Welcome to Kaisuishu

Hello everyone! 😊
This is Yuzu, a writer from Sarukuma 😃

Today I’m introducing
【Kaisuishu】かいすいしゅう, a charming spot located in Shiranui-machi, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture ⭐︎

This cafe is fully reservation-based, with phone bookings starting at 9:00 AM.

Reservations are taken in 15-minute slots from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
I used two phones starting right at 9:00 AM with a burning determination to get in 😆
(↑ This passion is essential!)

Tucked away among the rice fields of Shiranui-machi, this hidden gem is famous for its
incredible shaved ice and shiratama (sweet rice dumplings) 😃

The parking lot is at the foot of the cafe 🚗

There’s plenty of room for many cars 👍🏻

Look for the signboard at the parking area and follow it to the cafe 👍🏻

The hand-painted sign has so much character 🥰

I couldn’t contain my excitement! ✨

You’ll walk down this charming little path from the parking lot to reach the cafe 🥰

It feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie — magical and full of wonder 🤩

There’s even a swing outside the cafe! 🤩

The kids were having an absolute blast on it 😆

At the entrance, you’ll spot a vintage shaved ice machine that gives off a wonderful Showa-era (mid-20th century Japan) nostalgic vibe ☺️

Now, let’s head inside! GO! GO!!!!!

What do you think?

It feels just like visiting your grandmother’s house — warm, cozy, and wonderfully nostalgic ✨

You can choose between table seating, traditional engawa (wooden veranda) seating,

seating by a fireplace,

or even outdoor seating 😄

Choosing where to sit is part of the fun (and the dilemma)! 😂

This time, we picked this lovely window seat 💎

A calendar right on the table 📆

So stylish! 😀

I couldn’t help checking whether it was this year’s calendar 😂

Curious? Come see for yourself! 😁

Water is self-service here 🤲
There’s a little knack to pouring it, so just follow the instructions 😃
(I’m notoriously clumsy, so it might be easier for everyone else! 😅)

This is the central space of the room, beautifully decorated with traditional
Japanese washi paper 😀 It serves as a gorgeous interior display ⭐︎

The entrance signboard mentions washi (handmade Japanese paper),
which explains why it’s featured throughout the cafe 🥰

Since washi paper isn’t something we encounter often,
being surrounded by it gives such a warm, comforting feeling ☺️

Picture books are also available, so children can wait happily without getting bored 👍🏻

Please note: photographing the menu is not permitted at Kaisuishu, so I’ll describe everything in writing 😄

First up — the shaved ice (kakigori) 🍧

This isn’t your typical shaved ice!

At Kaisuishu, the shaved ice is made
using a special machine that flash-freezes the ingredients upon order,
creating thread-like, incredibly fluffy shaved ice!

It’s served in a generous donburi (rice bowl) 😃

At the time of our visit, following them on Instagram earned us 3 free shiratama dumplings 🌟🌟
So of course, we followed immediately 😍

Just looking at the menu photos, you can tell it’s incredibly fluffy 😆

You’ll have to come and see it with your own eyes! 👍

Next up — shiratama (sweet rice dumplings) & drinks

Shiratama can be ordered on its own or as part of a great-value drink set 😊

And now! The main event — Kakigori Steak (Shaved Ice Steak)

Only 20 servings per day, so be sure to mention it when making your phone reservation!

Shaved Ice Steak??? You might be wondering what on earth that is —
it’s literally shaved ice shaped like a steak 😄

Each guest must order one item 🤲

Shaved ice can be shared, and a drink also counts as your order 👌

The view from inside is so lush and green — incredibly soothing ✨

Payment can be made with PayPay (a popular Japanese mobile payment app) 😊

Recommended Menu Items at Kaisuishu

First, the Shiratama Kinako Drink Set
(matcha) — 1,400 yen

Absolutely delicious!!!

The shiratama dumplings are unlike any I’ve had before —
they have a wonderful mochi-like (chewy rice cake) texture and taste amazing!

The kinako (roasted soybean flour) has just the right level of sweetness!

My mochi-loving family was
completely blown away by how delicious it was 😆

They savored every last bite, not wanting it to end! 😂

And now, the moment we’d been waiting for — Kakigori Steak (Shaved Ice Steak)

Matcha and Kinako — 2,100 yen

Here’s a side view of the Kakigori Steak ⭐︎

See? It really is shaved ice shaped like a steak!

What an innovative concept! Truly creative ✨
The balance of green, brown, and white is gorgeous 🤩

The shiratama is placed perfectly on the raised section of the plate —
even the dish is thoughtfully designed 😊

The plate is pre-chilled,
showing just how much love and dedication goes into this Kakigori Steak ❤️

The taste is wonderful, and it’s beautifully fluffy 🥰

We shared it this time, but one person could easily polish it off! 😁

A stylish traditional folk house cafe (kominka cafe)
that soothed both body and soul ❤️

If you’re visiting Kumamoto, please add Kaisuishu to your itinerary!

Thank you so much for reading to the end 😊

There was even an adorable doggy! 🤩

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Frequently Asked Questions

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