Hello, travelers!
This is Binako, writer for Sarukuma!

Today we’re heading deep into the lush highlands of Kumamoto to introduce
Kiyora Casa, located in Akababa, Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture — a charming local products market that’s perfect for families exploring the Aso region.

Just like the guardian “komainu” lion-dogs you often see flanking the entrance of Japanese shrines,
two giant soft-serve ice cream statues stand watch at the entrance! A fun, photo-worthy welcome.

Inside, the shelves are packed with authentic local Japanese goods — takana (pickled mustard greens), traditional sweets, and locally grown rice,
all the kinds of regional treasures that make a Japanese products market special.

You’ll also find ohagi (sweet rice cakes coated in red bean paste) and homemade side dishes ready to take away.

What’s wonderful is that each item displays the name and photo of the local cook who made it,
so you know exactly who’s behind your meal — a level of transparency and trust that’s hard to find elsewhere ♪

Enjoying handmade Japanese food this easily? It really doesn’t get better.

We even spotted bags of wild mountain chestnuts (yamaguri) — generously filled and priced at just 350 yen per bag.

That much for only 350 yen? An absolute bargain!

Imagine all the shibukawa-ni (chestnuts simmered in their inner skin) you could make.

They also sell rice by weight, scooped fresh.

1kg for 410 yen.

Even better, they can polish (mill) the rice for you on the spot, so you can have everything done in one visit ♪

They also offer ice-cream-filled cream puffs (aisu shu cream)!

The afternoons here can still be warm, so this is a perfect easy-to-eat treat for kids and adults alike ( *´艸｀)

With three flavors to choose from, you can mix and match — a great way to share with the family!

HARD TO FIND

When something’s labeled like that, you simply have to buy it, right?

And with the cream cheese being homemade too,
as a self-confessed handmade-food lover, I couldn’t resist reaching for the “Kuu-man” pastry.

Brown Rice Coffee Soft-Serve Ice Cream — 380 yen
was on the menu too!

Coffee made from rice? Incredible!
And having it poured over soft-serve ice cream — what a brilliantly creative twist!

Recommended Menu Item

This time, I tried the

Brown Rice Coffee Soft-Serve Ice Cream — 380 yen

and oh my!

Look at all that brown rice coffee generously poured on top.

Come on, this has to be delicious, right?

See? I told you it was delicious!!

The brown rice coffee isn’t powdery at all —
it melts beautifully into the soft-serve, making it incredibly easy to enjoy.
I’ve discovered a whole new kind of soft-serve!

Soft-serve ice cream topped with coffee is genuinely delicious,
and because it’s made with brown rice coffee — a healthier, body-friendly option —
there’s zero guilt involved (*´ω｀*)

Kuu-man — 130 yen
was also a must-buy!

Trust me — when something is labeled “hard to find,” you grab it!

Look at that beautifully cracked surface — a sign of authentic handmade craftsmanship.
I’m completely hooked on homemade Japanese sweets.

Behold —

this is real homemade cream cheese!

The dough is wonderfully moist,
and the flavor of the pastry itself is outstanding.

The aroma when it mingles with the cream cheese is simply divine.

Out the back of Kiyora Casa, you’ll find a wide grassy lawn with a children’s playground,
so little ones can run around and have a blast while you shop and snack ( *´艸｀)

Our little “boss baby” was over the moon, sliding down the slide
again and again with the biggest smile.

At Kiyora Casa, you can play, eat, and shop — all in one stop!

If you’re traveling through the Aso highlands of Kumamoto, this is one local gem you won’t want to miss!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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