Hello, travelers!
I’m “Gussan,” a writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’m taking you to a hidden gem in Uragami, Shiranui-machi, Uki City — [FoRest].
This delightful gluten-free sweets shop opened its doors on September 1, 2023, and it’s quickly become a local favorite.

Welcome to FoRest

FoRest sits in a wonderfully peaceful spot, surrounded by rice paddies and farm fields.
“Is this really the right way?” I asked myself more than once on the drive over (laugh)! But trust your GPS — you’ll find it easily, and there are even adorable little signposts along the way to guide you.
After climbing a gentle slope, you’ll find parking spaces beside and in front of the shop.
The building itself is a charming log house that radiates the natural warmth of wood.
And right by the parking lot, you’ll be greeted by the shop’s mascot — MONA-chan, the resident goat! Kids absolutely adore her.
Watching her sunbathe peacefully in her sunny spot is genuinely soothing — a perfect welcome to this slow-paced countryside escape.
Following Japanese custom, you’ll remove your shoes at the entrance before stepping inside FoRest.
Absolutely stunning!!!
The intimate space is sprinkled with stylish little touches — every corner offers something delightful to discover.
The name “FoRest” beautifully combines “Forest” and “Resto” (rest) — a heartfelt invitation to slow down and unwind in nature’s embrace.
Sunlight streams through the windows onto the cozy sofa seating — it looks wonderfully warm and inviting.
There’s also a charming terrace seating area at the entrance, complete with a wonderfully retro rocking horse.

FoRest’s Must-Try Menu

FoRest’s muffins are crafted with carefully selected ingredients, so even small children can enjoy them with peace of mind.
Made with rice flour instead of wheat flour, the muffin lineup rotates with the seasons — making every visit a fresh experience.

Here’s what was on the menu during my visit:
・Blueberry Cream Cheese (380 yen)
・Strawberry Cream Cheese (380 yen)
・Chocolate Rum Raisin (360 yen)
・Chocolate Nut (350 yen)
・Ikinari Muffin (a Kumamoto local-style muffin, 360 yen)
・Sweet Potato Muffin (350 yen)
・Savory Muffin (340 yen)
They all looked irresistible — and so adorably presented that I genuinely struggled to choose. (laugh)
Here’s the drink menu:
・Iced Coffee (250 yen)
・Flavored Coffee (250 yen)
・Café Latte (300 yen)
・Green Tea Latte (400 yen)
・Chai Latte (400 yen)
・Chocolate Cocoa (400 yen)
・100% Apple Juice (80 yen) is also available — perfect for the kids.
As the weather cools, more visitors will be craving hot coffee — note that hot coffee comes in the flavored coffee variety.
I went with the Blueberry Cream Cheese (380 yen) and Chocolate Nut (350 yen), enjoyed right there in the shop.
The drink cups and coasters feature darling illustrations of MONA-chan, the resident goat.
The pop of color is just too cute! ♡
The Blueberry Cream Cheese muffin is generously stuffed with creamy cream cheese inside a tender rice flour base.
It’s lightly sweetened, and thanks to the rice flour, it isn’t heavy at all — wonderfully easy to enjoy.
It’s a little hard to see in the photo, but the Chocolate Nut muffin is packed with hearty chunks of nuts.
With plenty of generous chocolate chips folded in, it’s a wonderfully filling treat.
I picked up some other tempting muffins as takeout treats for the kids back home.
The wrapping is so adorable that they’d make perfect souvenirs for friends, too!
The shop staff were genuinely warm and welcoming, too.
If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, do stop by FoRest — this gentle little rice flour muffin shop is a real treasure. ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.