Hello there!
This is Saa-mama, a writer for “SaruKuma.”

Today we’re heading to
Okura in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to introduce
“Aiai-an,” a charming creative dango shop.

It’s just a short drive from HIKE and USAGIYA, two spots we’ve featured before!

[HIKE] A Spacious, Bright Cafe, Bar & Hostel with a Big Clean Kids’ Space (Akimaru, Tamana City, Kumamoto)

[USAGIYA] A Takeout Specialty Shop with a Wide Variety of Imagawayaki, Drinks, Soft-Serve, Pancakes, and More (Akimaru, Tamana City, Kumamoto)

You’ll spot the shop along the road from Kumamoto City heading toward Tamana,
just before the Takase Ohashi Bridge.
Look for the green roof — that’s your landmark!

There’s a parking lot right next to the shop, so it’s easy to stop by by car.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by rows and rows of beautiful dango (Japanese rice dumpling skewers)!

There’s an eat-in area, but it’s currently closed,
so the shop is takeout only for now.

You’ll also find celebration sets, sekihan (red bean rice), and isshomochi (one-sho rice cakes used for first-birthday celebrations)!

From Western-inspired tiramisu dango
to classic mitarashi (sweet soy glaze) and kibidango (millet dumplings),
there’s a wonderful variety to choose from (*^^*)

By a quick count, there are around 20 different kinds of dango on display,
and so many of them are unique flavors you don’t see every day!
They make a perfect souvenir or a sweet treat for the kids.

Recommended Menu Items

From left to right:
Tiramisu (125 yen),
Chestnut Dango (125 yen),
Berry Dance (125 yen),
Mitarashi (105 yen),

Kibidango (105 yen),
Custard (125 yen),
Tsukimi Dango (125 yen),
A must-try for anyone who loves dango or sweets in general! ♡

This time around, we tried
Mitarashi, Custard, Tiramisu,
Chestnut Dango, and Kibidango.

Every single one was perfectly chewy and mochi-soft!

The Custard had just the right level of sweetness, pairing beautifully with the sweet red bean paste.
The Chestnut Dango was a delight, with chestnut paste plus a whole chestnut sitting on the middle dango — so good!
The Tiramisu was topped with mascarpone and cocoa powder,
a bold and refreshing fusion of Japanese and Western flavors.
Delicious through and through — no wonder it’s the shop’s No. 1 best-seller (≧∀≦)

Why not take a scenic drive out to Tamana and enjoy these colorful, picture-perfect dango — they’re as fun to look at as they are delicious! ♡
Don’t forget to check out HIKE and USAGIYA right nearby too (^^)

[HIKE] A Spacious, Bright Cafe, Bar & Hostel with a Big Clean Kids’ Space (Akimaru, Tamana City, Kumamoto)

[USAGIYA] A Takeout Specialty Shop with a Wide Variety of Imagawayaki, Drinks, Soft-Serve, Pancakes, and More (Akimaru, Tamana City, Kumamoto)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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