Introducing Muraneko Kashiten

Hello, this is Mido 🌳, a writer for Sarukuma!

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a hidden gem in Futa, Nishihara Village:
【Muraneko Kashiten】

“Muraneko Kashiten” (literally “Village Cat Sweets Shop”) opened in September 2023 as a takeaway shop offering artisanal sweets and drinks. I’d been curious about it for ages!
Every photo on their Instagram is absolutely gorgeous — I highly recommend taking a look!
The sweets are not only delicious but also stunningly beautiful, the kind of treats that make you stop and admire them before taking a bite.

Heading straight along Prefectural Route 206, which runs along the south side of Kumamoto Airport, you’ll find Muraneko Kashiten right by the road.
It’s located right next door to Yoshie-chan Takoyaki.

【Yoshie-chan Takoyaki】Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside! Crispy-Gooey Takoyaki! 《Nishihara Village, Aso District》

You can park your car in the lot right in front of Muraneko Kashiten.
The exterior is just as lovely. Charming little plants greet you at the entrance. The shop’s logo is displayed on the glass of the door — and the cute little cat logo is absolutely adorable 💛
The moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by the wonderful aroma of coffee ☕ The interior is just as charming as the outside.
You can see the sweets beautifully displayed on the counter.

The sweet selection changes daily, with each day’s lineup posted on their Instagram.

Here’s the lineup on the day I visited.
“Chocolate Orange Cake (350 yen)” and “Carrot Cake (350 yen)”. “Pear and Black Tea Tart (400 yen)” and “Berry Milky Cheesecake (450 yen)”.

Also available that day: “Apple Pie” and “Scones”!
The “Pound Cakes (300 yen each)” came in flavors like “Coffee Marron,” “Matcha & White Chocolate,” “Weekend (lemon),” “Rum Raisin,” and “Caramel & Hazelnut.” The “Butter Cookies (300 yen each)” even include adorable cat-shaped and bear-shaped cookies. So cute! 💛
There were also “Coconut Cookies (250 yen)” and “Oatmeal Cookies (250 yen)” on offer.
The drink menu is wonderfully diverse ✨
There’s a great variety of hot drinks too, perfect for warming up body and soul during the cooler months.

【Drink Menu】
・Coffee (Hot/Iced) — 400 yen
・Café Latte (Hot/Iced) — 500 yen
・Soy Milk Café Latte (Hot/Iced) — 500 yen
・Black Tea (Hot/Iced) — 400 yen
・Craft Ginger Ale (Hot/Iced) — 500 yen
・Lemonade (Lemon/Yuzu) — 500 yen
・Hot Chocolate — 550 yen
・Single-Variety Apple Juice (Fuji/Orin) — 550 yen
・100% Fruit Juice (Orange and others) — 400 yen
Here are the gift boxes 🎁
The house-shaped box on the left is a gift set filled with cookies.
Prices vary depending on the cookies inside, but they’re typically around 500 yen. Perfect as a souvenir or gift! ✨
The owner is from Aomori Prefecture, famous for its apples. They also sell adorable bottled apple juices (350 yen each) with the cutest bottle design.
These would also make wonderful souvenirs! I’d love to do a tasting comparison 🍎🍏
All sweet and drink prices listed above include tax.
Various payment methods are accepted, including cashless options.

Although it’s primarily a takeaway shop, there’s also a restroom in the back (shared with the neighboring greengrocer and takoyaki shop).

Opening hours are 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with regular closures on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Any temporary closures are announced on their Instagram, so please check there for the latest information.

Recommended Menu Items at Muraneko Kashiten

From the irresistibly tempting selection of sweets…
I chose the “Carrot Cake” and “Berry Milky Cheesecake”!

I was so charmed by the carrot cake that I bought an extra one as a souvenir 🌼 Both look absolutely delicious — my expectations were already sky-high before I even took a bite. The shape of this “Carrot Cake” is just too cute for words. First bite — the warm cinnamon flavor fills your mouth instantly. The walnuts inside add a wonderful textural accent.
The cream on top is a rich cream cheese frosting, and eating it together with the carrot cake is pure bliss.
It was completely my kind of flavor — addictively delicious!
And here’s the “Berry Milky Cheesecake”.
Perfectly balanced — not too sweet at all. The fresh, vibrant berry flavor is just incredible.
A quiet “so good…” slipped from my lips. I really want everyone to taste this.

I knew it would be delicious before I even tried it, and my expectations were completely exceeded — it was truly, deeply wonderful 💘
I’m definitely going back to try other varieties 🚙
The drink menu is just as impressive ☕
Why not stop by Muraneko Kashiten for some sweets and a warm drink on your drive toward the Aso area?
It’s the perfect detour for any visit to Kumamoto.

【Yoshie-chan Takoyaki】Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside! Crispy-Gooey Takoyaki! 《Nishihara Village, Aso District》

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and opening hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.