Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Binako, your Sarukuma writer!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to
Saburo, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, home of
“Yoneya” — a wonderful traditional Japanese sweets shop.

The parking lot is right in front of the shop — super convenient!

I noticed a flyer outside featuring the intriguingly named
Midori no Tenshi (Green Angel) and Mori no Shinju (Pearl of the Forest) — my curiosity was piqued instantly! lol

The first thing that greeted me at the entrance was Tsukimi Dango (Moon-viewing dumplings) — 160 yen!

Right next to it, Imo Meigetsu — 160 yen
is shaped like a sweet potato and topped with smooth red bean paste (anko) ^^

Kuri Yokan (chestnut jelly) — 230 yen

Kuri Koro (chestnut sweet) — 230 yen

There were also lovely chestnut wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) on display!
Chestnuts are in season right now — what a perfect autumn treat!

Agedama (fried sweet) — 120 yen

Mimuro — 200 yen

So many delicious-looking wagashi everywhere I looked!

And finally — the items I’d been so curious about:

Mori no Shinju (Pearl of the Forest) — 200 yen

Midori no Tenshi (Green Angel) — 230 yen

These are luxurious daifuku (mochi sweets) with a whole grape tucked inside!

I absolutely had to try them!!!

Recommended Menu Items

Tsukimi Dango — 160 yen

Imo Meigetsu — 160 yen

Midori no Tenshi (Green Angel) — 230 yen

I picked up all three to try!!

Wow!!!

They look absolutely incredible!

I can’t wait to try the Green Angel daifuku!

Ohhhhh my goodness!!!

So unbelievably juicy!!!

The mochi wrapping is also incredibly soft and chewy!!

The daifuku melts in your mouth instantly, and the grape juice bursts out, filling your mouth with sweetness…

I think it’s wrapped in white bean paste (shiro-an),
because a gentle, mellow sweetness blends perfectly with the juice…

It’s pure magic in your mouth!

Just look how beautiful the Tsukimi Dango is…

So pure white and silky smooth — it’s almost soothing to look at…

Wait — were Tsukimi Dango always this delicious!?

The slightly firm texture pairs perfectly with a wonderfully balanced sweetness!
Every bite releases more flavor — I wanted it to last forever!

This is a flavor that kids, parents, grandparents —
literally everyone in the family will love!!!

Look at the cute sweet-potato shape of the Imo Meigetsu!

Doesn’t it look so adorable you’d want to keep it as a pet?

But I’ll eat it anyway!

It’s piled high with generous red bean paste,
and the dango itself is the same satisfying firmness as the Tsukimi Dango!

But here’s the magic — the Imo Meigetsu dango has a subtle saltiness
that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet anko!!

I’d happily buy this dango on its own if they sold it that way!

What makes Yoneya truly special isn’t just one thing —
everything is delicious because the foundation, the dango and mochi themselves, are simply outstanding.

That’s the mark of a true wagashi shop.

If you’re visiting Kumamoto, please don’t miss this hidden gem!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.