Kansenan Tenmeido: Edo-Era Wagashi Shop in Kumamoto with Sake Castella & Famous Cheese Buns (Kawashiri, Minami-ku)
2020.11.18

A SaruKuma writer’s firsthand visit to “Kansenan Tenmeido,” a historic Japanese sweets shop in Kawashiri, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City. Prices start from just 200 yen. We’ve also covered family-friendly tips, access, and opening hours.
About the Shop
Hello, fellow travelers!
I’m Binako, a SaruKuma writer who thinks about dinner while eating breakfast!
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kansenan Tenmeido (ηζ³εΊ΅ εΎ‘θεε¦ε€©ζε ), a treasured wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop located in Kawashiri, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City.

Believe it or not, this incredible wagashi shop was founded between 1781 and 1788 (Edo period)!
After establishing Kitagawa Tenmeido Co., Ltd. in 1952 (Showa 27),
the shop was passed down to its 8th generation owner in 2019 (Reiwa 1) and remains beloved by locals and visitors alike!

There’s parking right in front of the shop and along the side, so finding a spot is stress-free β perfect for tourists with rental cars!

The interior is spacious and welcoming!

Sake Castella β 200 yen
A traditional Japanese sponge cake infused with sake. I couldn’t resist trying this unique creation!

Over 300,000 sold cumulatively?! Wow!
The famous Chiman (cheese bun) β 120 yen
Lucky me β they were fresh out of the oven!

Right beside the register, you’ll also spot:
– Chestnut yokan (sweet bean jelly)
– Mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings)
– Kushi dango (skewered rice dumplings)
A wagashi paradise!

There’s also a wide selection of baked sweets β perfect for omiyage (souvenirs) to bring home!

And here’s the surprise β the shop offers not just traditional Japanese sweets but Western-style pastries too!
This place is like a treasure chest of desserts!

Wasanbon Roll Cake β 1,188 yen
Cream Puff Roll Box β 1,296 yen
Available in chocolate, vanilla, and many other flavors!

Seriously?!
Can I just shout how amazing this is?!
Cake Ends (Cake Trimmings) β 432 yen
When you spot these, grab them β they’re a steal!
And they even come topped with fruit. Pure luxury!
I’ve discovered a place pure happiness lives!

Hold on β there’s more!
At the back of the shop, there’s a cozy eat-in corner and even a cafe space β perfect for a relaxing break during your Kumamoto sightseeing!

Here’s the cafe menu!
The drink selection is fantastic, and if you order any Western pastry or fresh sweet, drinks are just 300 yen β what a deal!
Recommended Menu
You absolutely have to try the Chiman cheese bun!
Doesn’t it look incredibly delicious?

On the back, you’ll find their adorable mascot character,
Chiman-kun β totally heartwarming!
Since they were piping hot from the oven, I dug in right after buying!

So delicious it was beyond words!
No wonder they’ve sold over 300,000!
Now I totally understand why this treat is so beloved!

Time to try the Sake Castella too!

Itadakimasu! (Let’s eat!)
The aroma of sake gently fills your senses,
and the alcohol notes finish clean and refreshing β absolutely delicious!
Even though I don’t drink alcohol,
this was so good I could honestly eat it endlessly!
Highly recommended!

They even gave me a leaflet with serving suggestions!

And here’s some great news!
From November 19th to 22nd (4 days only),
they’re holding a special Crepe Fair!
Don’t miss it!
Be sure to drop by during your Kumamoto travels!
Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
SaruKuma shares lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and other useful info for families exploring Kumamoto.
Thanks for following along!

Kansenan Tenmeido Shop Information
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Address
Kawashiri, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
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Hours
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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Closed
Irregular holidays
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TEL
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Website
https://www.kitagawa-tenmeido.com/
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Payment
Available
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Parking
Available
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No
Tatami Seating
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No
Private Rooms
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No
Kids’ Tableware
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No
High Chairs
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No
Diaper Changing Table
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Yes
Stroller Accessible
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly spots in Kawashiri, Minami-ku, Kumamoto?
Kansenan Tenmeido is an easy-to-visit and popular spot for families in the Kawashiri area of Minami-ku, Kumamoto. See this article for more details.
What are the opening hours and closed days at Kansenan Tenmeido?
Hours and closed days may change. Please check the official website or call ahead before visiting.
*Information is accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.
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Article Writer
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Sarukuma Editorial
Sarukuma Editorial is a small team of locals based in Kumamoto, Japan, sharing the hidden gems, hometown flavors, and seasonal experiences that make our region special. We write the kind of guide we wish we had when showing friends around β honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.
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