Introducing Kirun Rice Flour Bakery

Hello, fellow travelers!
I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma, and I have a serious soft spot for big-eater TV shows.

Today, I’m excited to take you to Waifu in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to visit a truly special bakery: “Kirun Rice Flour Bakery” (Komeko Pan-ya Kirun).

What makes “Kirun” stand out from your typical bakery? They specialize in bread made with rice flour (komeko) — a wonderful gluten-friendly alternative that’s still relatively rare in Japan.

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for rice flour bread, this place will feel like a dream come true!

The parking area sits right in front of an unforgettable shutter painted with a ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock print) of a woman enjoying bread.
It’s a piece of street art you won’t soon forget!

There’s even a vending machine right outside the shop. Grab some bread and a drink, and your perfect lunch is ready to go!

Better yet, Kirun is a participating shop in the “Kome-1 Grand Prix in Kikuchi”, a local competition celebrating the best rice flour cuisine in town. The anticipation is real!

Step inside, and you’re greeted by neat rows of beautifully arranged bread.

The shelves are placed in the center and at the back of the shop, making it easy to browse all the options.
I was so spoiled for choice that I literally walked the loop three times!

To make shopping easy, every rice flour bread is clearly marked with a “Komeko” (rice flour) sticker so you can spot them at a glance.

Wheat-based breads are labeled “Komugi” (wheat). As a general rule, anything not marked “Komeko” is a wheat bread.

You’ll also find hearty sandwiches packed with savory fillings — they’re so popular that many were already sold out by the time I arrived!

There’s also a wonderful selection of sweet pastries that make perfect snacks.
Since rice flour bread is basically rice, it counts as a proper meal, right?
That’s my official stance, and I’m sticking with it!

The #1 best-selling Hotel Shokupan (Japanese milk bread): half loaf 240 yen / full loaf 460 yen
Pro tip: you can place an order by phone in advance to make sure you don’t miss out!

Other rice flour favorites include the Jaripan (130 yen), a sugar-coated treat, and Anpan (130 yen), filled with sweet red bean paste.
Prices are clearly printed on each bag — perfect for letting kids do their own shopping!

Near the cash register, you’ll even find handmade masks and locally grown black soybeans for sale!

Recommended Menu Items at Kirun Rice Flour Bakery

This time, I picked up:
[Melon Pan], [Raisin & Walnut Bread],
[Choco Cornet], and [Aji Roll]!

Rice flour [Raisin & Walnut Bread]

The texture is incredible — fluffy and soft on the outside, with that signature mochi-mochi chewiness when you bite in.
This is the magic only rice flour bread can deliver!

The raisins are plump and moist (not dry at all!), pairing beautifully with the dough.

The walnuts add a lovely toasty accent that keeps you reaching for more. I could honestly eat a dozen!

Rice flour [Melon Pan] (a sweet Japanese pastry topped with cookie crust)
Not only is the bread dough made from rice flour — so is the cookie topping!
This is a true 100% rice flour Melon Pan, and I’m here for it!

It has a unique gentle sweetness and easy-to-eat quality that wheat versions just can’t match.
The cookie crust melds perfectly with the dough — kids will absolutely love it.

Rice flour [Choco Cornet]

My son’s all-time favorite!
Knowing it’s made with rice flour means I can happily serve it for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
The rich chocolate peeking out from inside speaks for itself.

Rice flour [Aji Roll] (Flavored Roll)

The Aji Roll comes in rotating flavors like “Chocolate,” “Maple,” and seasonal limited editions, which gives you a fun reason to keep coming back!

This time I tried the Pudding (custard) flavor.
The sweet pudding aroma blends gorgeously with the natural sweetness of rice flour.
The chewy rice flour bread acts as the perfect supporting player, drawing out all that delicious flavor.

A bakery that’s gentle on your body and made with love. Please pay them a visit — I know I’ll be going back!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate as of the time of visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.