Shop Introduction

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

Today I’m excited to introduce you to Kosa Town in Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, where you’ll find
“Ikeda Seikaho” — a wonderful traditional Japanese sweets shop (wagashi-ya).

Although the storefront looks fresh and modern, this shop has actually been around for over 60 years!
It’s a long-standing wagashi shop deeply loved by the local community.

And here’s the best part — they sell unique specialties you can only find here! ✨

There’s parking available beside the shop with space for about 2 cars.

When I peeked inside the shop, I could see what looked like regular customers chatting cheerfully with the lovely shop owner — such a heartwarming scene! 😊

Watching this kind of authentic Japanese small-town interaction made me feel right at home. The shop’s “okaasan” (mother/owner) is truly the local star — friendly, welcoming, and adored by everyone in the neighborhood.

She was incredibly kind and welcoming to me too — exactly the kind of warm reception that makes traveling in rural Japan so memorable. ❤

The shop has a cozy, intimate feel, with sweets neatly displayed on the right side as you enter.

Unfortunately, since I visited in the afternoon, the famous specialty was already sold out 😭
Their legendary Marshmallows!

The boxes pictured are gift sets, but they likely have smaller, family-sized versions too.
It’s a square marshmallow with castella sponge cake inside, then dusted with castella crumbs on the outside — a one-of-a-kind treat you won’t find anywhere else! 😍

Make sure to arrive early if you want to snag these — they sell out fast! (=^^=)

And here’s another famous specialty!
Idoekyo Manju — 800 yen for a box of 5

They also offer something delightfully unexpected:
Roll cake made by a traditional Japanese sweets shop! ✨
The chocolate drizzle on top adds the perfect touch!

What’s even better:
Roll cake (per slice) starts at just 145 yen
— wonderfully affordable! (=^^=)

Castella (small) starts at 450 yen too — a perfect souvenir to take home!

The left side of the shop has a modern table seating area where you can take a break.

Menu Highlights

This time, I tried the Idoekyo Manju — 5-piece box for 800 yen! ♪

At first glance, they look like ordinary manju (Japanese sweet buns), but…
Inside, you’ll find a simmered green plum (ume)! ❤️

Note: The plum contains a pit, so please be careful when serving to children!
The gentle sweet-and-sour balance of the plum is wonderfully refreshing — a treat that genuinely warms your heart. 😊

“Idoekyo” refers to the area around the glamping site
[COMMON IDOE] that we featured previously on Sarukuma!

[COMMON IDOE — Kosa Town, Kamimashiki District] Hassle-free glamping with riverside fun at this stylishly renovated campsite ♫

The Idoekyo Bridge that you cross to reach the campsite was apparently once a wooden suspension bridge! 😮

I also picked up a Chocolate Roll Cake slice for 145 yen!

A roll cake made by a traditional wagashi shop has a unique character —
the sponge is wonderfully moist with a light, refined sweetness, giving off a comforting, nostalgic flavor.
It truly tastes like happiness in every bite~ ✨

If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, be sure to stop by and grab some of these delicious local specialties! 🍵

Related article ↓

[COMMON IDOE — Kosa Town, Kamimashiki District] Hassle-free glamping with riverside fun at this stylishly renovated campsite ♫

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.