Introducing Nishihara Studio

Hello, fellow travelers!
It’s Gussan, your SaruKuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to Komori, Nishihara Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, where you’ll find 【Nishihara Studio】.
This lovely cake and scone shop opened on January 14, 2022, and is the sister shop of 【Wa-no-Cha Ryokugien – RYOKUGIEN -】 in Kuhonji, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City.

[CLOSED] 【Wa-no-Cha Ryokugien – RYOKUGIEN -】A Tea Lover’s Paradise: Soothing Sweets and Drinks 《Kuhonji, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City》

Since I visited on opening day, the shop was beautifully decorated with congratulatory flowers.
The stylish exterior immediately raised my expectations.
The shop sits right next to Shinsho Sugawara Shrine, making it easy to find. Plus, there’s a surprisingly large parking lot, so you’ll never have to wait for a spot.
A tempting lineup of cakes and scones greets you right next to the register. So exciting!!!
Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer…
Uji Matcha Cheesecake — ¥520
Tea Shop’s Basque Cheesecake — ¥500
Strawberry & Uji Matcha — ¥550
Tiramisu-style Basque Cheesecake — ¥550
Rich Chocolate Cheesecake — ¥520
Rich Matcha Cake — ¥520
Scones come in flavors like plain, chocolate chip, raisin butter, and matcha & sweet bean, priced from ¥300–350.
They also offer homemade lemonade and coffee.
You can enjoy your purchases inside the shop, but seating is limited to single chairs only — so families with kids may prefer the outdoor terrace or simply taking the treats to go.

Nishihara Studio — Recommended Menu

The weather was lovely, so we picked the terrace seats and lined up our treats with friends.
Yesterday I was completely wiped out from a hangover, but today I’ve made a full recovery — and this view of cakes and scones is pure bliss! lol
I went with the Rich Matcha Cake and a chocolate scone.
Woohoo! I couldn’t contain my excitement! (Maybe I’m still a bit tipsy? lol)
Behold the cross-section of the Rich Matcha Cake — just look at that thick layer of fresh cream! Irresistible.
And here we go. First bite.
Wow! The matcha flavor is bold and deeply satisfying. I worried the heavy cream might be too rich, but it’s surprisingly light — I polished the whole thing off in no time.
I planned to stop at just the cake, but it went down so easily that I had to dive into the scone too! lol
Crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside.
It’s seriously hefty — one scone is incredibly filling.
Delicious through and through.
【Nishihara Studio】, this stylish little gem tucked away in Nishihara Village, also offers takeout — the perfect stop on a countryside drive through Aso. It also makes a wonderful gift for friends and family.

[CLOSED] 【Wa-no-Cha Ryokugien – RYOKUGIEN -】A Tea Lover’s Paradise: Soothing Sweets and Drinks 《Kuhonji, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City》

Nishihara Studio — Access

Frequently Asked Questions

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