Hello, fellow travelers! 😃
It’s Yuzu 🌻, your Sarukuma writer.

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a true Kumamoto institution —
【Horaku Manju Kamitori Store】, located in Kamitori-machi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City.

If you’ve spent any time in Kumamoto, chances are you’ve heard of this place! 😃

Here’s a fun question locals love to debate: White or Black?

It’s the classic Horaku Manju conversation 😆

Fun fact — back in high school, I even sold these at our school festival! 🤩

The anko (sweet bean paste) at Horaku Manju is something special —
they use carefully selected beans from Hokkaido’s Tokachi Plain ☆

And honestly, the anko is just incredible! 😆

I’d been buying these for years without knowing the story behind the bean paste — what a lovely detail to discover! 💦

Watching the manju being grilled fresh while you wait is half the fun! 😁

Did you know they have multiple locations?
I knew about the shops within Kumamoto Prefecture, but I was surprised to find them in other prefectures too! 😊

When I was in Fukuoka recently, I stumbled across a Horaku Manju and felt instantly at home 🥰

Isn’t it lovely to find a familiar shop when traveling?
Fun observation: the staff uniforms in Fukuoka were a bit different! 😊

You’ll see all kinds of customers here — young and old alike 😊
It always makes me smile to see younger generations enjoying this traditional taste 🤩

They even have special gift boxes! 🥰

At our house, we keep a steady stash in the freezer and restock whenever we run low.
Since we always grab the paper bag, I never even knew gift boxes existed! 😀

Their kakigori (shaved ice) is also amazing 😍

I saw a lot of disappointed comments online lately 💦
Normally, they offer tea and you can enjoy your manju inside the shop 👌

Hoping the kakigori returns next year! ☆

The good news? There’s a bench outside where you can enjoy your treats right away 😃

Fresh off the grill — absolutely divine 😁

Of course, they’re delicious even when they’re not piping hot!
But that fresh, hot anko? Pure heaven ❤️

Recommended Menu

First of all — it’s a steal!!
In this economy, just 100 yen (tax included)!!

Honestly, I’d still buy them even if the price went up ☺️

First up:

White (Shiro) — 100 yen

Just look at this!
That perfectly creamy, rich anko 😁

It’s seriously, ridiculously delicious!!

Forgive my limited vocabulary, but —
I want to savor this anko-and-pastry combo forever!!!

Next up:
Black (Kuro) — 100 yen

My whole family is Team White, so I rarely tried the Black — but wow,
the Black is amazing too!!!

The anko isn’t overly sweet and there’s a generous filling inside 💕

As an anko lover, I’ll definitely be buying the Black version from now on!!

You won’t regret it —
if you’ve never tried one, please give it a go! 😄

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.