Welcome to Furuta Pan

Hello, fellow travelers!

This is Binako, a Sarukuma writer who keeps a stash of candy on hand for those between-meal hunger pangs!

Today I’m taking you to Iwashita, Kosa-machi in Kamimashiki District, home to the wonderful “Furuta Pan” bakery — a hidden gem in rural Kumamoto worth seeking out.

Set in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese inn (kominka), the warm, rustic exterior gives off an instantly calming vibe — the kind of place that feels like stepping into a storybook countryside scene.

To find the parking area, keep the bakery on your left and continue straight down the road.

You’ll spot a gravel lot on your right — that’s the parking spot.

Crystal-clear water flows around the building, and the whole place radiates a nostalgic charm — it honestly reminded me of visiting my grandmother’s house in the countryside. A perfect slice of rural Japan.

Furuta Pan opens at 11:00 a.m. I arrived at 11:30 — and many of the breads were already sold out! Local regulars and devoted fans had reserved their favorites in advance. A pro tip from a local!

The good news is that you can preview the day’s bread lineup on Furuta Pan’s Instagram, so I highly recommend placing a reservation the day before your visit if you have your heart set on something specific.

Campagne — 600 yen (whole) / 320 yen (half)
Made with amazake (fermented rice) yeast and carefully selected ingredients, this is a wholesome, body-friendly artisan bread.

Chocolate Waffle — 180 yen
Sugar Waffle — 160 yen
A kid-favorite snack — the sugar version is topped with crunchy Japanese arare sugar pearls.

Complet Frey — 250 yen
Mushroom Tartine — 250 yen
The Complet Frey is made with whole-wheat flour, while the tartine uses rye bread — both totally my kind of bread.

The bread lineup changes day by day, so half the fun is wondering, “What will be on the shelves today?” Each visit feels like a small adventure.

And just as I finished snapping these photos — every loaf was gone.
That’s some serious popularity!

Among Furuta Pan’s many fans, the doughnuts, square loaves (kakushoku), and fried bread (age-pan) are especially popular — definitely on my must-try list for next time.

What I Tried at Furuta Pan

This time I picked up the Sugar Waffle, the Complet Frey, and a whole-wheat round bread!

First up — the Complet Frey.

The tangy-sweet balance of the dried fruit is spot on, and the salty cheese tucked inside really shines through.
The bread is soft yet satisfyingly chewy.
My first bite literally got an out-loud “Wow, this is amazing!” from me.

Next, the whole-wheat round bread.

The bread has a lovely toasty aroma and a gentle tang from the amazake fermentation — refreshing and easy to eat.
It would be the perfect partner for breakfast or a bowl of soup.

Last but not least, the Sugar Waffle.
I absolutely love that golden-brown finish — call me picky!

Because of the name “sugar,” I expected it to be quite sweet — but not at all.
The sweetness is gentle and natural, making it a perfect afternoon treat even if you’re not big on sugary snacks.

The cozy, soothing interior invites you to slow down and enjoy unhurried time.
The building also operates as a guesthouse, which makes me want to come back for an overnight stay too.

If you’re exploring rural Kumamoto, please put Furuta Pan on your list — you won’t regret it!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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