Introducing Minori Kogeisha Shokutaku Kiki

Hello, travelers!
It suddenly started raining and I had to dash out to grab my laundry —
this is Binako, your Sarukuma writer.
I managed to rescue everything just in time.

Today I’m taking you to a hidden gem tucked away in
Niwada, Misato Town, Shimomashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Minori Kogeisha Shokutaku Kiki.”

Owner Sonoda-san originally came to Misato Town as a member of the “Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad” (Chiiki Okoshi Kyoryokutai), then settled here permanently and opened Shokutaku Kiki.

The drive itself is half the fun — the rural scenery shifts beautifully as you head deeper into the countryside.
Next door, fresh local vegetables are sold, so you can even pick up something for tonight’s dinner on the way home.

The parking area is spacious,
so finding a spot is no trouble at all.

Open the door and you’re greeted by a glass case lined with sweets.
The “Treat of the Day” rotates daily, so visiting always comes with a little burst of anticipation: what will be on display today?

Step into the next room and you’ll find a single-seat eat-in space.
It feels like your own private nook — a quietly indulgent café moment all to yourself.

The shelves also feature suberihiyu (purslane) somen noodles for sale.
Purslane is packed with nutrients — definitely something I’d love to try cooking with.

Recommended Menu at Minori Kogeisha Shokutaku Kiki

Here’s the drink menu.
Many of the beverages feature local ingredients from Misato Town and nearby Uto City,
including house-made caramel sauce — every option sounds tempting.

Each item comes with a small description,
which makes choosing easy and adds to the fun.

Today, I went with:
・Pan-bi Sandwich (280 yen)
・Yuzu Earl Grey Cider (250 yen)

The name “Pan-bi” comes from two ideas:
“Pan” because it looks similar to French campagne bread,
and “Bi” because the light, airy sponge has a texture reminiscent of biscuit (biscuit in French).

I expected something quite sweet, but the moment it hit my tongue
a soft, gentle sweetness spread out and the silky sponge melted away —
a wonderful surprise in the best possible way.

The cream and caramel are both restrained in sweetness.
The banana inside is actually the sweetest element —
it’s such natural, gentle flavor that the whole thing disappears before you realize it.

I gave the Yuzu Earl Grey Cider a good stir before sipping.
Nice touch: it comes with a paper straw, an eco-friendly detail.

The bright citrus aroma of yuzu meets the clean, crisp finish of Earl Grey tea.
Neither flavor overpowers the other — they pair beautifully.

And of course, I scooped out and savored every last piece of yuzu peel at the bottom.

It’s the kind of place that lets you breathe out and slow down —
please do stop by if you’re traveling through Kumamoto’s countryside ♪

I’ve also written about other gems in Misato Town, including “Mori no Pan-ya,” “Michi no Eki Misato Samata no Yu,” and “Kissako Takashima-en” — be sure to check them out too.

[Mori no Pan-ya] A beloved bakery where you can also buy wine — try the “baby’s ○○ bread” I missed out on! 《Misato Town, Kamimashiki District》

[Michi no Eki Misato Samata no Yu] A roadside station with hot springs, foot baths, lodges, and a restaurant — ice cream at the foot bath is a must! 《Misato Town, Kamimashiki District》

[Kissako Takashima-en] An award-winning tea ice cream and pesticide-free tea specialty shop 《Misato Town, Kamimashiki District》

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
Sarukuma shares lunch spots, parks, indoor play ideas, and more for families exploring Kumamoto.
We’d love a follow! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

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