Hello, fellow travelers!

I’m Binako, a SaruKuma writer who can’t resist a good Japanese sweet shop!

Today, I’m taking you to Kita-Kurokawa, Manganji, Minamioguni Town, Aso District in Kumamoto Prefecture, to introduce you to “Doradora” — a charming traditional sweets shop in the heart of Kurokawa Onsen.

The shop’s old-fashioned, traditional Japanese atmosphere is absolutely picture-perfect ♪

And don’t miss the adorable Kumamon mascot peeking out from behind the glass!

Step inside, and you’ll find rows of beautifully arranged dorayaki (Japanese pancake sandwiches with sweet filling) and sweet potato treats just waiting to be discovered!

Black Dora & White Dora — 180 yen
Nyuto Tegata Dora (Hot Spring Pass Dorayaki) — 180 yen
Matcha Azuki (Green Tea & Red Bean) — 180 yen
Sweet Potato — 150 yen

…and so much more ♪

Now, the famous “Doradora Burger” I came specifically to try? It was already SOLD OUT by lunchtime!!
If this legendary treat is on your bucket list, my advice is simple: arrive right when the shop opens!

The Doradora Burger is a wildly popular Japanese sweet — a fluffy daifuku (mochi rice cake) tucked inside a soft dorayaki pancake.
It’s a wagashi inside a wagashi — Japanese sweets within Japanese sweets — and reportedly absolutely heavenly (*´Д｀)

The available flavors are:
Coffee, Custard, Dekopon (Japanese citrus), Matcha, and Jersey Milk ♪
I’m definitely planning a comeback to try one!

You’ll also find traditional treats like Kurokawa manju (steamed buns) — every single item looks absolutely delicious ♪

Recommended Menu Items

This time, I treated myself to the
Nyuto Tegata Dora (Hot Spring Pass Dorayaki) — 180 yen!

This adorable dorayaki is stamped with the iconic Kurokawa Onsen “Nyuto Tegata” — the famous wooden hot spring bath-hopping pass that lets you visit three different onsen in the village ♪

The pancake itself is wonderfully moist, and the sweet red bean paste (anko) inside is perfectly balanced — never too sweet, so you can enjoy every bite without it becoming overwhelming!

The light, refined sweetness blends beautifully with the soft, fluffy pancake (*´Д｀)

Next up, I tried the
Matcha Sweet Potato
Kurokawa Sweet Potato!

Topped with black sesame seeds and slices of sweet potato — this is a proper, authentic sweet potato treat that gets you excited from first sight!

So smooth, so moist, so incredibly delicious!
That lingering, rich sweet potato flavor is absolutely irresistible (*´Д｀)

The warm, fluffy sweetness left me totally satisfied ♪

Then it was time for the matcha sweet potato!

Different from the Kurokawa sweet potato I just had, this one has its own beautifully moist texture, with the earthy matcha flavor and black soybeans adding wonderful depth.
The sweetness is just right — utterly delicious!
That lingering aftertaste is so soothing, it gives you a moment of pure relaxation.

Although I missed out on the elusive Doradora Burger this time, every single treat I tried was absolutely amazing — I left the shop feeling completely satisfied!

If you’re visiting Kurokawa Onsen, please don’t miss this gem — and remember, get there early for the legendary Doradora Burger!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.