Welcome to Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya

Hello, travelers! This is Suno, a writer for [SaruKuma].

Today I’m excited to introduce you to Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya, a charming historical spot located in Miyahara, Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District.
【Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya】Drive south on National Route 3 toward Yatsushiro, turn left at the Miyahara intersection, and follow the road — soon you’ll spot a beautifully traditional building that captures the eye!
Originally built in 1832 (Tenpo 3) and renovated to its current form in 1873 (Meiji 6), this remarkable building was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2004.

Today, it serves as a delightful traditional-house cafe and a community hub for the people of the Miyahara district — a wonderful place where history meets local life.Parking is conveniently available at the Miyahara Promotion Office, located right across the street from Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya.Step inside the elegant building and you’ll be greeted by spectacular hanging ornaments called “sagemon” — colorful traditional decorations that hang from above.
Look up and you can’t help but gasp “Wow!” in amazement!
Just take a look…!!
It’s breathtakingly beautiful — a truly stunning sight to behold.

From February 7th to March 24th, Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya hosts its annual “Hina Matsuri Exhibition,” filling the venue with traditional dolls celebrating Japan’s Girls’ Day festival.
The exhibition showcases hina dolls spanning eras — from the Edo period all the way to the modern Reiwa era! Every direction you turn reveals another magnificent display, creating an atmosphere that feels both regal and joyful.You’ll even spot adorable hina doll crafts made by children from local nurseries — a heartwarming touch that brings the community spirit to life!
With over 2,000 items on display including small accessories, the Hina Matsuri Exhibition draws visitors from outside the prefecture as well, bustling with energy from morning onward!

What to Love About Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya

Of course, no Kumamoto experience is complete without a glimpse of Kumamon, the prefecture’s beloved mascot.

The Japanese-style Kumamon decorations here are absolutely charming!
As a traditional-house cafe, Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya offers a wonderful selection of cafe menu items to enjoy.

The drink menu features lassi and a variety of bubble tea options — and takeout is available, too!
Limited-edition Hina Set during the exhibition: ¥500
(Japanese black tea, shiratama dango rice dumplings, sakura mochi, and hina-arare rice crackers)Other unique offerings include the Chewy Pretzel filled with sweet cream cheese for ¥300 — a treat you won’t easily find elsewhere!

The Kuri Kanoko (chestnut sweet) Set for ¥800 is also highly recommended.

My daughter made a beeline straight for the hina-arare rice crackers (¥250) at the register.
(She did exactly the same thing last year — ha!)The shop area also features lovely items like flower magnets, traditional ojame beanbags, and Japanese-style brooches — perfect for souvenir shopping!
There are wonderful items for little ones, too!
With accessories priced from just ¥50 to ¥100, kids can even pick something out with their own pocket money.Adorable baby bibs and hairpins make for wonderful gifts as well.Munching on hina-arare while surrounded by these magnificent doll displays — what a luxurious cultural experience!Walk to the right of the shop and you’ll find a peaceful riverside path perfect for a leisurely stroll (separate restrooms for men and women are available here).
On sunny days, you can also relax on the bench in front of the shop and soak up the warm sunshine.
If you’re visiting Kumamoto, be sure to drop by Hikawa Machitsukuri Sakaya — a place where stunning hina dolls and historic charm await you!

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