About Sagara Chaya

Hello, travelers!
This is Maru, a writer for Sarukuma 🙂🙃

Today I’m taking you to Sagara Chaya, a charming little shop tucked away in Aira, Kikuka-machi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

The evenings are getting cooler, the chirping of insects fills the air, and autumn is quietly creeping in.

When you think of autumn in Japan, you think of chestnuts (kuri) 🌰 — and when it comes to chestnuts, Yamaga is THE place to be!
In fact, Yamaga is the largest chestnut-producing area in western Japan (ﾟ∀ﾟ)

I went for a drive recently and yes — chestnut trees absolutely everywhere!
And they were loaded with plump, ripe chestnuts ＼(^o^)／

And here’s the best part: from September 1 through November 30, the Yamaga Wagari (Japanese Chestnut) Sweets Fair is in full swing!

You’ll find Sagara Chaya right near the entrance to Sagara Kannon, a temple famous for its impressive Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) seated statue.

It’s the perfect little stop after paying your respects at the temple!

There’s parking right next to the shop, too — super convenient if you’re driving.

The shop has been featured on TV and in newspapers, and clearly has plenty of fans.
The lovely grandma — the shop’s beloved poster girl, pictured here — gave us a warm welcome ♡♡

They also sell beautiful, fresh-picked chestnuts.

Inside, you’ll find lovely souvenirs like Sagara Kannon Senbei (rice crackers) and other Japanese sweets, plus a small selection of local sake.

The Kuri Manju (chestnut buns filled with chestnut and sweet red bean paste, 8 pieces for 640 yen) were already sold out the day I visited!

Oh no — and the famous Kuri Dake Dango (“Pure Chestnut Dumplings,” 5 pieces for 750 yen) looked sold out too!
But just as I was about to give up, the kind grandma pulled some warm, freshly-prepared dumplings out of a styrofoam cooler for me (^^)

I got the last 5 packs! They do sell out, so I’d recommend calling ahead before making the trip.

Sagara Chaya’s Must-Try Menu

Behold — the original Kuri Dake Dango (Pure Chestnut Dumplings) 🌰

Ta-dah! Smooth, glossy little dumplings appear.

A thin, delicate skin wraps around what is, quite literally, pure chestnut…

…chestnut…

…and even more chestnut!

Simple, gentle, and absolutely packed with the natural sweetness of chestnut.
It’s not a smooth paste — there are coarser chunks mixed in, which give it a wonderful texture.

Each dumpling feels like it has 2-3 whole chestnuts stuffed inside! It’s surprisingly filling, but you’ll keep reaching for more 😍😍

Knowing that grandma is making each one by hand in the corner of the shop somehow makes them taste even better.

Grandma told me that the “Rihei” chestnut is the most delicious variety of all.
They start showing up around late September, so the chestnut season is really just getting started!

I’ll definitely be coming back for more 💕＼(^o^)／

Frequently Asked Questions

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