Hello there, fellow travelers!
This is Maru, a Sarukuma writer! 🙂🙃

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
“Kumamoto Castle Kobai-an”,
located in Ninomaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City.

This is one of Kumamoto’s most iconic Japanese sweets shops!

This time, I visited their location inside Sakura no Baba Johsaien!
It’s a fantastic tourist spot packed with delicious street food and walking gourmet experiences.

You’ll find it right next to Kumamoto Castle, just a short walk from the Civic Hall heading toward Miyukizaka slope.

There’s a paid parking lot conveniently located right next door.

The shop is located right beside the ⑧ Waterfront Stage area.

After all that walking around the castle grounds, your feet need a break.
You want a nice cup of tea, and maybe just a little something sweet to nibble on…

Wait a minute!!

I just spotted the perfect sign for a light snack break! 😋

Orders are placed at the tea ceremony counter.
You can choose between takeout or dining in.Half of the space features traditional tatami mat benches with cushions
and cozy little tables, so you can relax and enjoy your sweets in true Japanese style.

The walls feature videos about the sweets’ history and
displays of items related to traditional confectionery, almost like a mini gallery!

It’s truly the perfect space for a relaxing break!

Of course, sweets are sold individually as well as in beautifully boxed sets,
making them perfect souvenirs to bring home!

Restrooms are located outside the shop. A diaper changing station is also available.

Recommended Menu Items

First recommendation:

Soft serve ice cream with the famous Jindaiko sweet inside! 😮

It was selling like hotcakes — clearly a fan favorite!
I’m so curious what the gyuhi (soft mochi) tastes like with ice cream.

Second recommendation:
A special kintsuba sweet that’s only available at 3 Kobai locations including this one!

It’s freshly baked right at the shop!

Higo Tsuba — only 100 yen

And it comes with hojicha (roasted green tea)!
What a steal! 😮

Third recommendation:

A special ohagi (sweet rice ball) supervised by
Kumamoto Prefecture’s first female first-class wagashi craftsperson!

This one is 326 yen, also includes tea

I only realized after going home and researching
how special the Higo Tsuba and ohagi really are! Definitely trying them next time (=^^=)

So what did I end up choosing this time?

The classic Jindaiko + tea
famous sweets set for 270 yen 😋

Adding tea to any sweet costs just an extra 50 yen — incredibly reasonable!

Following the instructions, I cut through the wrapper and sweet together with the included paper knife — and it sliced through beautifully! (o^∀^o)
It cuts surprisingly well!

This is actually Japan’s first paper knife of its kind,
and the wrapping uses a patented paper-can sealing method!

The chewy gyuhi mochi paired with smooth, moist red bean paste is the ultimate combination!

As someone originally from outside Kumamoto, I still remember the first time I received Jindaiko as a gift —
that innovative opening method and incredible flavor
absolutely blew me away! ( ✧Д✧)

I bought a few individual pieces to take home with me.

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

Outside, the Omotenashi Bushotai (Hospitality Samurai Squad) was performing on stage, drawing crowds of delighted tourists.

Why not treat yourself to some of Kumamoto’s finest traditional sweets? 🍵

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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.