Welcome to Bistro Kaishinmaru

Hello, travelers!
It’s Yutomino, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to
Hikari-no-Mori in Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto,
to a stylish little spot called
“Bistro Kaishinmaru.”

You’ll find it on the street directly across from Kumamoto Kita Post Office,
right next door to AOKI clothing store. Easy to spot!

The step-free, gently sloped entrance means everyone can roll right in — wheelchairs, strollers, you name it.
There’s even a comfy sofa near the entry!

And yes — there’s a terrace, too!
A cold drink out here on a Kumamoto evening sounds pretty perfect.

Best of all, the terrace is pet-friendly! Bring your furry travel buddy along.

Here’s the entrance!

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by cheerful, smiling staff — the kind of warm welcome that makes you want to linger.

The counter seats are great for solo travelers.

Roomy table seating for groups!

And cozy sofa seats, too!

This is where we settled in for our visit.

The big windows look out onto the street — my little one was glued to the passing cars. Although the place looks like a chic grown-up izakaya from the outside, they’ve thoughtfully set up a diaper-changing table for parents on the go.

We came in with a stroller, and thanks to the entrance ramp, we rolled in without any hassle at all.

Must-Try Menu at Bistro Kaishinmaru

Here’s the big news — Bistro Kaishinmaru launched a brand-new summer treat:
Taiwanese-style shaved ice, available only on weekends and holidays from 12:00 to 15:30!

Take a look at the menu below ↓

Chunky Strawberry — 800 yen
Whole Kiwi — 750 yen
Sweet & Tangy Honey Lemon — 750 yen
Chewy Shiratama Mochi & Kinako — 700 yen

Grown-up Matcha Milk Ice — 750 yen
“Kyou Ore” Shaved Ice — 680 yen
Subtle Rum Raisin Ice — 700 yen
Tiramisu Ice — 800 yen

And of course, there’s a full lunch menu too ↓

Choose-Your-Own One-Plate Lunch — 1,380 yen
Pasta of the Day — 1,380 yen
Pizza of the Day — 1,280 yen
Salad of the Day — 980 yen

Lunch was tempting, but it was Sunday afternoon —
there was simply no skipping
that Taiwanese shaved ice!

So this time, I went for the
“Chewy Shiratama Mochi & Kinako”!

Here it comes!!
Drizzle on the kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and dig in!

At first glance it might look like ordinary kakigori — but one bite changes everything.
Cloud-soft and silky-smooth,
like eating a flurry of frozen cream or ice cream! That was honestly my first thought.

This milk-based shaved ice is
absolutely delicious!

To be honest, this was actually my second visit for the Taiwanese shaved ice — yes, I’m a repeat customer already!

Here’s what I had last time — the “Kyou Ore Kakigori” ↓

Look how cute!
This little bear is topped with a refreshing apple sauce — light, fruity, and Instagram-ready.

A treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!

And here’s another option worth knowing about ↓

Weekday Lunch-Only
“Mom’s Tea-Time Plan”
・Chef’s Choice Lunch Plate — 1,000 yen (tax incl.)
・Chef’s Choice One-Plate
　　　　　+
Appetizer + 1 drink + dessert — 1,500 yen (tax incl.)

And don’t miss this one ↓

Draft beer　　Highball
Glass wine　　Lemon sour
Umeshu　　Shochu — order any of these
before 18:00 and they’re
HALF PRICE!

HAPPY HOUR!!!!

I’d just left, and already I was plotting a return trip!

Weekend-only shaved ice, weekday lunches, and izakaya-style dinners — Bistro Kaishinmaru does it all.
(Takeout is available too!)

That’s been our visit to “Bistro Kaishinmaru.” Don’t miss it on your Kumamoto trip!

You Might Also Like

Looking for more shaved ice spots around Kumamoto?
Check out our full roundup here!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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