Introducing Kuri to Sora

Hello, this is Gachako, writer for [Sarukuma].

Are you a fan of chestnuts?

Today I’m introducing a lovely spot tucked inside Kikuchi Castle Park in Maibaru, Kikuka-machi, Yamaga City —
[Kuri to Sora] (literally “Chestnuts and Sky”).

Opened in May 2022, this charming sweets cafe celebrates locally grown Yamaga chestnuts — a region that boasts the highest chestnut production in western Japan.

Chestnut season is in full swing!
Have you tried this year’s chestnut sweets yet?

Whether you haven’t yet or you’ve already had a taste —

The Kumamoto Yamaga Japanese Chestnut Sweets Fair runs through November 30, so there’s plenty of time to indulge in Yamaga’s prized Japanese chestnuts.

The parking is shared with the park, meaning plenty of spacious spots are available.

The lush lawn and wide-open sky of Kikuchi Castle Park are pure relaxation!

Now, let’s head into Kuri to Sora!

The hexagonal building is quite a rare sight, isn’t it?

Inside, the tables are arranged in a circle around the room.

It’s a self-service style cafe — you order and pay at the counter first.

The menu features…

· The Signature Mont Blanc (Regular OR Mini)

· Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc Soft Serve

· Premium Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc Soft Serve

as the main highlights…

The drink menu is full of options too — green tea, green tea latte, coffee, orange juice, and apple juice.

At the counter, you can watch freshly piped Mont Blancs being made one after another!

It really gets you excited!

Recommended Menu at Kuri to Sora

I went with the Signature Mont Blanc (regular size, 1,200 yen).

Here’s a side-by-side with the Mini.

Mini is on the left, regular on the right.

The Mini works as a sweet snack, while the regular feels more like a light meal.

Right on top sits a beautiful candied chestnut (shibukawa-ni).

Underneath, layers of Mont Blanc cream, fresh whipped cream, meringue, sponge roll, black tea cream, and pie crust are stacked together.

The sweetness is gentle, which lets the natural flavor of the chestnut truly shine.

The meringue melts and fizzes in your mouth, adding a delightful textural contrast — absolutely delicious!

I happily polished off every bite without ever getting tired of it.

You can also pick up takeaway treats, like the wonderfully hefty Chestnut An Pie (340 yen),

or the Galette Bretonne Marron (280 yen), available right at the shop.

If you’re looking to enjoy autumn’s seasonal treasure — Japanese chestnut sweets — be sure to drop by Kuri to Sora!

We update Instagram daily too!
At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and more for families raising kids in Kumamoto.
We’d love a follow! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information was current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.