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

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to
a hidden gem in Shimoshiro, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Hitaya Soto Cafe”.

Hitaya is primarily a traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) offering overnight stays^^

On this visit, we enjoyed the food and drink service offered through their outdoor cafe, known as Soto Cafe (^^♪

The Soto Cafe is conveniently located right next to Hitaya’s main entrance (^^♪

Just look at this charming, traditional exterior!

Isn’t it stunning?!

It instantly puts you in a wonderful mood for an authentic Japanese experience!

For parking, please use the spaces along the river♪

There are additional parking areas as well,
so please check the signs for guidance!♪

Recommended Menu Items

The menu features:

Drinks

Food items

And alcoholic beverages too ( *´艸｀｀)

Amazake (sweet rice drink) – Non-alcoholic: 300 yen

With alcohol: 400 yen

Steam Set: 500 yen

Local Sake – 1 go (180ml): 450 yen / 5 go (900ml): 2,000 yen

Hot Apple Pie & Coffee: 700 yen

Takeaway Options

Onsen Tamago (Hot Spring Egg) & 2 Croissants: 400 yen

Cafe Dining Sets

Non-alcoholic Beer & Hot Apple Pie: 800 yen

Hot Coffee & Crispy Rusk: 700 yen

These sets are for dining at the cafe♪

Matcha Green Tea (one serving): 400 yen

You can also enjoy authentic matcha green tea here!

Matcha is just… heavenly. It’s the kind of drink that makes you smile from ear to ear with every sip!

This time, we ordered the Steam Set for 500 yen!

The Steam Set includes:

– 2 boiled eggs – Ikinari Dango (a traditional Kumamoto sweet potato and red bean dumpling) – Hojicha (roasted green tea)

This is the famous Tsuetate-style steam cooking pit — a unique tradition of the area.

If you’ve made the trip out here, you absolutely must try this experience!

The steam was so intense it was hard to capture a clear photo,

but here are our little goodies being steamed away!

While we waited, we sipped on some fragrant hojicha tea.

Ah, this is what I call pure indulgence! A truly luxurious moment.

Pour, pour, pour…

I got a little excited and some tea leaves slipped into my cup, but
the rich, deep flavor of the hojicha was absolutely soothing.

What an authentic taste! I savored every sip slowly.

The eggs and ikinari dango are ready!

They look so warm, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.

They kindly provided some salt to season the eggs.

Eggs steamed with natural onsen (hot spring) vapor…

are seriously incredible. The flavor is rich and aromatic, with a wonderful fragrance.

I genuinely want everyone to try these eggs… seriously.

We were also treated to some pistachios.

The freshly steamed ikinari dango is such a treat —
the sweet potato is perfectly fluffy and pairs amazingly with the sweet red bean paste.

Pairing it with the pistachios takes it to another level —
you’re entering pure happiness territory!

We highly recommend trying this onsen steam-cooking experience for yourself!
It’s so delicious you’ll want to come back again and again!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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