Introducing Ikkyu Honpo Jonan Branch

Hello everyone! This is Suno, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today, we’re heading to Higashi-Atakayama, Jonan-machi, Minami-ku, Kumamoto City to visit
[Ikkyu Honpo Jonan Branch] — a beloved local sweets shop.

The shop sits along the main road through Jonan-machi. Head a few hundred meters toward central Kumamoto and you’ll spot the family-friendly izakaya “Lunch-dokoro Yoshikura.”There’s a spacious parking lot, so driving here is stress-free.

The glass display cases are packed with colorful dango (Japanese rice dumplings) and manju (steamed buns) — it’s hard not to get excited!The shop’s signature treat — and namesake — is the classic Ikkyu Dango at just ¥100.

And here’s the best part: on the 19th of every month, they’re half price! A deal you can’t miss ♪

You’ll also find limited monthly specials like the caramel manju, plus seasonal goodies — when we visited, hina-arare (rice crackers for the Doll Festival) were on display.The #1 recommendation, the Choco Daifuku at ¥230, often sells out before noon!

My personal pro tip: pop the choco daifuku in the microwave for just a few seconds and watch the chocolate ooze out from inside — it’s basically a Japanese fondant au chocolat ♪

Trust me, you have to try it warmed up!Lucky us — we even spotted the discount items on sale!
They’re labeled “Please consume today,” but honestly, they never last past dinner at our house, so the savings are a delightful bonus (lol).They also offer traditional celebration items like first-birthday “fumase mochi” and “karawase mochi,” plus festive red rice for special occasions ♪

Recommended Menu at Ikkyu Honpo Jonan Branch

Founded 60 years ago, Ikkyu Honpo has 9 locations across Kumamoto Prefecture (the Mashiki branch is currently closed).
Many locals have been to one of their shops, but have you ever spotted the sign for “Kyoto-style Fried Takoyaki”?

Wait — takoyaki at a dango shop?! Yes, you read that right!

Just slide open the door at the Jonan branch and step inside…

Ta-da! A traditional Japanese sweets café with 7 counter seats (and 2 high chairs for little ones)!Plus 3 sun-drenched tatami zashiki seats where you can relax in the warm afternoon light.
This cozy space is called Kanmi Chaya Ikkyu-an, a traditional sweets café found at three of Ikkyu Honpo’s locations: Suizenji, Jonan, and Yatsushiro.

Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (last order 3:00 PM)

Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last order 4:00 PM)

Western-style toilets, self-serve water, and complimentary tea available.

Open the menu and prepare to be tempted — every single dish looks absolutely delicious!

My personal pick: the Soy Milk Mochi Gratin at ¥690.

The base is creamy soy milk with a hint of miso (well, it’s not really hidden — they list it right on the menu, lol), giving it an irresistibly rich, savory depth.

For the kids, I added an Onigiri (rice ball) for ¥150 on the side.
How often do you get to choose pork-miso flavor for an onigiri? Pretty unique ♪

Sweet tooths swear by the Yakimochi Zenzai (grilled mochi in sweet red bean soup) at ¥590, but the Abekawa Mochi (¥550) with soybean flour and the Isobe Mochi (¥550) wrapped in nori are equally tempting — every visit is a tough decision.But today, I’m going all in on the #1 must-try dish:
Kyoto-Style Takoyaki at ¥510 (6 pieces)!!

Just look at these beautifully fried takoyaki!
Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside — and best enjoyed piping hot.The classic sauce-and-mayo combo is delicious, but the real game-changer is the matcha salt served on the side. Try it — you’ll thank me later!

Since each batch is freshly fried to order, expect a 15–20 minute wait. Got restless little ones? No problem!
They’ve got a fun surprise that always gets giggles and “How cute!” reactions.

Snap a photo at the adorable takoyaki face cutout board for an Insta-worthy memory ♪Short on time but still craving takoyaki? They’ve got you covered!

Takeout is available — 9 pieces for ¥650.

You can even reserve by phone! (Reservations accepted 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

How about taking home some freshly steamed red-and-white celebration manju as a souvenir?

Fun fact: at Ikkyu Honpo, the red manju is filled with smooth koshi-an (strained sweet red bean paste), while the white one has chunky tsubu-an (whole bean paste). A nice little detail to know ♪

Step through the door at Ikkyu Honpo Jonan Branch’s “Kanmi Chaya Ikkyu-an” and treat yourself to their unique Kyoto-style takoyaki — you won’t regret it ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

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