About the Cafe

Hello there!
This is Ao, a writer for 《Sarukuma》!

Today I’m introducing
“Chique”, a lovely little spot tucked away in Uchitsuboi-machi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City.

Walk along the road next to Tsuboi Kindergarten and you’ll spot the sign ☺️
(Turn left at the end of the road and you’ll arrive at the cafe in no time!)
Even the sign itself sets such a wonderful mood

The Tsuboi River flows right alongside the cafe!
The exterior feels like stepping straight into a Studio Ghibli film — the blend of nature,
a traditional Japanese kominka (old folk house), and the riverside is simply irresistible 🤤Step inside and you’ll find that the first floor is a vintage goods shop,
while the second floor is the cafe space.
The shop is filled with retro, adorable Showa-era tableware that’s nearly impossible to find these days!
In the vintage world, items still in pristine condition from decades past are called “deadstock” —
brand-new pieces that have been quietly sleeping for years. The shop has so many of these nostalgic dishes
that you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled back to Japan’s Showa era!

Just look at all the vintage stationery and toys!
And that’s not all…

An incredible collection of matchboxes…
I absolutely adore stuff like this —
products and designs that bring history to life.

I just can’t get enough!

Now let’s head up to the cafe space on the second floor 😄
Just inside the entrance, you’ll find a staircase leading up to the second floor.
The top of the stairs opens up to a stylish, atmospheric space…
And then, finally —

Wow — what a beautiful space!
(My friend took this photo for me — incredible shot, right?)

The cafe is decorated with vinyl records, comfy sofas, dried flowers, and houseplants —
it really is a delightful little hideaway 🥰

Recommended Menu

One of Chique’s signature offerings is their wide selection of cream sodas.

There are seven different colors to choose from! Each one looks adorable, and you’ll want to try them all 😄

This time, I ordered the “Hearn Set” (matcha pancakes with coffee or tea)
and swapped my drink for a Showa Haikara Cream Soda!

The set normally comes with tea or coffee, but you can change your drink for a small additional fee ☺️
(Chique is run solo by the owner, so during busy times,
your order may take a little longer to arrive ◎)… WOW!!!!!

Absolutely stunning!

Just looking at it is a feast for the eyes —
and I haven’t even taken a bite yet! What a treat! 🤤Here’s a top-down view of the pancakes.

Generously dusted with matcha powder — how could it not be delicious?
With sweet red bean paste, whipped cream, and chestnuts on top…

And surprise! There’s a layer of mochi tucked between the pancakes,
so it’s incredibly filling!
I went in the late afternoon, and it made for the perfect indulgent snack 🤤

My friend ordered the pink Showa Haikara Cream Soda!

Had to snap a photo of the cream soda for the memories!

It really felt like we’d traveled back in time to a different era.

Nostalgic Showa-era goods paired with a charming retro cafe —
the atmosphere is so much more than just “aesthetic.” It has a soulful, timeless quality.

Be sure to add Chique to your Kumamoto travel list!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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