Hello, fellow travelers!

It’s Binako, your SaruKuma writer with a serious obsession for Japanese brown sugar candy!

Today, I’m taking you to a charming little tea shop located in Ninomaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City:
“Ocha no Senen Kumamoto Castle Store”.

For parking, head over to the coin parking lot at Kumamoto Castle’s Sakuranobaba Johsaien — it’s the most convenient option for visitors!

This is a specialty Japanese tea shop, and right at the storefront you can enjoy free tea tastings!

The teas are all locally grown in Kumamoto, and they were absolutely delicious — a perfect introduction to authentic Japanese green tea.

And here’s something really unique — a Tea Stuff-Your-Bag Special for 1,080 yen!
If you’re a tea lover (or want to bring home a wonderful Japanese souvenir), this is a fantastic deal you won’t easily find elsewhere.

Inside the shop, you’ll find an impressive selection of teas — sencha, hojicha, matcha, and more. It’s a perfect spot to compare different varieties and discover your favorite Japanese green tea!

I also spotted the Cha-Cha Dama (matcha-coated soybeans) for 432 yen — they looked irresistibly delicious!

Must-Try Menu Items

The variety of tea-flavored treats here is incredible!

These folks are absolute geniuses when it comes to crafting soft-serve ice cream — every single flavor on the menu looks tempting.
And check out the bottom right — the Kumamoto Castle Gold Leaf Soft-Serve at 700 yen! Topped with real edible gold leaf — talk about an Instagram-worthy treat!

This time, I went for the
Green Tea & Hojicha Swirl Soft-Serve for 320 yen!

It even came topped with Cha-Cha Dama matcha beans — what a wonderful surprise!

The Cha-Cha Dama is incredibly tasty!

And the green tea flavor is wonderfully rich and intense!
There’s that signature subtle bitterness of authentic Japanese tea, but the natural sweetness shines through, making it refreshingly light yet full of that calming tea aroma.

The hojicha (roasted green tea) side is equally rich, with its own unique character — that warm, toasty, comforting flavor that only hojicha can deliver. Pure bliss!

They offer many other tea-based soft-serve flavors and drinks too, and the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming — perfect for international visitors!

If you’re exploring Kumamoto Castle, this is an absolute must-visit. Don’t miss it!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.