Hello, travelers!

I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma — still trying to figure out if my gut-health routine is actually working!

Today I’m excited to introduce a hidden gem in Hikimizu, Ozu Town, Kikuchi District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Karaimoya-san” — a sweet potato lover’s paradise!

You’ll find the shop inside Michi-no-Eki Ozu (Ozu Roadside Station). With the road to Mt. Aso now reopened, it makes the perfect pit stop on a scenic Kumamoto drive!

The parking lot is absolutely HUGE!
And yet — it’s packed with cars almost every day!

This roadside station is seriously popular!

Restrooms are conveniently located in the large building right next door.

There’s also a nursing room and diaper-changing station, making it a comfortable stop for families with babies and small children.

Out front, you’ll find benches and tables — the perfect spot to sit, relax, and enjoy your snacks at a leisurely pace.

Recommended Menu

The menu here is HUGE!

The menu stretches across an entire row, and almost every item features karaimo (Japanese sweet potato) as the star ingredient.

The shop had a non-stop flow of customers!

Brown Sugar Candied Sweet Potato (Daigaku Imo) — 500 yen
Sweet Potato Karinto — 500 yen

The karinto features generously cut chunks of sweet potato — seriously satisfying and full of flavor!

Large Sweet Potato Tempura — 150 yen (sold out when I visited!)
Ikinari Korokke (Sweet Potato Croquette) — 200 yen
Bauimon Korokke — 200 yen

And here’s the famous one —
Croissant Imo-Tai (Sweet Potato Taiyaki Croissant) — 330 yen
Available in flavors like:
• Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc
• Pumpkin Pudding
• Bitter Chocolate
• Custard Imo-Tai
• Original Imo-Tai
• Cream Cheese Croissant Imo-Tai
It’s a whole sweet potato squad!

Ikinari Dango “Teruteru-hime” 5-Variety Set — 700 yen

Mochi-Mochi Ikinari Dango — 150 yen (Kumamoto’s famous sweet potato and red bean dumpling!)
• Mont Blanc
• Cream Cheese
• Custard
• Original Sweet Bean Paste
• Pumpkin Pudding
• Chewy Cacao Almond
The variety of ikinari dango here is seriously impressive!

The Croissant Imo-Tai is clearly the shop’s signature dish — it’s featured prominently throughout the store.

But let me let you in on a secret: the Sweet Potato Sticks (250 yen) are also a huge favorite!

This time, I went with the Croissant Imo-Tai with Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc — 330 yen!

Have you ever seen such a beautifully golden-baked taiyaki?

Look at those black sesame seeds on top!
It’s incredibly crispy and absolutely delicious!
The sweet potato filling is generous, sweet, and beautifully rich!

The sweet potato flavor really shines through, paired beautifully with the flaky croissant pastry.
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.
Just as the menu promises — pure dessert bliss!

If you stop by Michi-no-Eki Ozu, you absolutely have to try this!

The natural sweetness of the sweet potato is incredible!
Definitely add this to your Kumamoto travel bucket list!

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Food images and menu

Frequently Asked Questions

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