About the Shop

Hello, travelers!
This is Ayu-mama, your SaruKuma writer.

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a wonderful spot tucked away in Takamori, Aso District:
Buzenya Honten.

Locals may know this place better as “Marukichi Shoyu” — the famous soy sauce brewery!

This shop is renowned for its miso and soy sauce, attracting devoted customers not only from across Kumamoto Prefecture but from all over Japan!

Convenient parking is available on-site!

Inside the shop, you’ll find shelves lined with an impressive variety of soy sauces and miso pastes — a true treasure trove of Japanese fermented goodness.

They even carry their own vinegars!

And it’s not just miso and soy sauce — they also sell takana-zuke (pickled mustard greens), a beloved Kumamoto specialty!
I’m a huge fan of takana-zuke, so of course I had to grab some right away!

Must-Try Menu

While Buzenya Honten is famous for its miso and soy sauce, the real surprise hit is their handcrafted Soy Sauce Ice Cream — yes, you read that right, and it’s absolutely delicious!

You can buy it in a cup, but here’s the magical twist…
You can also have it served as a Soy Sauce Monaka Ice Cream Sandwich — sandwiched between two crispy traditional Japanese wafers!

While my treat was being prepared, the staff kindly invited me to wait by the warm stove inside.
What a lovely gesture — that gentle hospitality and cozy heat melted away the chill of the Aso highlands.

I went straight for the monaka ice cream sandwich!
And the best part? Just 300 yen!
Bravo!

Just look at it!
Glistening soy sauce ice cream cradled lovingly between two crisp, golden monaka wafers (°▽°)
The savory-sweet soy sauce caramel notes blend beautifully with the creamy ice cream — a match made in flavor heaven!

Personally, I’m not a fan of soggy monaka wafers…

But here, the wafers are filled fresh on the spot, so you get that perfect satisfying crunch with every bite!

And of course, the ice cream itself is incredible!
It’s so smooth and approachable that even kids will gobble it right up!

If you’re traveling through Takamori Town, this is one Kumamoto treat you absolutely cannot miss!

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please check before visiting.