Check latest news
on SNS!

New Drive-In UFO: A Quirky Cafe at Yuhoen Fruit Picking Farm in Kumamoto’s Kawachi District

Outing Spots

2020.10.14

๐Ÿ“Œ What you’ll learn in this article
Our SaruKuma writer visited “New Drive-In UFO” in Kawachi-machi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, and reports back with all the details. Price range: from 850 yen. Includes family-friendly tips, access info, and opening hours.

Hello, fellow travelers! ๐Ÿ˜„
This is Yuzu, a writer for SaruKuma ๐ŸŒป

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to
ใ€New Drive-In UFOใ€‘, located in Kawachi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City ๐Ÿ›ธ

This is a charming cafe attached to Yuhoen, a farm famous for its fruit picking experiences ๐Ÿ˜„

This newly opened cafe debuted in September ๐Ÿฅฐ

It’s been creating quite a buzz online! ๐Ÿคฉ

The name is a clever play on words โ€” Yuho (the farm’s name) and UFO! ๐Ÿ˜

And just look at that wonderfully retro signboard โ€” it’s so charming! ๐Ÿคฉ

There’s plenty of parking right in front of the shop ๐Ÿš—

On the day I visited, four large tour buses were parked outside (probably for fruit picking field trips!) ๐Ÿ˜€
During these challenging times of COVID-19, it was heartwarming to see kids able to enjoy a school excursion and make wonderful memories ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

Now, let’s head inside! GO! GO!!!!!

Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a stylish, warm wooden interior that immediately makes you feel at home โ˜บ๏ธ

Here’s the food menu ๐Ÿ›ธ

And here’s the drinks menu ๐Ÿ›ธ

And here’s the menu with photos ๐Ÿ›ธ

The food selection is wonderfully diverse, ranging from the mysterious-sounding UPO Noodles (more on these later) to a hearty Hormone (Offal) Set Meal ๐Ÿ›ธ

Right where the light is reflecting, you can spot the Fatigue Recovery Smoothie ๐Ÿ›ธ
(According to the staff, it’s a refreshing blend of komatsuna โ€” Japanese mustard spinach โ€” and fruit, surprisingly easy to drink!)

And here’s the dessert showcase

I arrived a bit late this day, so the selection was running low ๐Ÿ’ฆ

Of course, if you go earlier, you’ll find everything on offer! โ˜†
Next time, I’ll definitely come earlier ๐Ÿ›ธ

Water service is self-serve ๐Ÿ˜Š

It’s a bit hard to see in this photo, but it’s actually
fruit-infused water ๐Ÿ›ธ

Fruit-infused water is always such a delightful touch! ๐Ÿ›ธ

I chose a seat at the window-side counter you can see in the back ๐Ÿ›ธ

Seating includes both tables and counter spots ๐Ÿ›ธ

The aisles are wide, so strollers are no problem at all ๐Ÿ›ธ

PayPay is accepted ๐Ÿ‘

The view from the window is like a painting โ€” truly soothing for the soul ๐Ÿ›ธ

Recommended Menu Items

This time, I tried the UPO Noodles (850 yen) I mentioned earlier ๐Ÿ›ธ

It’s a creative twist on a Chinese-style peperoncino
(pronounced “yu-po-men”) ๐Ÿ›ธ

The name is absolutely perfect for this UFO-themed cafe! ๐Ÿ›ธ

It comes loaded with cilantro, meat, and onions, and you mix everything together ๐Ÿ‘
If you’re a cilantro lover, you can add extra cilantro ๐Ÿ›ธ

Highly recommended for cilantro fans!

The thick noodles wrap perfectly around all the ingredients!
And it’s wonderfully SPICY!!!

It has a delightful Asian flair ๐Ÿ›ธ

With thick noodles and generous toppings, it’s incredibly satisfying!

And next up…

Pudding, Grape Tart,
and Coffee ๐Ÿ›ธ

The coffee uses beans from Coffee Kairo, the cafe we’ve featured previously ๐Ÿ˜

ใ€Coffee Kairoใ€‘A Stylish Coffee Gallery in a 120-Year-Old Renovated Buildingใ€ŠNishi-Karajin-machi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto Cityใ€‹

The pudding had a lovely, gentle eggy flavor ๐Ÿคฉ

The tart had a wonderfully crisp base, generously topped with grapes, and the whipped cream on top was a perfect match ๐Ÿ‘

I hope the photos convey just how delicious it all was! ๐Ÿฅฐ

Please come and treat yourself to nature and delicious food at this lovely spot ๐Ÿ›ธ
As a bonus, there’s also nagashi-somen (flowing noodles) and a fishing pond right next door! ๐Ÿ˜

I went a little overboard with the ๐Ÿ›ธ emoji in this article, didn’t I? ๐Ÿ˜

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
SaruKuma shares information about lunches, parks, and indoor play spots tailored for families with children in Kumamoto.
We’d love for you to follow us! (*ยดโˆ€๏ฝ€*)

New Drive-In UFO Store Information

  • Address

    Kawachi-machi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture

  • Hours

    11:00โ€“16:00

  • Closed

    Wednesdays

  • TEL

    096-288-1545

  • Website

    Yes

  • Payment

    PayPay

  • Parking

    Yes

  • No

    Tatami Seating

  • No

    Private Rooms

  • No

    Kids’ Tableware

  • No

    Kids’ Chairs

  • No

    Diaper Changing Station

  • No

    Stroller Access

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a great family-friendly spot in Kawachi-machi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City?

“New Drive-In UFO” is a popular and welcoming spot for families in Kawachi-machi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City. Check out this article for full details.

What are the opening hours and closed days for New Drive-In UFO?

Hours and closed days may change. Please check the official website or call ahead before visiting.

โ€ปInformation is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please verify before visiting.

Article Writer

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 โ€” honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.

View All

Popular Ranking

Keywords

Editor's Picks

PICK UP

Check latest info
on Instagram!

Check latest info
on Instagram!

Follow Sarukuma on Instagram for the latest food spots and event info!

Sarukuma Official Account