Introducing Gohoubi Ice

Hello, this is Aikero, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m introducing a shop located in Noda, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City
[Gohoubi Ice] (which means “Reward Ice Cream” in Japanese).This shop just opened on March 1st (●＾o＾●)

I really want everyone to visit, so I’ll cover the location, opening hours, and recommendations in detail!!
As for why all the photos are at night… I’ll explain later (^.^)Gohoubi Ice is located along Route 3!
Since the shop isn’t on Google Maps yet, I’ll do my best to explain.
Using GPS navigation with the address may be your best bet.

If you’re coming from central Kumamoto City:
Pass the [Kaseigawa Bridge] and the [7-Eleven Kumamoto Noda 1-chome] store.
At the [Nodakita Intersection], make a sharp right turn — almost a U-turn — and you’ll find the shop.
It’s about a 270-degree turn.

If you’re coming from the Uto direction:
Head toward central Kumamoto City, and the shop is just past the [Nodakita Intersection] on your left.Gohoubi Ice has this sleek all-black exterior.
If a car is parked in front, you might drive right past it, but rest assured — it’s there (^^;)

There are 3 parking spaces directly in front of the shop.The soft-serve sign at the entrance is the landmark.
But since parked cars can block your view, GPS is the most reliable way to get there.

So why are all my photos taken at night?
Because this shop opens at 3:00 PM![Gohoubi Ice] features a beautifully unified all-black design, both inside and out.

The owner originally planned to open elsewhere.
But even though this spot sits along a major road, it has a quiet, tucked-away feel that perfectly matched their vision — so they chose this location.

The 3:00 PM to midnight hours were chosen with intention:
so people heading home from school or work can stop by, or so friends can pop in during a late-night drive.
The owner remembered how few places there were for young people to hang out at night, and hoped “this shop could be that kind of place.”

I bet many of you have had similar memories!
Let’s continue the tour while reminiscing a little.Wouldn’t ice cream photos look incredible against this backdrop?Lots of opening-celebration flowers were on display.
The most eye-catching one — with balloons — came from [3-ji no Anko] (“Three O’Clock Anko”), a shop we previously featured on Sarukuma.

[Relocated] 3-ji no Anko – Jonoura, Uto City: Quality Handmade Additive-Free An-Doughnuts for Just 500 Yen

And here’s the surprise: the owner of Gohoubi Ice is actually the daughter of [3-ji no Anko]!
I’d eaten there myself, so this was such a fun discovery (^○^)Here’s the menu! Prices range from 580 to 630 yen.

During the pre-opening, the most popular items were Strawberry and Special.
Coffee Jelly came in a close third.

The owner’s personal favorite is the White — panna cotta, soft serve, and whipped cream.
It’s on the sweeter side, but she absolutely loves it ♪
If you prefer less sweet flavors, she recommends the Pine (Pineapple) (^^)/

Owner’s commitment #1:
All fruit toppings are 100% fresh fruit!!

Gohoubi Ice’s Recommended Menu

I’m a chocolate lover, so I was torn between Special and Choco Mamire — but I went with Special (●＾o＾●)

Owner’s commitment #2:
Adorable cups and spoons!
You’ll be excited before you even take the first bite ♪The Special really lives up to its name — piled high with toppings!
The strawberries on top are fresh, of course.

The soft serve is wonderfully rich and milky — needless to say, absolutely delicious!
Even with all the toppings, the soft serve flavor still comes through beautifully (●＾o＾●)
And at the bottom, you’ll find granola — a great textural surprise ♪

Owner’s commitment #3:
The strawberries come from a local farm — sweet enough to stand up to even the rich soft serve (●＾o＾●)
Eaten together with the soft serve, it tastes like the most blissful strawberry milk ♪
Sorry for the slightly blurry photo (>_<)

Owner’s commitment #4:
She couldn’t find a brownie rich enough for her standards — so she makes them in-house!
The owner is a lover of all things rich.
She worried whether her rich soft serve and rich brownie would clash, but she said,
“I love rich flavors, so I just made it the way I like ♡” (^○^)

And indeed — the brownie holds its own beautifully alongside the soft serve ♪I asked the owner if it’s tough being open until midnight while still prepping for the next day, and she said,
“There are challenging parts, but it’s so much fun building connections with people ♪” (^^)

The soft serve is rich but never heavy — kids love it so much they ask for seconds ♪
For a quiet moment of pause, after a long day, or during a late-night drive with friends or your special someone.
A little luxurious, sweet time awaits at [Gohoubi Ice] (^^)/
Be sure to stop by and treat yourself ♪

[Relocated] 3-ji no Anko – Jonoura, Uto City: Quality Handmade Additive-Free An-Doughnuts for Just 500 Yen

Recommended Spots Near Gohoubi Ice

LOBBY by Rotary Coffee – Hirata, Minami Ward, Kumamoto: A Family-Friendly Stylish Cafe Serving Morning Sets ♪

Ikkyu Honpo Jonan Branch – Jonan-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto: Kyoto-Style Takoyaki at Kanmi Chaya Ikkyu-an? You’ve Got to Try It!

[Closed] Gelateria Sapur – Tamukae, Minami Ward, Kumamoto: Gelato Made with Premium Kyushu Ingredients and Freshly Baked Waffle Cones

Imo no Koto de Atama ga Ippai – Sugishima, Tomiai-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto: Autumn Means Sweet Potatoes! Exquisite Pot-Roasted Sweet Potatoes Slow-Cooked with Love 🍠✨

La vigne – Aitomi-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto: A Small Countryside Cake Shop Beloved by Children and Adults Alike

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Frequently Asked Questions

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