Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Binako, a writer for Sarukuma!

Today, I’m excited to introduce a delightful little gem located in Ozu, Kikuchi District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Vanilla Beans”.

You can spot the shop right away thanks to its large cake-shaped sign and cheerful red door—a charming sight that welcomes you in!

Inside, a beautiful row of baked goods greets you—each one looks lovingly crafted and absolutely irresistible.

Karaimo (Sweet Potato) Depot — 150 yen

Marron (Chestnut) Depot — 150 yen

Doughnut (Plain) — 270 yen

These autumn-flavored baked treats showcase the season’s best ingredients.

I couldn’t help but wonder—what exactly is a “depot” sweet?

They also offer wonderful baked goods gift sets!

With a lovely assortment inside, these make perfect souvenirs or gifts for friends back home.

Craft Set S — 1,700 yen — 8 varieties

Craft Set M — 2,300 yen — 10 varieties

Each box is filled with a generous selection of artisanal treats.

Lucky visitors might even spot discounted baked goods on display—a delightful little bonus!

Buttery Caramel Puffed Rice — 350 yen

Butter and caramel? An absolutely irresistible combination that’s hard to walk past.

The display case is a feast for the eyes, packed with colorful, beautifully presented cakes.

You’ll find some delightfully unique flavors here that show off the owner’s creative touch.

Here is the shop’s #2 recommendation: Rakunou Pudding — 390 yen.

The lid features an adorable bear illustration—a cute touch that makes it extra special!

The silky-smooth pudding looks like it would simply melt in your mouth.

Oreo Cream Puff — 230 yen

Salted Caramel Cake — 390 yen

Pumpkin Mont Blanc — 430 yen

Each one is creative and inviting—it’s hard to choose just one!

Cassis Orange Cake — 400 yen

Raspberry Cake — 410 yen

If you’re craving something light and refreshing, these fruity options are perfect, with a wonderfully crisp finish.

Classic Cream Puff — 150 yen

Salted Cream Puff — 160 yen

That salted cream puff is a real curiosity for any cream puff fan—I had to try it!

100% Rice Flour Sweet Potato Roll — 1,330 yen

Maple Roll Cake — 1,330 yen

The roll cakes look incredible too—perfect for bringing along when visiting friends or hosts during your travels.

They also offer beautiful whole cakes!

Topped with a generous arrangement of fresh fruit, these cakes are simple yet stunning.

You can even order custom illustrated cakes!

What a wonderful way to surprise a child on their birthday—they’ll absolutely love it!

Recommended Menu Items

For this visit, I went with

Salted Cream Puff — 160 yen

Oreo Cream Puff — 230 yen

Time to dig in!

I just couldn’t resist that salted cream puff…

Starting with the salted cream puff.

The choux pastry has a wonderfully crisp texture—absolutely perfect.

Wow, this is seriously addictive!

The salt level is just right—incredibly delicious!

The salt isn’t overpowering at all; it’s wonderfully natural and balanced. The custard is light and not too sweet, so the salty and sweet notes blend together in absolute harmony!

The salt sprinkled on top is so subtle, yet so flavorful—you could eat these forever.

I was completely hooked on that salty kick!

It was so good, it genuinely surprised me.

Next up, the Oreo Cream Puff.

Oreos in a cream puff? That’s a first for me—what a fun combination!

I tried the Oreo and cream topping first.

This is a sophisticated, grown-up cream puff!

The cream is slightly firm and not overly sweet, which beautifully complements the crunchy texture and gentle bitterness of the Oreos!

And then comes the generous burst of custard cream from inside.

The Oreo-infused cream and rich custard create such a wonderful harmony in your mouth.

The Oreo cream puff is absolutely delicious.

Even people who usually shy away from sweets will likely enjoy this one!

Vanilla Beans is one of my favorite shops, so if you’re traveling through Kumamoto, please give it a visit!

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
At Sarukuma, we share information about restaurants, parks, indoor activities, and more for families in Kumamoto.
We’d love your follow!(*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

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