Hello there, fellow travelers!

This is Binako, your SaruKuma writer,
sipping coffee in style today
thanks to a 7-Eleven app coupon!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
a charming traditional Japanese tea shop located in Wakaba, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City:
“Ocha no Gekkoen Kengun Piacres Store.”

Being a tea specialty shop, what caught my eye
from the street was the sign for amazake (sweet sake) — I just had to step inside (*´Д｀)

The store is located inside Kengun Shopping Street,
so visitors are encouraged to use one of the nearby coin parking lots.

Inside, you’ll find an impressive variety of Japanese teas on display ♪

There’s also a wonderful selection of traditional Japanese tea sweets —
perfect to pair with a hot cup of green tea, or simply to enjoy as an afternoon snack ( *´艸｀)

You can also pick up beautiful kyusu (Japanese teapots) and yunomi (tea cups)!
They’d make a perfect souvenir or a thoughtful gift for tea lovers back home ( *´艸｀)

The shop also stocks a lovely range of traditional soybean products, including
tofu (250 yen), edible amazake/sweet sake (300 yen), blended miso (886 yen), and oyako miso (713 yen) (*^^*)

You’ll even find umeboshi (pickled plums) — truly an incredible variety of authentic Japanese pantry staples all under one roof!

The Must-Try Menu Item

Although I originally came drawn in by the amazake,
the shop’s signature drink — affectionately called “Shaka Shaka” — is what everyone seems to rave about, so I had to try it:
Shaka Shaka — 350 yen

In winter, the shop traditionally serves hot matcha,
but this Shaka Shaka has become so wildly popular that they’re planning to offer it year-round! ^^

Right as I was placing my order, another customer walked in and said,
“I’ll have a Shaka Shaka too, please.” (*^^*)

So what exactly is Shaka Shaka? It’s an ice-cold matcha drink ^^

The best part — they hand-shake it fresh right in front of you when you order (*´Д｀)

And here’s the finished masterpiece!

The color is a stunning deep emerald green —
you can tell at a glance this is the real, authentic deal.

Honestly? Mind-blowingly delicious.
It was so good I couldn’t stop saying “Wow!” over and over.

The matcha flavor is rich and the aroma is unmistakably tea,
but thanks to a touch of kibi sugar (Japanese unrefined cane sugar), it has a gentle, drinkable sweetness.

This is on a whole other level.

Honestly, I want to drink one every morning on an empty stomach and let it flow through my whole body.

The shop owner’s wife is also incredibly friendly and warm.
When I told her how delicious it was, she beamed and said “Yay!” with such genuine joy.
How adorable is that?

I genuinely want everyone to taste this.
Just remember the magic word: “Shaka Shaka” (*´Д｀)

So next time you’re in Kumamoto, be sure to stop by for your own Shaka Shaka adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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