Hello and welcome!

This is Binako, a writer for SaruKuma, currently torn between short sleeves and long sleeves as the seasons shift!

Today I’m excited to introduce a hidden gem located in Komori, Nishihara Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Sakata Sweet” — a charming pastry shop you won’t want to miss.

The shop sits right in front of a private house — a cozy countryside setting.

There’s a clear sign on the way to the shop, so it’s easy to find^^

Inside, you’ll find an inviting selection of scones, madeleines, and other baked treats.

One standout was the Guru Guru Cookies (120 yen), made with dried sweet potato and purple sweet potato.
If you love Japanese sweet potato (imo), these swirled cookies are a must-try (^^♪

Here’s the Sweet Potato (200 yen), made with freshly harvested local karaimo sweet potatoes from Nishihara Village.

That golden-brown roasted top looks absolutely irresistible…( *´艸｀)

The display case is filled with their signature chiffon cakes ♪

Caramel Flavor — 220 yen
Chocolate Flavor — 220 yen
Marmalade Flavor — 220 yen
Walnut & Brown Sugar Luxury Chiffon — 350 yen
Chocolate Banana — 300 yen

With such a variety to choose from, online reviews suggest the marmalade flavor is the local favorite^^

Cookie Cream Puff — 150 yen
Cheesecake — 440 yen

The cheesecake actually comes as a set of two pieces, making 440 yen a real bargain!

Whole chiffon cakes are also available for purchase ^^

As a fun bonus, the shop also sells handmade accessories — perfect for browsing while you wait for your order ♪

Recommended Menu Items

This time, I went with:
Marmalade Chiffon — 220 yen
Sweet Potato — 200 yen

The moment I pulled the chiffon cake out of the bag, I was stunned by its incredibly fluffy texture.

It feels so airy you’d swear it might tear apart with the slightest touch!

The chiffon cake’s texture is out of this world.
Beyond fluffy — it’s practically cloud-like!

It melts on your tongue with a gentle, airy sweetness.

Perfectly balanced — not too sweet, just deliciously satisfying.

I don’t usually go for marmalade, but this version completely won me over.

The marmalade flavor never overpowers — it weaves beautifully into the chiffon cake, drawing out an extra layer of sweetness with every bite.

Wow, this is delicious.
No wonder it’s a bestseller…

Even though I was already full, before I knew it, the entire piece was gone!

Next up — the sweet potato treat.

Lovingly handmade and absolutely mouth-watering in appearance.

Just look at that beautiful caramelized top and glossy finish.

Two pieces for just 200 yen — what a steal!

Hold on — this is incredible!

The instant it hits your tongue, you can taste the real sweet potato! — pure, rich potato flavor unfolds with each bite.

The natural sweetness of the karaimo shines through with no extra fuss.

Seriously delicious.
If you’re a sweet potato lover, you absolutely have to try this.
It blew me away.

To get this for just 200 yen is genuinely impressive.

Honestly, I want to come back here on a regular basis just for this.

The shop staff were wonderfully kind, even chatting warmly with my son who came along.

It’s such a heartwarming, relaxing place.

I highly recommend it — go check it out for yourself!

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.