a wonderful spot in

Minamitsuboi-machi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture —
Nogami Hanare Kumamoto, the famous premium shokupan (Japanese milk bread) specialty shop.

Two new branches — Hanare Uto and Hanare Kumamoto Komine — also opened on August 7, 2020. Exciting times for shokupan lovers!

The shop is within easy walking distance from Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine and Kamitori shopping arcade — perfect to add to your downtown Kumamoto stroll.

There’s no on-site parking, so please use one of the nearby coin-operated parking lots if you’re driving.

The exterior is wonderfully minimalist, done up entirely in black and white!

Step inside and the interior matches — clean, sleek, and built around a single counter where you place your order. Quick, easy, and very photogenic.

Recommended Menu

Even the paper bag is sleek and simple!
The moment you take it, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread drifts up and instantly makes your mouth water.

This time, I picked up the Regular size (2 kin / approx. 2 loaves) — 864 yen tax included.
There’s also a Half size (1 kin) — 432 yen tax included,
perfect if you want a portion you can finish in a single day.

I tore off a piece to try it the way it’s meant to be enjoyed — straight from the bag.
The “nama” (“raw” or unbaked-style) shokupan is incredibly moist and tender, with a fluffiness that goes all the way out to the crust!

The shop also includes a recommended way to enjoy the “nama” shokupan toasted, so I gave that a try too!

When toasted, the outside turns crisp and golden while the inside stays chewy and pillowy — a totally different texture experience from eating it fresh, and equally addictive.

※ If you can’t finish the loaf, slice it slightly thick and freeze it. It will keep for up to a week and still toast up beautifully with all the original flavor.

Strawberry Jam (1,080 yen tax included) — the No. 1 favorite, packed with the natural sweetness of real strawberries,

Premium Marmalade (1,080 yen tax included) — a more grown-up flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and gentle bitterness,

Blueberry Jam (1,080 yen tax included) — bright blueberry tartness and sweetness sealed into every spoonful,

Coffee Jam (1,080 yen tax included) — rich and intense with that signature coffee bitterness,
and Café au Lait Jam (1,080 yen tax included) — mellow and creamy with a milky finish.

The lineup of original jams is wonderfully varied!

Looking for a gift to take home? The Specialty Jam Set (3 jars) — 3,240 yen tax included makes a beautiful present.

You can also dress it up with the Gift Box (Large) — 330 yen tax included, which fits one regular-size loaf plus a jam set.

Or go simpler with the Gift Box (Small) — 220 yen tax included, sized to fit one regular-size loaf.

It’s a lovely, slightly formal gift idea for birthdays, wedding favors, or any special celebration!

※ Please note: Nogami’s “nama” shokupan contains honey as part of its ingredients. As a precaution, do not give it to children under one year of age.

Our SaruKuma mom-writers also made a dream project come true —
The Premium Shokupan Tasting Roundtable!
Don’t miss the article!

[1st SaruKuma Writers’ Roundtable] Tasting 8 Premium Shokupan Specialty Shops

We did a side-by-side tasting of premium shokupan from across Kumamoto Prefecture!

[1st SaruKuma Writers’ Roundtable] Tasting 8 Premium Shokupan Specialty Shops

Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please check before visiting.