Hello there!
This is Saa-mama, a writer for 〝SaruKuma〟.

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
a spot that opened in May 2020
in Akimaru, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“HIKE”.

Heading from central Kumamoto City toward Tamana,
cross the Takase Ohashi Bridge and turn left at the very next traffic light, and

the building comes into view!

The first floor is a cafe & bar,
while the upper floors are a budget-friendly hostel.

Drive past the building and you’ll find a spacious free parking area along the river.
(Kikuchi River Riverbank Park Parking Lot)

From the parking lot,
just walk up the staircase and the building will appear before you!

A stylish shop logo greets you at the entrance ♪
Step inside, and…

you’ll find an array of Shodai-yaki pottery,
a nationally designated traditional Japanese craft!

Shodai-yaki is a representative pottery of Kyushu,
crafted at the foot of Mt. Shodai in Kumamoto Prefecture
for approximately 400 years.

Each piece is unique in color, shape, and size, with feeling poured into every detail —
you’ll be tempted to take every single one home with you!

The interior feels wonderfully open and airy.
Floor-to-ceiling glass lets you enjoy your meal while taking in the view outside (*^^*)
At this counter, you’ll choose your meal and pay first.

Recommended Menu Items

The lunch menu features:
Dago-jiru Set Meal (1,000 yen),
Dago-jiru à la carte (600 yen),

and a limited-time Nankan Somen Set Meal (1,000 yen) as well!

The dessert lineup includes:
Cheesecake (500 yen),
Coffee Parfait (700 yen),
Blueberry Victoria Cake (500 yen),
Watermelon Granita (450 yen),
Tea Squash (500 yen),

plus a full range of drinks and cafe items!

This time, I tried the Dago-jiru Set Meal (1,000 yen).
The beautifully crafted dishware adds to the experience — a feast for the eyes as well as the palate ♬

The set isn’t just dago-jiru — it also comes with a salad and inari sushi (sweet tofu pouches stuffed with rice),

and even yokan (sweet bean jelly) for dessert!

The side dishes include simmered eggplant and green pepper,
plus a refreshing salad of tomato, cucumber, and myoga ginger —
light and crisp flavors perfect for a hot summer day ♫

Even just the side dishes offer a wonderful variety of flavors — a truly satisfying lunch ♪

The dago dumplings in the soup are wonderfully chewy,
loaded with shiitake mushrooms, carrots, konnyaku, burdock, daikon, and other vegetables.
The broth is light and easy to enjoy — and packed with nutrition ♬

(Dago-jiru is a beloved local Kumamoto dish: a hearty soup with hand-pulled flour dumplings and seasonal vegetables.)

I also tried the popular Cheesecake (500 yen).
The cheese flavor is rich and bold, with a soft, creamy texture that just melts in your mouth ♫

It’s so good you’ll want a second slice — no wonder it’s the cafe’s signature dessert (*^^*)

It might be a bit hard to spot, but…
there are adorable little child-size chairs too!

A standout feature: a spacious, beautifully kept kids’ space tucked at the back of the cafe, fully stocked with toys and picture books!

Child-size chairs and a diaper-changing table are also available — making this a wonderfully family-friendly cafe ♫

Kids can play happily while the grown-ups enjoy a relaxed, unhurried meal or dessert — truly the perfect spot for families ♬

Frequently Asked Questions

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