Welcome to Yoridokoro Engawa

Hello, travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’m taking you to Kosa Town in Kamimashiki District, just a scenic drive south of Kumamoto City, to visit
Yoridokoro Engawa.
Just look at that exterior — it steals your heart at first glance!
This beautifully renovated traditional Japanese folk house (kominka) blends seamlessly into the quiet streetscape of Kosa.

It’s the kind of dreamy, photogenic spot that travelers and locals alike adore.
Beyond the delicious lunches, you’ll also discover an impressive collection of handmade crafts from local artisans♫

This time, I came for lunch with my friend Gussan (*’ω’*)
There’s parking right across from the cafe — two rows of three tandem spaces, totaling 6 spots.
Depending on where you park, you might be asked to move your car when other guests are leaving.
If the lot is full or tandem parking isn’t your style, you can use the parking lot at the Kosa Town Welfare Center “Ayumi” nearby (^^)/
Okay, okay — “Just go inside already!” I can almost hear you say lol
But have you ever seen a cafe that gets you this excited before you even step through the door?!
What could possibly be waiting inside?

I had only checked the lunch menu beforehand, so my heart was racing with anticipation!Open the glass doors and — wow — handmade goods line every shelf.
With works from so many different Japanese artists on display, you’ll want to take your time browsing every corner.
Hand-thrown ceramics that you’ll want to start collecting.
Delicate single-stem flower vases line the windowsill.
Imagine picking a wildflower on your stroll through the Japanese countryside and bringing it home in one of these♫And toward the back, adorable baby and kids’ clothing!These woven basket bags are unbelievably cute…!
Fair warning: come prepared to spend a little extra on souvenirs Σ(･ω･ﾉ)ﾉ lol“Wait — what did I come here for again?” I caught myself thinking, then remembered: lunch!
You order here at the front counter before being seated (^^)/

◆ Yokubari Dessert Lunch Plate (“The Greedy Dessert Plate”)
(warm soup, small side dish, salad with house-made dressing, your choice of 2 tofu muffins, mini Omoide pudding)
・ A la carte: 1,000 yen
・ With drink set: 1,350 yen

◆ Omoide Pudding (with ASOMILK Gelato)
・ A la carte: 650 yen
・ With drink set: 1,000 yen
・ Without ASOMILK Gelato (a la carte): 500 yen
・ Without ASOMILK Gelato (with drink set): 850 yen

◆ Large Shiratama Dango (Sweet Rice Dumplings)
・ A la carte: 850 yen
・ With today’s tea set: 950 yen
・ With drink set: 1,200 yen
Here’s the a la carte drink menu (^^)/
Coffee, yuzu (Japanese citrus) tea, chai — and apple juice for the little ones♪Once the weather warms up, these cold drinks are perfect♫
◆ Frappes
・ Chunky Strawberry Milk: 950 yen
・ Uji Matcha Frappe: 820 yen
・ Brown Sugar Shiratama Kinako: 750 yen

◆ Tapioca Drinks
・ Brown Sugar Milk: 650 yen
・ Uji Matcha Milk: 650 yen
・ Authentic Masala Chai + Tapioca: 750 yen
For the Greedy Dessert Lunch Plate, you pick 2 tofu muffins from this gorgeous showcase!
A lot of flavors were already sold out when I visited, so the staff kindly shared photos to introduce some of them (^^)/

◆ Tofu Muffins
・ Margherita: 190 yen
・ Corn and Cream Cheese: 190 yen
・ Brown Sugar Syrup, Kinako and Nuts: 180 yen
・ Chocolate Banana Nut: 190 yen
・ Apple, Cinnamon and Cream Cheese: 200 yen

The popular flavors disappear in the blink of an eye!
Whether you’re staying for lunch or planning to take some home afterward, I highly recommend buying your muffins early!
The cozy sofa nook in the corner has such a calming vibe.There are table seats too.
The counter seats overlook a beautiful garden — perfect for solo travelers wanting a quiet moment.And great news for families — there’s a kids’ play space (*’ω’*)
With somewhere for the children to play, parents can finally enjoy a relaxed meal♪
For families with kids, I recommend booking a table on the 1st floor★
The staircase is right behind the kids’ area.
Please keep an eye on little ones while they’re playing for safety♫
Up the stairs, you’ll discover a balcony!
The weather was lovely on the day I visited — warm, gentle sunshine that just begs you to linger.
It’s nothing more than a view of the garden and surrounding buildings, but it’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to sit and let time slip away.The 2nd floor is filled with vintage Japanese antiques.
Many pieces evoke the nostalgic Showa era (mid-20th century Japan).
Exploring the 2nd floor feels like a real treasure hunt!
I even discovered this little hidden passageway.A whimsical floor lamp shaped like a musical instrument.A clock made from a tambourine.
Make sure to hunt for these hidden gems on your visit (●＾o＾●)There were a few more seats on the staircase floor as well, but other guests were dining so I couldn’t snap photos — apologies (>_<)
Vintage school chairs and an old-school stove fit the cafe’s atmosphere perfectly♫

Heads up: from the moment we arrived, it took about 10 minutes before we were seated.
And after paying, I spent another 10 minutes browsing the goods, so I’d suggest giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy your visit. Lol

Yoridokoro Engawa’s Recommended Menu

The warm soup and small side dish change weekly♪
Check Yoridokoro Engawa’s Instagram for the latest weekly updates (^^)/

On the day I visited, it was
Assorted Mushroom Milk Potage and a German Potato Mini Gratin.The thick, creamy soup carries the rich, earthy aroma of mushrooms.
A warm bowl of soup truly soothes the soul (●＾o＾●)Carrot dressing!
The carrot flavor isn’t overpowering, but with a pleasant tang and rich body, it was absolutely delicious♫The tofu muffins I picked were Brown Sugar Kinako Nut and Yuzu Chocolate.
Gussan went with Matcha & White Chocolate Nut and Yuzu Chocolate.

I’ve been to lunch with Gussan several times, and we always end up with similar tastes lol
So of course we picked the same muffin again (#^.^#)
Wonderfully fluffy, light-textured muffins.
I guess it depends on the flavor?
With the Brown Sugar Kinako Nut, you can detect a hint of tofu if you’re really looking for it, but it’s barely noticeable♫

Why does the combination of citrus and chocolate taste so incredibly good…!
It was generously studded with chocolate chips and yuzu, with a powerful aroma and bold flavor♪
I expected it to be on the firmer side, but the pudding had just the right amount of bounce — perfectly springy and silky.
The name “Omoide Pudding” (“Memory Pudding”) was inspired by the wish to “create a pudding that becomes part of someone’s cherished memories” — such a beautiful sentiment.
The yuzu tea was packed with chunks of real yuzu fruit.
It was a chilly day, so this warmed me right up~♫

Hm? You’re wondering what Gussan ordered?
Yuzu tea, of course lol

Later, when I told my fellow writer Riri-san about it, she said, “You should have just shared one!” (￣▽￣)Trust me — visit once, and this place will become one of your favorites♪
I’m already looking forward to going back!

Come treat yourself to Yoridokoro Engawa’s delicious lunch, sweets, and adorable handmade goods — it’s a truly soul-soothing experience (*’ω’*)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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