Hello, fellow travelers!

Welcome to another delicious discovery from SaruKuma, your guide to hidden gems in Kumamoto!

Today, we’re heading to Nishidera, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to visit a wonderful local bakery called “Bread House IMILU” Kikuchi Branch (手作りパン工房 ブレッドハウス「イミル」 菊池店) — a handmade bread workshop that’s beloved by locals.

You can’t miss the giant bread-shaped sign out front! I’d been eyeing this place for ages, but my visits always seemed to land on their closed days. Today, I finally made it inside!

Convenient parking is available right in front of the shop — perfect for road-tripping travelers exploring the Kikuchi area.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by an incredible selection of fresh-baked bread! This place is so popular that customers were filling their baskets to the brim, and several varieties were already running low. A great sign for sure!

This corner showcases an array of muffins, tarts, and sweet treats — perfect for an afternoon snack. There’s plenty of variety, including bakes featuring berries and Japanese sweet potato (satsumaimo)!

Giant Melon Pan — 99 yen
Melon pan is a classic Japanese sweet bread, and this oversized version is an absolute steal at this price! You can already see the irresistible crispy crust on the outside. Melon pan lovers, prepare to stock up!

You’ll also find a huge selection of shio pan (Japanese salt bread) — a popular savory roll. IMILU offers both the classic version and tons of original twists, so be ready to spend some time deciding!

Here’s the Anko Shio Pan (Sweet Red Bean Salt Bread) — 99 yen
A sweet-and-salty combination of anko (sweet red bean paste) and salty bread. It’s the kind of treat that’s dangerously easy to keep eating — a true “devilishly delicious” pastry!

Mountain-Shaped Bread Loaf (Delicious to the Crust!) — 129 yen
We love a loaf where even the crust tastes amazing. This wonderfully soft and chewy bread practically smiles back at you. And at just 129 yen — that’s an unbeatable deal!

Black Tea & Cream Croissant — 119 yen
A sweet, fragrant croissant infused with black tea — what an elegant pairing!

Looking for something heartier? The Plump Shrimp Cutlet Koppepan (Sandwich Roll) — 139 yen is a satisfying, filling option that won’t disappoint.

From sweet pastries to savory meal-style breads, IMILU has it all.

It’s no wonder customers were streaming in and out the entire time we were there!

And here’s the cherry on top — the unbelievable weekly bargain event!

Every Monday, IMILU hosts the “Gochiso Pan Fair,” where select breads are just 69 yen each!

That’s almost too cheap to believe! It’s a grocery game-changer — perfect for grabbing a quick snack or stocking up on a variety of breads to try.

Sandwiches and cakes are also available. The selection is so diverse, you might just stand there agonizing over what to choose!

Cream Puff (Shu Cream) — 79 yen
Roll Cake — 800 yen
Pudding (Purin) — 69 yen

Sandwiches range from just 99 to 129 yen — incredibly affordable!

There’s even a cozy eat-in corner for travelers who want to enjoy their bread immediately.

A microwave is available too, so you can warm up your bread after paying and enjoy it fresh and toasty in the eat-in area. What a thoughtful service!

Our Recommended Picks

This time, we tried:
Cabbage & Ham Sandwich — 99 yen
Cheese Bread — 99 yen
Bacon & Egg Bread — 99 yen

The cabbage & ham sandwich has a hidden surprise — a touch of wasabi! It’s also generously packed with fillings.

Wow!
That fresh, crisp cabbage is incredible! And the gentle kick of wasabi is the perfect Japanese twist that keeps you coming back for more. The juicy ham adds a satisfying flavor accent — light but truly filling!

Look at all that egg, with cheese glistening on top!
It’s built on a French bread base, and the perfect size means you can polish it off easily.

What an outstanding savory bread! The salty notes and fluffy egg fill you up beautifully.

The bread itself has a satisfying chew, and with every bite, the cheese flavor slowly unfolds — pure deliciousness!

I LOVE this bread.
I LOVE cheese.
It’s perfectly round and surprisingly large.

That generous helping of cheese is pure heaven!
Cheese is the best! The bread is baked to perfection, and as you eat, the way the cheese melds with the bread is irresistible!

Only after finishing did I realize — oh, I should have warmed it up!
But even at room temperature, it was absolutely fantastic!

With its affordable prices and incredible variety, IMILU is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back on a 69-yen sale day! If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, especially the Kikuchi area, swing by and treat yourself!

Follow our daily updates on Instagram!
SaruKuma shares lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and family-friendly information for life in Kumamoto.
Thank you for following us!