Hello, fellow travelers!

This is Binako,
your Sarukuma writer (currently dealing with an eyelash stuck in my eye)!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
“Ikkyu Honpo Hanatate Branch (Co., Ltd.)”,
located in Hanatate, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

This beloved wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop has multiple locations across Kumamoto and is known throughout the area for its delicious treats!

I’d been hearing rave reviews about Ikkyu Honpo’s wagashi from everyone I know, with friends raving about how delicious they are. As a die-hard wagashi lover myself… well, I simply had to check it out!

The shop is conveniently located within the parking area of Hazeyama Hanatate Branch,
and there’s also a parking lot right next to the shop, making it easy to stop by!

Inside, the display cases are filled with a wonderful variety of wagashi.
You’ll find sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes) and ohagi (sweet rice balls coated in red bean paste) served on skewers, making them super easy to eat on the go!
And at just 100 yen each, the prices are incredibly affordable!

You’ll also spot 40% off items on display, which is a delightful bonus!
It’s hard not to end up buying more than you planned!

The seasonal wagashi included
Shibukawa Mont Blanc — 180 yen
A glorious combination of chestnut and traditional Japanese sweets — you really can’t go wrong!

They also offer omanju (steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste),
so you can put together a wonderful selection of traditional treats.
It would make for a perfect Japanese sweets party with friends and family!

Shibukawa Chestnut Pie — 230 yen
Roasted Sweet Potato Pie — 230 yen
These autumn flavor pies were also available — perfect for the season!

They also have my absolute favorite,
the amazake manju (sweet rice wine bun).
You know how sometimes you just get a craving for something specific? This is it for me!

They even take pre-orders for special occasions like Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese celebration for children)!

And here’s a fantastic tip — every month on the 19th is “Ikkyu Day,” when their signature Ikkyu Dango is sold at half price!
Mark your calendar — the 19th gets very busy here!

Recommended Menu

This time, I tried:
Ikkyu Dango — 100 yen
Karinto Manju — 100 yen

The karinto manju is one of their most popular items, so I knew I had to try it!

First up, the Ikkyu Dango.
Four pieces on a skewer for just 100 yen — what a steal!

The dango has a wonderfully chewy texture with that perfect satisfying bite, and
the mitarashi (sweet soy glaze) sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweetness — absolutely delicious!

Each piece is a comfortable bite-size, so they disappear before you know it!

My child was completely hooked too, eating them with single-minded focus!

Next, I tried the karinto manju!

It’s about the size of a child’s fist — the perfect bite-friendly size!

The inside is packed full of smooth red bean paste (anko), and
since it’s deep-fried, the outside has a wonderful crispy texture!

That crunchy exterior gives way to wave after wave of warm umami and gentle sweetness, and the soft, mellow flavor of the anko is simply indescribable.

This one’s definitely a repeat purchase for me!
The size is just right — I could easily eat three as an afternoon snack.

Pair them with a warm cup of Japanese tea and you’ve got pure bliss!

Next time, I’m going back for my beloved amazake manju!

Be sure to stop by during your visit to Kumamoto — you won’t be disappointed!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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