Hello, fellow travelers!

I’m Binako, a writer for Sarukuma — and yes, my older sister keeps reminding me it’s about time I found a partner!

Today I’m taking you to a wonderful spot located in Manganji, Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture —
“Mochi-yaki Senbei Terakoya Honpo Kurokawa Branch”, a charming traditional rice cracker shop right in the heart of the famous Kurokawa Onsen hot spring village.

That’s my son popping into the photo again — somehow he always ends up in frame! 😆

Inside the shop, you’ll find a delightful selection of senbei (Japanese rice crackers) and other traditional snacks for sale.
They make perfect souvenirs to take home or a quick treat to enjoy on the spot!

The takeout menu is impressively varied, with plenty of grilled-to-order options to enjoy while strolling the streets of Kurokawa Onsen!

Zarame (sugar-glazed) — 120 yen
Yuzu Pepper — 180 yen
Soy Sauce — 140 yen
Old-Style Soy Sauce — 140 yen
So many flavors of senbei to try!

They also offer hot and iced drinks, including matcha latte and green tea.
What caught my eye was the rich “Koicha” (strong matcha) soft serve ice cream — sounds intensely flavorful!
And a soy sauce soft serve too… now that has to be delicious, right?!

The dango (Japanese sweet rice dumplings) options are equally tempting:
Mitarashi Dango — 2 skewers, 300 yen
Soy Sauce Dango — 2 skewers, 300 yen
They come as two skewers, perfect for sharing with a travel companion!

Wait… what…
WHAT IS THIS?!

A towering display of nure-okaki (moist grilled rice crackers) skewers reaching for the sky!
One look and you instantly know what they’re famous for here! 🤣

Nure-Okaki — 1 skewer, 220 yen
Available for a very reasonable price!

Recommended Menu Items

Message received loud and clear from the staff!
Nure-Okaki — 220 yen
I just had to try one!

The texture is amazing — crispy on the outside yet wonderfully moist inside. I was so hooked, I almost wanted to join the nure-okaki tower myself!
The flavor is gentle and not overpowering, making it a treat that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Next up was the Mitarashi Dango — 300 yen!

The dango is wonderfully chewy, and the sweet-savory mitarashi sauce pairs perfectly!
The rice dumplings are easy to bite into with a satisfying texture, allowing you to fully savor every bite.
Honestly, I could happily eat both skewers all by myself! 😋

I also tried the Zarame (Sugar-Glazed) Senbei — 120 yen!

The crispy cracker has a delightful crunch, with crystallized sugar adding the perfect sweet accent.

The sweetness level is just right, beautifully complementing the savory rice cracker flavor — truly an unforgettable Japanese snack!

The soft serve ice cream and other senbei flavors are calling my name for next time!
If you’re visiting Kurokawa Onsen, be sure to add this charming shop to your itinerary — you won’t regret it!

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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.