Welcome to harepan

Hello, fellow travelers!

I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma — and yes, my sister recently recommended me a rather mysterious anime!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a charming little bakery tucked away in Futa, Nishihara Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture — “harepan”.

Here’s something important to know before you go: Tuesday through Thursday is reservation-only, and Friday is the only day for walk-in shopping. Look for the cheerful blue door — it almost dares you to peek inside and see what’s baking.

Parking is available right in front of the shop, so it’s easy to stop by during a drive through the Aso countryside.

I dropped in just after lunchtime and many of the breads were already sold out — a clear sign of just how popular this little bakery is among locals.

Right next to the bread shelves, you’ll find a tempting selection of baked sweets too.

The display case beside the register holds treats like Apple Pie (390 yen) and Anbutter — sweet red bean paste with butter (200 yen).

You’ll also discover unique loaves like Multigrain Bread, French Pain de Mie, and Cereal Loaf — varieties you don’t often see, and each one had me curious to try.

Chiffon cake is also available by reservation. Just remember to order at least two days in advance.

Recommended Picks at harepan

First up, I tried the Apple Pie.

Right after I picked mine up, several other customers came in — I just barely made it in time!

You can see the beautiful flaky pastry layers right through the crisp golden crust.

Inside, you’ll find generous chunks of apple that are perfectly balanced — sweet but with a refreshing fruity tang, making each bite light and easy to enjoy.

Next, I tried the Tuile, a delicate French-style cookie.

The thin, snappy crispiness was absolutely irresistible — my child kept reaching for more, and honestly, ended up eating most of them!

The toasted almond flavor and crunchy texture are addictive — the kind of treat you’d happily eat every single day.

Friday trips to Aso just got a whole lot more delicious — a stop at harepan is the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway!

If you find yourself exploring the Aso area on a Friday, don’t miss this hidden gem!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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