Introducing Kondo Seiame Honpo

Hello, travelers!
I’m Cho-san, a writer for [SaruKuma]!

Today I’m introducing
Harutake-machi in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, home to
[Kondo Seiame Honpo]!
It’s a little tricky to spot, but
as you wind your way through the residential streets,
the shop suddenly appears before you.

There’s a parking area, and
the substantial noren curtain (traditional Japanese fabric divider) at the entrance is the landmark to look for.
I came to enjoy kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) at this long-established shop with over 100 years of history!

The business originally started in Mifune-machi as a traditional candy shop,
crafting candies for shrines and pure white pulled candies.

Later, back when horse-drawn carriages still rolled through town,
they opened a branch shop in Harutake-machi, expanding beyond candy to make
handmade shirokuma (Kumamoto-style shaved ice with sweet milk and fruit) and
traditional ice candy popsicles.

The current building was rebuilt in 2019 and looks brand new, but
the previous shop was completely destroyed in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake.
For a while, they continued operating with a mobile sales truck.

Thanks to the voices of loyal regulars and friends,
the new shop was rebuilt — a true testament to a
business beloved by the local community!

Back when it was still housed in the old, traditional building,
I used to visit Kondo Seiame Honpo regularly to pick up their
handmade ice candy popsicles!

Their old-fashioned ice candy has
a gentle, handmade flavor that’s simply delicious,
with plenty of varieties to choose from. They’re great for home,
and especially during the hot summer months,
they make a wonderful gift that’s always appreciated.

This was my first visit since the building was rebuilt —
so exciting!

The interior features raised tatami zashiki seating with 30 seats.

However, as of mid-August 2020,
indoor dining is currently unavailable.
Still, there are benches set up outside where you can sit down,
and families with children, groups of friends, and more
were streaming in non-stop
to order kakigori!

(The lettering on the banner appears reversed…)

Many customers ordered with the ease of seasoned regulars,
so clearly, this place has plenty of loyal fans!
Local children also visit often,
and the shop offers a delightful special program just for kids.
[Kids Special]
One per child per day — only 100 yen!
“Grab your pocket money and come on by!”

While the handmade ice candy is normally 160 yen each,
this is a wonderfully kid-friendly price!!

How great would it be to have a shop like this in your neighborhood? Truly heartwarming!
You rarely find a business offering this kind of service these days,
so you can really feel the love this shop has for its community!

Recommended Menu at Kondo Seiame Honpo

You place your order at this counter.

Although I came specifically for the kakigori,
the side dish menu was tempting too…
“I just had lunch!” I had to remind myself, haha!
[Aged Ice] Shirokuma —
I ordered the classic Milk Sauce, 450 yen (back) and
the luscious Mango, 500 yen (front)!

Before digging in, a little background!

[Aged Ice] is Kondo Seiame Honpo’s
signature, original ice-making method.
When mixed, the ice develops a unique stickiness, so
you can enjoy it both crisp and crunchy as-is
or poked and stirred for a different texture!

Hard to picture from just the description, I know…
but as you keep eating, the texture transforms right before your eyes!!!

The greatest pride of Kondo Seiame Honpo is that
even the ice is handmade —
crafted from Kumamoto’s pristine spring water, mizuame (Japanese starch syrup),
and a touch of salt, all simmered together using a secret recipe.
The shaved ice is then rested overnight
before the [Aged Ice] is finally complete.
It’s something far beyond what the simple word “kakigori” can express —
an incredibly labor-intensive, artisanal ice!

Apologies for the long preamble, haha!

Time to taste!!
(Milk Sauce, 450 yen)

Knowing a bit beforehand made me even more excited to try it,
and wow — SO DELICIOUS!!!
(Mango Sauce, 500 yen)

At first, the ice is in flaky form, and naturally, the ice itself is delicious.
True to the shirokuma spirit, the fruit adds the perfect accent!

The mango sauce isn’t cloying — the balance is absolutely perfect!

And here’s the magic:
as you eat further and want to truly savor the [Aged Ice],
give it a few pokes and stirs with your spoon…
Hopefully you can see in the photo…
it transforms into a remarkably smooth texture.
It’s like eating gelato — that creamy
silkiness!!
AMAZING!!!

How kakigori can change texture this dramatically
is a mystery, but I had the chance to encounter
a truly one-of-a-kind shaved ice♡

The portion size was just right, too!

While oversized, lavish kakigori has been all the rage lately,
this shop preserves the nostalgic charm of old-fashioned shaved ice,
yet delivers cutting-edge flavor and texture —
a truly hybrid kakigori experience!

With these scorching summer days continuing,
be sure to drop by and treat yourself to this
century-old, deliciously refreshing kakigori!

You Might Also Like!

We’ve put together a guide to Kumamoto’s top kakigori shops!
Check it out here!

https://sarukuma.info/gourmet/kakigori-kumamoto

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.