Hello, fellow travelers!

It’s Binako, your SaruKuma writer — currently in shock over the weight that won’t budge and the fat that keeps growing!

Today I’m introducing a wonderful spot located in Muro, Ozu Town, Kikuchi District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Kyushu no Shokutaku Select Shop” (Kyushu’s Dining Table Select Shop).

The wonderfully retro exterior had me — a die-hard retro fan — absolutely smitten the moment I arrived!

You’ll find it right next to Oaks Plaza.

There’s parking for over 10 cars, so coming by rental car is a breeze!

Inside, the shop is brimming with fresh vegetables!
These are grown without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or herbicides — safe, healthy produce sourced mainly from the beautiful Aso region.

They also sell fertilized eggs from free-range chickens at Tanokuro Farm!
The best part? They’re sold individually, so you can buy just one if you’d like!

50 yen per egg

Here’s something uniquely Japanese: Mr. Tanaka’s “Okimochi Yasai” (Heart-Felt Vegetables).
On this visit, they had chestnuts on offer.

“Okimochi” means “feelings” or “goodwill,” so customers pay whatever amount feels right to them.
Price: As You Wish
What a heartwarming concept, isn’t it?

Keiko Karube’s Handmade Cookies — 486 yen
The shop carries vegetables and baked goods made by various local producers.
Supporting the makers.
It’s a shop overflowing with that kind of warm-hearted philosophy.

They also sell rice — including unusual varieties like black rice!

In the back, there’s a lovely cafe space.
It’s the perfect spot to relax during lunch or coffee time.
With vintage electric fans and other charming touches, the atmosphere is wonderfully nostalgic.

The tables are set with olive oil, salt, and other condiments — a thoughtful touch!
All organic and gentle on the body.

Recommended Menu

Here’s the lunch menu!
Lunch Time: 11:00 — 14:00
Chicken Rice Porridge Set (Tori-gayu Gozen)
Rice Ball Set (Omusubi Gozen)
Bagel Lunch

From 14:00, the cafe menu kicks in:
Organic Coffee — 500 yen
Brown Rice Coffee — 500 yen
Japanese Black Tea (Wakocha) — 500 yen
Amazake (Sweet Sake) — 400 yen
Orange Juice — 400 yen
Plus other drinks like:
Homemade Syrup Juice — 350 yen
On this day, it was plum syrup juice!

For takeout, they offer:
Spring Chicken Porridge Lunch Box — 660 yen
Rice porridge for takeout is rare in Japan!
Such a thoughtful option!

This time, I tried the Homemade Plum Syrup Juice — 350 yen!

It came with sugar on the side — possibly Japanese black sugar (kokuto)?
It was absolutely delicious.

The sugar was so naturally sweet, I could’ve eaten it on its own — if it came in a bag, I’d probably devour the whole thing!

I gave the plum syrup juice a good stir before drinking.
The fizzy carbonation paired with the sweet-tart plum is incredibly refreshing — the perfect drink for a warm day!

And get this — they serve drinks with stainless steel straws!
It was my first time using one, and it’s surprisingly easy to drink from.
A lovely eco-friendly touch you’ll appreciate.

Another delightful surprise: the oshibori (wet hand towel).
Even the container it came in was charming, but…

The fabric was incredibly soft.
Really, unbelievably gentle on the skin.
The moment I wiped my hands, I was so impressed I had to snap a photo!

They also have bagels…

Plus Ikinari Dango (a Kumamoto specialty featuring sweet potato and sweet bean paste wrapped in dough) and fresh bread!

This shop is truly a gem — full of wholesome foods and products that are gentle on the body.

If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, definitely make time to stop by!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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