Introducing Hakko Cafe Marukame

Hello, fellow travelers!

Even on rainy days when motivation is low,
this is Binako, your Saru-Kuma writer!

Today I’m excited to introduce
a hidden gem in Naka, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Hakko Cafe Marukame” (Fermentation Cafe Marukame).

Marukame Cafe is located inside the historic Marugame Shoyu (soy sauce) brewery — a wonderful chance to experience traditional Japanese fermentation culture!

Convenient parking is available right in front of the shop — perfect for travelers with rental cars!

Cafe opening hours:
Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (or Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday)

Inside, the shop’s adorable mascot turtle,
Kamekichi-kun, was there to greet me!

The shop is filled with an impressive selection of Japanese fermented foods including soy sauce, miso, and more — a fermentation lover’s paradise.

You can even sample different soy sauces before you buy — a fantastic way to discover your personal favorite Japanese flavor to take home as a souvenir!

They also offer “Issho-zuke,” a traditional shoyu-koji (soy sauce malt) seasoning. The photos showing it served over rice will make your mouth water!

There’s also a beautifully curated gift section — perfect for finding unique, authentic Japanese souvenirs to bring home!

The cafe area is in the back, with comfortable table seating.

There’s also a traditional tatami mat (zashiki) area, making it a relaxing and family-friendly spot — popular with local moms and great for travelers with kids!

There’s even a self-service water station — a thoughtful touch!

Recommended Menu at Hakko Cafe Marukame

Here’s the menu! Marukame’s signature kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) made with fermented foods is the cafe’s standout offering. Note: this seasonal menu is only available until the end of this month — don’t miss it!

Soy Sauce Black Sugar Syrup & Kinako (Roasted Soybean Flour) — 700 yen
Miso Caramel Nuts — 700 yen
Blueberry Amazake Milk — 700 yen
Marron (Chestnut) Amazake Milk — 700 yen
Matcha Amazake Milk — 700 yen
Black Sesame Amazake Milk — 700 yen

And here’s the drink menu — featuring drinks made with amazake (sweet fermented rice drink). Unlike the seasonal kakigori, these refreshing drinks are available year-round!

Fermented Sweet Drink — 500 yen
Blueberry Amazake Sweet Drink — 380 yen
Banana Amazake Sweet Drink — 380 yen

These drinks are healthy, gentle on the body, and absolutely delicious!

This time, I tried the
Miso Caramel Nuts — 700 yen

Just look at the size of this thing!
It looks absolutely irresistible!

It’s generously topped with almonds and walnuts!

And the taste? Let me tell you—
It was AMAZING.
The savory saltiness of the miso blends with the sweet syrup, and the fluffy shaved ice melts in your mouth in the most delightful way.

The crunchy texture of the nuts adds a wonderful contrast — making this a truly memorable kakigori experience!

And hidden underneath was an amazake pudding.
This was unbelievably delicious.

The aroma and flavor of amazake gently rise through your nose, allowing you to fully savor the deep umami of this traditional Japanese fermented drink.

For takeout, I also got the
Blueberry Amazake Sweet Drink — 380 yen

It’s topped with whipped cream, so I expected it to be very sweet, but
the moment it hit my tongue, the sweetness was perfectly balanced
with a refreshing finish — incredibly easy to drink and absolutely delicious!

This truly lives up to its name as a sweet drink.

At Marukame Cafe, you can enjoy guilt-free sweets made with traditional Japanese fermented foods that are kind to your body!
If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, this is a must-visit destination for an authentic taste of Japanese fermentation culture!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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