Introducing Higoya

Hello there!
This is Kurumikko, your Sarukuma writer!

Today I’m introducing
“Higoya”,
located in Nireki, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City.

This is a specialty shop for “ikinari dango” — a beloved traditional sweet snack from Kumamoto.

I heard that Higoya offers a style of ikinari dango that feels surprisingly fresh and new even to locals from Kumamoto. As a huge fan of Japanese sweets (wagashi), I headed over with serious excitement!

The shop is located near Nireki Elementary and Junior High School and Tsuruya Foody One Kusunoki, with a clear sign right out front on the street.

And there it is — the famous ikinari dango on display 😚

There’s parking for about three cars right in front of the shop.

Step inside and you can place your order right at the counter!

Behind the counter is the in-house factory, where staff carefully craft each dumpling by hand with great care.

They also sell frozen ikinari dango so you can enjoy them anytime at home!

These are perfect for snack time or whenever a little hunger strikes 🍵
So charming and convenient!

Recommended menu at Higoya

Here’s the menu at the shop.

White (azuki red bean paste): 110 yen
Yomogi (mugwort): 120 yen
Purple sweet potato: 120 yen
White (whole white bean paste): 120 yen
Chestnut (kuri): 130 yen
Walnut (kurumi): 130 yen
Butter: 130 yen
A wonderfully varied lineup!

Of these,
the White (azuki) at 110 yen and
the Chestnut (kuri) at 130 yen are available freshly steamed.

There was also a seasonal “sakura” (cherry blossom) ikinari dango!

This one is available only from winter through spring 😚

This time I picked the two top sellers:
White (azuki) and Chestnut 🍵

Freshly steamed and beautifully warm!

The steam clinging to the wrapping film is part of the appeal too~ (^・^)

The White (azuki) 😆

So glossy and gorgeous!!

Resisting the urge to chomp into it whole, I cut it in half first.

A three-layer structure of sweet potato and red bean paste ✨

As hinted on the shop’s signage, this triple-layer construction is what makes Higoya truly unique!

The fluffy steamed sweet potato sandwiches the red bean paste, and the texture in your first bite is genuinely surprising!

It’s a fresh new sensation with a wonderfully smooth mouthfeel. The sweetness is perfectly balanced — every bite is delicious!

Next, the Chestnut.

A whole chestnut inside?! The beautiful chestnut peeking out looks absolutely irresistible.

The dough was so wonderfully chewy that I struggled a bit, but I managed to slice this one in half too!

Sweet potato, red bean paste, and chestnut all in one bite…
Pure happiness packed inside!

So warm and comforting 🌰 you can really taste the natural flavor of each ingredient! My kids loved them too.

If you can’t make it to the shop in person,
you can also order them through Higoya’s website!
If you’re curious, definitely check it out.

With so many varieties, sampling and comparing them all sounds like a great plan!

Thank you for the wonderful treat!

Higoya Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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