Hello, fellow travelers!

It’s freezing cold today (someone please turn on the heater!)
This is Binako, writer for Sarukuma!

Introducing Kanzarashi no Mise Yui

Today we’re heading to
Miyaji, Ichinomiya-machi, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to visit
“Kanzarashi no Mise Yui”.
It’s located near the Aso Ichinomiya Monzen-machi Shopping Street, a charming traditional area perfect for a stroll.

Set inside a former girls’ school building, the atmosphere here is absolutely enchanting.
You’ll be swept away the moment you arrive!

The entrance can be a bit tricky to find, but look out for this sign along the road and turn there!

Inside, the cafe is lively with happy customers.
Watch the crystal-clear spring water flowing through the building — it’s incredibly soothing.

Bottles of Japanese cider are chilled right in the spring water — the scene is so picturesque you almost forget you came here for dessert!

There’s a traditional tatami seating area next to the register, making it easy to visit with little ones in tow.

They also sell a few unique local products, including:
Watercress Pasta
Watercress Somen Noodles
Unusual treats you won’t easily find anywhere else!

Recommended Menu at Kanzarashi no Mise Yui

Kanzarashi (Brown Sugar Syrup or White Syrup) — 500 yen
Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup) — 600 yen
Nagashi Somen (Flowing Noodles, summer only) — 700 yen
Aso Akaushi Beef Nyumen — 700 yen

The brown sugar kanzarashi comes with kuromitsu syrup and kinako (roasted soybean flour), while the white version is served with a ginger-infused syrup.

This time, I went with
Kanzarashi with Brown Sugar Syrup — 500 yen!

And surprisingly… a tomato on the side!
It was delicious, by the way.

Drizzle on the kuromitsu syrup…

Then sprinkle generously with kinako (roasted soybean powder)…

And it’s ready to enjoy!
Look at all that kinako — pure happiness!

Time to dig in!

Absolutely delicious!
I expected a chewier, mochi-like texture, but it’s actually closer to a soft dango (sweet rice dumpling) — exactly my kind of treat.
The rich sweetness of the kuromitsu syrup pairs perfectly with the nutty kinako. Heavenly!

And next up, this beauty.
The green dumplings have watercress kneaded right into the dough!

It has a softer texture than the white version — wonderfully tender and bouncy with a subtle herbal flavor that adds real depth.

Between the dreamy atmosphere and the irresistible kanzarashi, this place is absolutely my style. I’d happily come back every time I’m in Aso!

The lovely elderly couple running the shop are also incredibly warm and friendly — their smiles alone are worth the visit.

If you find yourself in the Aso area, definitely make a stop here — you won’t regret it!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information was accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.