Introducing malou

Hello travelers! It’s Gachako, your local writer from Sarukuma.

Today I’m taking you to Itakusu in Nagomi Town, Tamana District — right near the Mikawa Branch Office,
to a lovely little spot called malou.

There’s a parking area right in front of the shop.
Since it sits on a busy intersection, please take extra care when parking.

The building was once a small grocery store called “Convenience.”
It closed about 15 years ago, and the shutters had stayed down ever since.
Then the Mizukami couple — members of Nagomi Town’s Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad who relocated from Tokyo —
brought it back to life. When the shutters finally opened and the new sign went up last year, the whole neighborhood was buzzing with excitement waiting for opening day.

malou opened its doors on June 15, 2022, on a sunny break in the rainy season.

Inside, you’ll find three tables for two and an eight-seat counter crafted from a single slab of wood.

To the right as you enter, there’s a kids’ room — perfect for families.

Behind the kids’ room is a tiny secret-base-style nook that looks like pure fun!
It’s the clever transformation of what used to be the space for a commercial refrigerator.

Cold water is self-serve.

They also offer “sayu” (warm plain water) — a thoughtful touch I really appreciated.

Here’s a look at the menu:

Citron Cake … 480 yen
Basque Cheesecake … 550 yen
Buckwheat Cookies … 320 yen
(All gluten-free sweets)

Drip Coffee … 500 yen
Cold-Brew Iced Coffee … 500 yen
Chinese Tea … 600 yen
Domestic Fuji Apple Juice … 150 yen

The drinks are all carefully selected, additive-free options.

malou’s Recommended Menu

I went for the drip coffee with a slice of Basque cheesecake,
plus Chinese tea paired with the citron cake.

The Basque cheesecake has a wonderfully soft, half-set center that practically melts on your tongue.

Rich and creamy, it pairs beautifully with the coffee.

The Chinese tea was Dong Ding Oolong, a prized Taiwanese variety.
The first cup arrives already poured, but for the second steeping onward, you brew it yourself following the printed instructions.

After steeping, you leave the lid off so any bitterness can escape.
Despite the oolong name, this tea is nothing like the oolong you might know —
it’s clean, smooth, and refreshingly free of any harsh aftertaste.

The citron cake had an incredibly moist texture — you’d never guess it was gluten-free.
Little pieces of citrus peel added a bright, zesty accent that made every bite delightful.

The shop also features handcrafted goods and accessories,

plus a curated collection of books and picture books hand-picked by the owners.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, cozy spot to enjoy great drinks, sweets, and a slice of local culture,
do make time to visit malou on your Kumamoto adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.