The season for a warm cup of tea is finally here.

Hello, travelers!
This is Asukarando, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’d like to introduce you to a charming little spot:

Kyomachi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City is home to
“Ninomiya Kaho”, a delightful wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop.

This traditional Japanese sweets shop sits along Kyomachi Street.
The storefront was rebuilt after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake,
and since the new sign is still on order, you’ll only spot a small one out front for now,
but this is the place! (^-^)

Parking is available right in front of the shop.

Step inside! (^-^)/

You might come for the wagashi,
but you’ll also find chiffon cake, custard pudding, and cream puffs lined up on the shelves!

Recommended Menu

Here’s what I picked up this time (^-^)/

Cheese Manju — 130 yen

Chiffon Cake — 130 yen

The chiffon cake and cream puffs are sold from a stand outside the shop,
so they aren’t always available — I was lucky to catch them today! (^-^)/

Hana Yuzuki — 290 yen

Believe it or not, this sweet is so labor-intensive that
Ninomiya Kaho is the only shop in all of Japan still making it!

Once you hear that, how can you not try a bite?

I brought my treasures home and enjoyed them with a cup of green tea.

First up, the Hana Yuzuki I’d been so curious about (^o^)

The moment I unwrapped it,
I was enveloped in the fragrance of yuzu citrus (^-^)

It came pre-sliced, so I picked up a piece elegantly with a kuromoji (traditional wooden pick) (^o^)

The delicately softened yuzu peel and
moist, lightly sweetened smooth red bean paste
melted away in my mouth (^^)

Then a sip of green tea, and
aaahhh~~

A flavor that soaked into both body and soul.

Next, the Cheese Manju.

A generous chunk of cream cheese hidden inside!
The perfect East-meets-West match (^o^)

And finally, the chiffon cake…
which my son polished off almost entirely.

It was so fluffy that it indented at the slightest touch,
and so soft you barely needed to chew!☆

Of course, you’ll also find classic wagashi like:

Jonamagashi (premium fresh wagashi) — 130 yen

These designs change with the season
and even with the owner’s mood,
so you’ll discover something different every visit.

Just in time for the upcoming season, the red and white daifuku for Shichi-Go-San (a traditional festival celebrating children) was on display (^-^)

6-piece box — 1,000 yen

9-piece box — 1,500 yen

The same daifuku is also sold at Kato Shrine.
I bought some myself when my own children celebrated Shichi-Go-San.

They also offer affordable single-piece options.

1 piece — 100 yen

You can even order custom decorated cakes.
Given how delicious both their Japanese and Western sweets are,
the cakes have to be amazing too, right? (^-^)/

And honestly, the owner’s warm and humble personality
seems to make every sweet taste even better.
He’s a quiet, kind soul.

If you find yourself in the area,
please drop by the Kyomachi wagashi shop “Ninomiya Kaho.”

Heads up ☆ The owner sometimes heads out for outside sales,
so it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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