Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Saa-mama, your Sarukuma travel writer.

Today I’m thrilled to share a hidden gem nestled in
Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Karin”, a charming forest cafe.

Even before stepping inside, the stylish exterior immediately catches your eye —
it’s no wonder this cafe has become especially popular with women travelers!

Inside, you’ll find cozy table seating that invites you to slow down and relax.

Karin specializes in artisan stone-oven bread made with homemade natural yeast:

Loaf bread (1 loaf, 500 yen)

Country-style Campagne (whole loaf, 1,500 yen / half, 750 yen)

The cafe also offers a tempting selection of baked sweets, including
chestnut and matcha langues de chat, Jersey milk scones, brown sugar ginger pound cake, sablés, and coconut florentines.
Some items had already sold out by the time we arrived — so come early if you have your eye on a favorite!

For families traveling with little ones, there’s also an adorable private room where you can take your time and relax in peace.

The atmospheric outdoor terrace is one of the cafe’s biggest charms, but here’s a friendly heads-up posted at the entrance:

Please be aware that small twigs may fall onto terrace tables, and the occasional insect may join you. Once seated on the terrace, please refrain from changing tables.

It’s all part of the experience of dining in nature!

Enjoying lunch or dessert on this lush, atmospheric terrace truly feels like the ultimate reward for any traveler. ♡

Both the indoor and terrace seating areas were lively with friend groups, couples, families, and parents enjoying a peaceful afternoon together (*^^*)

Recommended Menu

Lunch was fully booked with reservations on our visit, so we stopped by during cafe hours instead — and it was equally delightful!

Drink Menu:

Kohaku-no-Toki house blend coffee (400 yen)

Espresso (350 yen)

Cafe latte (550 yen)

Earl Grey tea (550 yen)

Apple, orange, and grapefruit juices (400 yen each)

Jersey milk (400 yen)

I treated myself to the
Homegrown Chestnut Mont Blanc Tart with drink (980 yen).

The chestnut cream was beautifully sweet with a rich, authentic chestnut flavor,
and the tart was generously packed with whole chestnuts — a luxurious Mont Blanc to remember! ♡

Pumpkin Pie with ice cream and drink (900 yen)

Warm, fluffy, sweet pumpkin paired with a crisp, flaky pie crust and a scoop of vanilla ice cream —
an irresistible autumn dessert that’s the perfect taste of the season. ♡

Karin truly is a healing forest retreat where both body and soul feel completely satisfied (*^^*)

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information accurate at time of visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.