Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Binako, your SaruKuma writer!

Today, I’m excited to share a hidden gem with you,
tucked away in Waifu, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Mori to Yama” (Forest & Mountain) Western Confectionery Studio.

You’ll find this lovely shop along the street known as Kikuchi City’s “Canyon” area.

It’s set back a little from the main road, but a colorful flag out front makes it easy to spot!

The shelves are lined with an amazing variety of baked sweets!
Many are unique creations you won’t see in typical bakeries — I couldn’t decide what to choose!

The sheer range of flavors and styles is honestly a joy just to browse.

Beautiful gift-ready assortments are also available!
With so many options, you can pick the perfect set for any occasion — these make wonderful souvenirs to bring home from Japan.

Here’s another lovely assortment option!
What’s really special is that you can customize the contents of the gift box yourself,
so you can hand-pick treats based on the recipient’s tastes.
It’s such a heartwarming way to choose a gift — imagining the smile it will bring!

During my visit, they had adorable Halloween-themed sweets too!
Kids absolutely love these!

Treats like these make Halloween in Japan even more exciting — a fun cultural twist!

Whole cakes are available too!
The prices are wonderfully reasonable, making them easy to order.

And here’s the best part — decorated cakes can be ready in just 15 minutes,
perfect for those last-minute celebrations!

Convenient parking is available right next to the shop — perfect for travelers exploring Kikuchi by car.

Recommended Menu Items

Take a look at this stunning display of cakes!
The shop is so popular that several items had already sold out by the time I arrived.
I highly recommend reserving the day before — it’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out, especially if you’re on a tight travel schedule!

Whole Cakes • Gateau Chocolat • Tarts
Sliced Cakes • Rice Flour Roll Cake • Jellies

…and so much more!

For health-conscious travelers, the rice flour roll cake is a delightful gluten-friendly option — a wonderful taste of modern Japanese baking!

This time, I tried the
Baked Fruit Tart — 340 yen

Just look at this gorgeous three-layer creation…

Generously packed with juicy fruit, every bite is absolutely heavenly!

The chocolate isn’t overly sweet, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruit to shine through.
The firm, crispy tart base at the bottom hit all the right notes for me — exactly my kind of texture!

I’m already curious about Mori to Yama’s other baked goods,
so I’ll definitely be returning soon!

If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, make sure to add this charming sweets studio to your list!

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.