Introducing Yamaboshi no Ki

Hello, travelers!
I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma, and today I’m taking you somewhere truly special — a cafe tucked inside a historic building that quietly tells the story of old Japan.

Today’s destination is Yamaboshi no Ki, located in Itoda, Kosa Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Yamaboshi no Ki building dates back 140 years to the Meiji era, carrying with it the warmth of a bygone time. While it has been thoughtfully renovated, every corner still whispers stories from the past — the kind of place where you instantly feel transported.

You’ll find parking right in front of the shop.

And just a bit further along, there’s an additional parking area — perfect news if you’re driving a larger rental car or van.

The grounds are home to several distinct spaces:
“Sabi Kissa” (the cafe), “Kiko Craft” (a craft shop), “Chiisana Restaurant” (a small restaurant), and “Hanare Beya” (a detached room).
Today, I’m visiting Sabi Kissa — the charming cafe ♪

Before we step into the cafe, let me show you around the property.
This space is rented out for events and is also used for seminars and gatherings.

Wandering further in, lush greenery surrounds a lovely outdoor terrace seating area.
It happened to be raining during my visit, but honestly? The rain only added to the atmosphere — there’s a quiet, poetic beauty to a Japanese garden in the rain.

Right next to the terrace stands the main house.
Apparently, a wedding was once held here — and I can completely understand why. The setting is so beautifully traditional that I found myself daydreaming about having a Japanese-style wedding here someday!

Throughout the grounds, you’ll find a variety of trees, each labeled with its name.
This one is a blueberry tree.

And here is the “Yamaboshi” (Japanese dogwood) tree, the namesake of the cafe itself.
Strolling through the grounds and connecting with nature is part of the charm.

Now, on to Sabi Kissa!
There are also outdoor table seats, perfect for relaxing on a sunny day.

Inside, toward the back of the shop, you’ll discover a selection of handcrafted goods for sale.
Every piece has been made by local artisans, and just looking at them is a calming, eye-pleasing experience.

They also sell tableware, so if you find a piece you love, you can take a beautiful Japanese souvenir home with you.

The dining area is filled with nostalgic Showa-era treasures.
A rotary dial telephone caught my eye and instantly brought a smile to my face — it reminded me of the black rotary phone that’s still working perfectly at my grandparents’ house!

There’s also sofa seating, making the cafe comfortable and welcoming for families with children.

Yamaboshi no Ki: Recommended Menu

Here’s the menu.
It’s beautifully crafted on traditional washi (Japanese paper) — just holding it gets you excited for what’s to come.

There’s also a takeaway drink menu available.

Sabi Kissa offers two signature dishes:
The Mizutama Plate (1,200 yen), made using fresh spring water from Kumamoto’s famous Shirakawa Suigen.

And the Daruma Furo (800 yen), inspired by the lucky daruma doll — a beloved symbol of perseverance in Japan, captured in the saying “fall down seven times, get up eight.”

There were other drinks on offer too, including the curiously named “Unlucky Apple Juice”… now THAT is a name that sticks with you. I have a feeling it’s the kind of drink you never forget once you try it!

Seasonal summer and winter menus are also available — something to look forward to no matter when you visit.

This time, I ordered the Daruma Furo (800 yen).
The moment it arrived at my table, I couldn’t help but grin — it’s just THAT cute.

The set comes with two daruma-shaped monaka (wafer sweets), accompanied by konpeito (tiny star-shaped sugar candies) and walnuts.

You also get a bowl of matcha topped with shiratama (chewy rice flour dumplings) and sweet azuki red beans.

And a small side dish of Japanese pickles is included as well.
For just 800 yen, the value here is honestly incredible.
Each bite truly feels like happiness.

The green tea served alongside is also wonderful.
With the rain falling outside, the warm tea felt soothing and restorative.

Now, let’s give the daruma monaka their matcha bath!
Make sure they soak right up to the shoulders.

Putting two side by side seems to multiply the good fortune.

Eat it with your spouse or partner — it becomes a “Couple’s Daruma” (Meoto Daruma).
Share it with friends — it’s a “Friendship Daruma.”
Enjoy it with your kids — it’s a “Parent and Child Daruma.”
The way the daruma’s meaning shifts depending on who you share it with is just delightful.

Once they’ve had their soak, enjoy them with the matcha.
The flavor of the monaka pairs wonderfully with the fragrant matcha.

The shiratama dumplings are wonderfully chewy, and the lightly sweetened azuki beans bring out the rich, earthy flavor of the matcha even more.

You can enjoy the konpeito candies on their own, but try tucking them inside the monaka for a whole new experience.
The crisp crunch combined with the nostalgic sweetness of konpeito is pure joy in every bite.

Heart and stomach both wonderfully satisfied — what a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
If you’re exploring the Kumamoto countryside, why not stop by Yamaboshi no Ki for an unforgettable taste of old Japan?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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