Introducing Maehiro Western Confectionery

Hello, sweet-tooth travelers!
With autumn in full swing, my craving for sweets just won’t stop.
This is Igaguri 🌰, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a lovely little patisserie called
Maehiro Western Confectionery (まえひろ洋菓子店),
located in Arao, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

To find it, turn at the intersection off National Route 208 and head down Shimin Byoin-dori (Civic Hospital Street) — it’s right there on the corner.

👆 Arao Chuo Hospital sits at the far end of this view.

👆 And on the other side, you’ll spot Arao City Hospital.
Sandwiched between two hospitals — talk about a sweet location!

There’s a shared parking lot right in front of the shop, so driving in is easy.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by rows and rows of sweets!

You’ll find plenty of treats featuring local Arao specialties like Manda Coal Mine-themed sweets and Arao pears (^^♪

The selection of baked goods is so wide it’s hard to choose!

I can just picture little kids gleefully filling up their shopping baskets here ♡

They even have shochu (Japanese spirit) jelly — a uniquely grown-up treat!

Chocolates and traditional yokan (sweet bean jelly) are also on offer.

Maehiro Western Confectionery’s Must-Try Menu

Let’s take a peek inside the showcase!

Whole cakes (size 4) start from 2,160 yen.

Cream puffs are 130 yen.
Pudding comes in two sizes: 130 yen and 280 yen.

Whole Peach Melba — 540 yen
Shine Muscat Tart — 450 yen
Fig Tart — 430 yen

A truly seasonal lineup you can only enjoy this time of year.

Mont Blanc, tiramisu, apple pie, cheesecake — every classic cake you could hope for is here.

Oh, look — they have macarons too!

Wait, what?!

Deco Macarons…?

These are unbelievably cute!!!!

This time, I picked up the shop owner’s recommendation: a slice of Arao Pear Tart for 280 yen,
plus two of those adorable Deco Macarons at 200 yen each!

Just look at the level of detail…

The little bunny is mixed berry flavor.

And the moon-viewing macaron (a nod to Japan’s traditional Tsukimi festival) is pistachio.

Being this cute AND this delicious should honestly be illegal.

It was my first time trying a Japanese pear tart, and the crisp texture of the local Arao pears made it absolutely delightful 🤤

I think I might love it even more than apple pie (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡

And there’s more to come throughout the year — Halloween designs…

Christmas creations…

Setsubun (Japan’s bean-throwing festival to drive away demons) — though these little oni demons are way too cute to chase off!

And White Day (personally, I can’t get over those kappa and piggy designs!)
— a lineup of Japanese seasonal events back to back!

The Deco Macarons are an especially perfect gift for the women in your life (*´Д｀)
Why not stop by Maehiro Western Confectionery and enjoy a taste of Japan’s seasonal celebrations (^_-)-☆?

Frequently Asked Questions

* Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.