Kuji-ou: A Nostalgic Japanese Candy Shop Where Both Kids and Adults Light Up! (Yoshimachi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City)
2020.10.11

A Sarukuma writer’s first-hand visit and report on “Kuji-ou,” a nostalgic Japanese dagashi (traditional candy) shop in Yoshimachi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City. Budget guide: from around 300 yen. Family-friendly tips, access, and opening hours included.
Hello everyone, hope you’re doing great! π
I’m Yuzu, a writer for Sarukuma π»
Today we’re spotlighting
γKuji-ou Yoshimachi Main Storeγ, located in Yoshimachi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture β

The shop sits along the old Hamasen road π
It’s right near the Kumamoto Bus depot β
There are also sister shops in Toshima and Shiroyama π
There’s a parking lot right in front of the store π

This shop is run by Kodera Planning, a company that has supported our family as parents for many years π
From the day our kids were born all the way up to buying their school backpacks, the Kodera team have taken such wonderful care of us π₯°
And honestly, their prices are so kind to families π
Sorry for the tangent β I just had to mention it! π

Most of the shoppers here are children, so the whole place feels welcoming and child-friendly π
Now, let’s head inside! GO! GO!!!!!

The moment we stepped inside, our excitement was off the charts! π
I had no idea the place would be this spacious or carry this much variety β the sheer selection blew me away! π

You can buy items individually, or grab a whole box for 25% off π
This is what Japanese folks call OTONAGAI β the “adult buy”!
Didn’t you ever dream as a kid of buying a whole box of candy and eating as much as you wanted?

So unbelievably nostalgic π€£
I always loved the Kabayaki-san series (eel-flavored fish snacks) π
And right now, the wasabi-nori (wasabi seaweed) flavor of this series is trending! β

Cocoa Cigarettes!!!
They’re shaped like cigarettes β didn’t every kid pretend to “smoke” them?
And Choco Bat is just irresistibly delicious π₯°

Up top is the chocolate corner, and there’s also the famous Yatta-men (a crunchy noodle snack with prize tickets inside) π
Some packs hide a winning ticket β opening them was always pure suspense π
Still just 10 yen π€© β same as it was decades ago!

The chewing gum still comes in the same packaging it did decades ago π
This gum is surprisingly satisfying to chew as an adult π
And the smell instantly transports me back to childhood π
It’s just like that song “Kousui” (Perfume)! π

Behold! Morocco Yogurt
You eat it with that tiny little spoon π
It’s a total time slip! π

I’ve never actually tried this peperoncino snack myself, but it’s another famous classic π
My mental image is the boys eating it at the park after school βΊοΈ

Lucky-draw cards!!
And it’s the famous Nameneko (delinquent cat) series! π€£
Didn’t you ever try to draw a card with your favorite idol on it?
The anticipation was so intense, you could hardly bring yourself to peek inside π

These pink and green ice candies bring back memories too β

For the boys, there’s a huge selection of trading cards too β and they’re cheaper here than at most other shops π
Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) cards are 30% off!!
(off the regular price; some items excluded)
Incredible!! This shop is truly a friend to kids! πΆ
Even during my visit, children kept rolling in one after another π
Recommended Picks

This time we picked up a whole haul β a mix of nostalgic classics and brand-new finds! π
And the total came to only around 300 yen π

This one is Awa Cola (Foam Cola)
Hadn’t tasted it in ages π
The way it foams up in your mouth β pure nostalgia π

I don’t think this one was around in my day, but my daughter said it was nostalgic for her, so she grabbed one π

When you open it up, the candies are stuck onto a sheet of paper like this π
You peel them off to eat them π

And then there’s this one!!!
Maximum nostalgia overload!!
One of them is sour β it’s basically a Russian roulette game!!
I used to play this with friends as a kid β such warm memories π₯°
Come step into a shop where the old and the new come together,
and let yourself feel like a kid again π
We recommend calling ahead to confirm hours before you visit π
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At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, indoor playgrounds, and more for families raising kids in Kumamoto.
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Kuji-ou Store Information
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Address
Yoshimachi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
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Hours
Weekdays 15:00β18:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00β18:00
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Closed
Irregular (please confirm with the store)
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Phone
096-282-8286
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Website
Yes
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Payment
Unknown
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Parking
Yes
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No
Tatami seating
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No
Private rooms
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No
Kids’ tableware
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No
Kids’ chairs
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No
Diaper changing
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No
Stroller access
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a recommended family-friendly spot in Yoshimachi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City?
“Kuji-ou” is an easy place to visit with kids and a popular spot in Yoshimachi, Minami-ku. Read this article for the full scoop.
What are Kuji-ou’s hours and closing days?
Hours and closing days are subject to change. Please check the official website or call ahead before visiting.
β»Information accurate at the time of visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.
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Article Writer
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Sarukuma Editorial
Sarukuma Editorial is a small team of locals based in Kumamoto, Japan, sharing the hidden gems, hometown flavors, and seasonal experiences that make our region special. We write the kind of guide we wish we had when showing friends around β honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.
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