Welcome to Imo Kashiya

Hello travelers, I’m Aikero, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m sharing a true local gem located in Minami-Takae, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City —
[Imo Kashiya].
As the name suggests (“imo” means sweet potato in Japanese), this shop crafts the iconic Kumamoto specialty ikinari dango along with a delightful range of other sweet potato treats (^^)

“It’s so much fun — I really feel this is my calling (●＾o＾●),”
the cheerful owner told us with a beaming smile. Her shop is approaching its 20th anniversary.

Word-of-mouth has done all the marketing here,
and even Taku-chan from the popular local comedy duo “Mokkosu Fire” has dropped by several times ( ◠‿◠ )

Now, let’s uncover the secret behind this beloved spot’s lasting popularity (^^)/

The day I visited was extra windy, so the green noren curtain was tucked away — but normally you’ll spot it hanging right by the entrance.

Here’s a key tip:
If the flag and noren curtain aren’t out, it means they’ve sold out for the day (>_<)
Imo Kashiya is located right by the Jonan-naka Iriguchi intersection on Route 3.
It’s also very close to Guru Guru Soko Kumamoto Main Store, which might be an easier landmark to navigate by (^^)

Just nearby is also [Minamitakae Kajimen Park], which our writer Suno has previously introduced.

If you’re coming from central Kumamoto City, don’t make a full left at the intersection — instead, veer diagonally forward.
There’s parking for 1–2 cars right in front of the shop, so feel free to use that.
I live within walking distance, so I usually visit with a stroller — and yes, you can fit one inside the shop just fine (^○^)
Here’s the lineup at Imo Kashiya (^^)/

Ikinari Dango (chunky red bean / white bean / smooth red bean) — ¥120
Sweet Potato (Sweet Potato Cake) — ¥120
Imo Pie — ¥160
Fluffy Imo Manju (reservation required by previous day) — ¥90
※Fried Ikinari Dango is currently not available.

Wait… isn’t this seriously cheap!?
I’ll say it again because it’s that important.

Ready? Isn’t this just unbelievably affordable!!??

You can get THREE ikinari dango with a single ¥500 coin and still have change left over!!!On the counter, you’ll find
Sweet Potato Cake at ¥120,

and Imo Pie at ¥160, lined up beautifully.

The ikinari dango is kept warm in a styrofoam cooler, so if you eat them right after buying, they’re still wonderfully warm and fresh ♪

The Ikinari Dango and Imo Pie are especially popular,
so if you really want to make sure you can grab some, I highly recommend phoning ahead to reserve.

Many customers buy 20 or 30 at a time, and after 2:00 PM they often sell out completely.

Imo Kashiya Recommended Menu

Of course, you have to start with this iconic Kumamoto specialty!
Kumamoto’s famous Ikinari Dango — ¥120 (a steamed dumpling with sweet potato and red bean paste wrapped in a chewy rice flour skin)

The sweet potatoes are sourced directly from farmers in Ozu — that’s real local commitment!
There are three varieties (chunky tsubu, smooth koshi, and white bean shiro), and the chunky tsubu is the most popular (^^)/
Look at that moist sweet potato layered with a generous helping of sweet bean paste.
Just the cross-section is enough to make your stomach rumble!
Excuse my serious face — but I went in for a big, hearty bite. lol

The chunky version delivers a rich, deep red-bean sweetness, while the smooth and white-bean varieties offer a more refined, elegant flavor.
The sweet potato isn’t dry at all — it’s silky smooth, almost like bean paste itself (●＾o＾●)
The skin doesn’t overpower the filling, creating a perfect harmony of three textures!
Right after the ikinari dango, the next most popular item is the Imo Pie!

Once you take a bite, you’ll instantly understand — the sweet potato filling is incredibly smooth and moist.
The sweetness is gentle, but combined with the dusting of powdered sugar on top, you’ll find yourself reaching for another before you know it!

I’ve also brought these as a gift for friends in the past, and they were a huge hit ♪
The Sweet Potato Cake, with its irresistible golden-brown finish, has a warmer, fluffier sweet potato texture compared to the Imo Pie.
That said, there’s no fibrous stringiness at all — just the rich aroma of butter combined with the natural sweetness of sweet potato. Absolutely irresistible ♪

Word-of-mouth fame has spread so widely that customers come from outside Kumamoto Prefecture, keeping [Imo Kashiya] bustling all day long.

The secret to its popularity?
It’s the warm, joyful personality of the owner — someone who truly considers this her calling —
and the comforting, gently sweet sweet-potato treats made with love (●＾o＾●)
If you’re in Kumamoto, this is one stop you absolutely don’t want to miss ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

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