Hello, fellow travelers!

I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma — and yes, I’m that rare breed who somehow wears short sleeves even on freezing days!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a delightful spot tucked away in Kawayo, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Merucoro Bakery” (めるころパン工房).

With its storybook atmosphere reminiscent of a bakery hidden in the woods, this place is absolutely enchanting ( *´艸｀)

Spotting the cheerful “OPEN” sign, I happily made my way inside!

The shop is brimming with hard-crust artisan breads — and they all look so tempting that choosing becomes a delicious dilemma.

You’ll also find kid-friendly classics like anpan (sweet bean buns) and cream-filled pastries — perfect for sharing a tasting adventure with the whole family!

And the best part? The prices are wonderfully wallet-friendly!

Orange Hill — 230 yen
Currants & Chocolate — 250 yen
Cranberry Cheese — 300 yen
Apple & White Chocolate Bread — 230 yen

There were also plenty of mouthwatering naturally-leavened (sourdough-style) breads on offer!

The #1 best-seller here is the
Anbutter (Sweet Red Bean & Butter Bun) — 200 yen

One look and you can tell why it’s the top pick!

The Salt Butter Rolls are also available in handy multi-packs:
Pack of 5 — 600 yen
Pack of 2 — 240 yen
Single — 120 yen

Pain de Mie (Soft White Bread)
Whole Loaf — 600 yen
Half Loaf — 300 yen

And here’s a lovely surprise — they even have:
Dog Snacks — 150 yen
A wonderful treat for traveling pet owners!

Spreadable Cheese — 680 yen
Cider (Japanese soda) — 120 yen
Yuzu Ginger Ale — 380 yen

Crunchy rusks and baked sweets are also on the menu!

I even spotted Baumkuchen (German-style layered cake) — perfect as a thoughtful souvenir!
There’s a wide variety to choose from, making it fun to pick a few and do a tasting comparison with friends ♪

And yes — they sell cakes too! The display case is filled with rolled cakes and fresh fruit tarts.

They look absolutely irresistible!

They also serve a morning menu — perfect if you want to start your Aso adventure with a relaxing breakfast.

Morning Set — 600 yen
Cake Set — 400 yen

A must-visit for travelers who love a leisurely morning in the heart of Aso ♪

Recommended Picks

This time around, I treated myself to:

Cider (Japanese soda) — 120 yen
Anbutter (Red Bean & Butter Bun) — 200 yen

The retro charm of the “Swan Cider” label was practically calling my name!

That fizzy, gently sweet cider goes down beautifully — so refreshing!

And now, the star of the show — the Anbutter!

Just look at that beautiful shape! The bread itself has a slightly firm, satisfying crust.

The sweet red bean paste (anko) and butter are generously packed from end to end.
For a foodie like me, that’s a true blessing!

The bread is firm, but every bite releases its rich, wholesome flavor.
The red bean paste and butter melt into the natural sweetness of the bread, creating pure magic.

The sweetness is gentle and never cloying — it pairs absolutely perfectly with the bread.

They even sell homemade jams! Be sure to stop by during your Aso adventures — you won’t regret it!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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