About the Shop

Hello, fellow travelers!

I’m Binako, a writer for Saru-Kuma, and I firmly believe that
no matter how much you eat,
washing it down with tea makes it zero calories!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to
“Cake Shop Alpen”,
a charming patisserie located in Kamikoube, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City.

The shop was originally located in Tsukide,
but after the devastating Kumamoto earthquake,
it took more than two years before reopening at this new location in Kamikoube—a testament to the resilience and dedication of its owner.

Convenient parking is available right in front of the shop—a real bonus if you’re traveling by rental car.

The moment I stepped inside,
I was greeted by an array of beautifully crafted cakes.

The owner mentioned that the selection was a bit smaller than usual since it was just before Christmas, but…
the variety still felt absolutely overwhelming!

One of Alpen’s most popular treats is the
Tsukide Cream Puff (Tsukide Choux) — 160 yen.
This generously sized cream puff is a must-try
for anyone who loves Japanese-style choux pastries.

Dark Cherry Tart — 360 yen
The name alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Strawberry Tart — 390 yen
Strawberry Shortcake — 380 yen

The glistening strawberries paired with pillowy whipped cream
are an irresistible delight for any sweet tooth.

This one is guaranteed to be amazing—
Mille-feuille — 420 yen.
Delicate, crispy pastry layers sandwiching rich custard cream…
honestly, I’d love to be sandwiched in there too!

And here’s the owner-pâtissier’s personal recommendation:
Mont Blanc — 420 yen.
The beautifully piped chestnut cream is simply mesmerizing.

Roulage — 1,350 yen
Pure Cream Roll Cake — 1,300 yen
Pure Cream Chocolate Cake — 1,300 yen

There’s also a wonderful selection of baked goods—
perfect as souvenirs or gifts to take home from your Kumamoto trip.

And the artisan behind these incredible creations is
owner-pâtissier Mr. Yamamoto.

And let me tell you—
he is one of the kindest, warmest people you’ll ever meet!

This is a shop you’ll want to visit precisely because of Mr. Yamamoto,
and only he could craft cakes this gentle and heartfelt.

His polite, soft-spoken manner
is genuinely soothing—a real comfort to anyone visiting.

Recommended Menu Items

This time, I picked up the
Tsukide Cream Puff — 160 yen
and the Mont Blanc — 420 yen!

Even the tape on the cake box
was thoughtfully designed to peel off easily—
these little touches really make you feel cared for.

First up, let’s dig into the Tsukide Cream Puff!

As you crack open the crisp pastry shell,
lush custard cream comes pouring out—
a truly heart-fluttering moment for any dessert lover.

The custard is generously packed inside,
with a delicate sweetness and rich, fragrant aroma that’s absolutely divine.

It’s never overpowering—even though it’s hearty,
you’ll find yourself wanting to enjoy more than just one.

Next up, the Mont Blanc.
Just look at it…
that impossibly beautiful form!

Slide
the fork right through, and…

The portion is incredibly generous—
as a Mont Blanc lover, my heart is throwing a full-on celebration!

The tart base is wonderfully crispy,
pairing perfectly with the smooth, moist cream—
a delightful contrast that’s incredibly easy to enjoy.

Beneath the chestnut cream,
you’ll find layers of lightly sweetened whipped cream and custard.

These layers come together hand in hand as you take a bite,
creating a beautiful Mont Blanc symphony in your mouth.

And to top it all off,
there’s a whole chestnut tucked inside—
truly the height of indulgence!

If you’re a chestnut or Mont Blanc fan,
you’ll be absolutely smitten.

Even the message tucked inside the cake box
radiated genuine love and care for every cake created here.

The shop has such a relaxing atmosphere
and offers so many delicious cakes—I’m convinced everyone who visits will fall in love with it, just like I did.

Be sure to stop by during your Kumamoto adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.