Introducing Kissa Tenoha-an

Hello, this is Aikero, writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’m introducing a wonderful spot in Takamori Town, Aso District:
Kissa Tenoha-an
Just a 3-minute walk from Takamori Station.
Step inside, and it feels like you’ve traveled back in time to the Showa era!
Visitors flock here for the famous Akaushi (red beef) burgers and ancient grain ohagi rice cakes.
Don’t miss the adorable retro uniforms worn by the gentle staff♪
Walking from Takamori Station along Prefectural Route 117, you’ll spot the cafe along the way.
There’s a small gravel parking area beside the shop, but only kei (compact) cars can fit.
Use the gate of Takamori High School as a landmark — it makes finding the place much easier (^^)/On sunny days, the terrace seating looks perfect for a relaxed, leisurely afternoon.
Just inside the entrance to the left, there’s a small retail corner.
You’ll find local goods and packages of ancient grain rice for sale.
The atmosphere has that wonderfully nostalgic, old-school Japanese coffee shop (kissaten) vibe.
Even though I barely caught the tail end of the Heisei era, the Showa-era ambience completely won me over — wouldn’t you agree?
There are regular table seats, but I really recommend the comfy-looking sofa seats too.The water in their water dispenser is fresh spring water from Takamori!
Be sure to taste this smooth, delicious local water♪
Kissa Tenoha-an opens at 7:30 AM, so you can stop by even for breakfast.
I visited during lunch this time, so let me share the lunch menu.

・Akaushi Burger
– S size: 730 yen (kid-friendly or light appetite)
– R size: 950 yen (satisfyingly hearty)

・French Fries (single): 390 yen

・Akaushi Premium Burger: 1,510 yen
(comes with fries)

・Mung Dal Curry: 1,100 yen
・Beef Curry: 1,100 yen
・Katsu Curry: 1,500 yen
・Akaushi Simmered Hamburger Steak: 1,650 yen

・Drink Set: +350 yen

Even adults can order the S-size Akaushi Burger if you want something lighter (^^)/
The Premium Burger features a 100% Akaushi patty with no fillers — pure red beef goodness.
Here’s the drink menu.

・House-roasted organic coffee: 600 yen
・Todakaen organic tea: 600 yen
・100% fruit juice: 600 yen
・Alcoholic drinks: from 600 yen
A new addition is the “Reizan Blue,” a sake-based cocktail made with Reizan from nearby Yamamura Shuzo brewery!
Its cool, refreshing blue color is just perfect for the warmer months ahead♪
They also serve shaved ice (kakigori), toast, hotcakes, and ancient grain ohagi!
The baked sweets near the register also looked irresistible♪

Recommended Menu Items at Kissa Tenoha-an

I ordered the Akaushi Burger S-size with a drink set.
While labeled as a kid-sized portion, adults can order it too.
First of all — the bun is delicious!
Crispy on the outside with a strong wheaty fragrance — I would have happily eaten it on its own!

The Akaushi patty is surprisingly light, not too heavy at all, with the perfect portion size (*’ω’*)
Fresh lettuce and tomato round out a beautifully balanced burger ♡
For my drink, I went with a refreshing lemon squash.
Not overly sweet — a great match for the burger♪Now for Kissa Tenoha-an’s signature ohagi — made with organic, naturally grown black rice from Aso City.
The owner says, “Many customers come specifically for the ohagi” — that’s how popular it is!

Compared to white rice, black rice is rich in anthocyanins, vitamins, iron, and essential amino acids.
Kissa Tenoha-an makes ohagi using black rice, green rice, and red rice.
Matcha (Black Rice Matcha-Kinako Ohagi)
Black rice wrapped in sweet anko bean paste, then dusted with a blend of “Misao” local soybean kinako (from Takamori) and Uji matcha.

The moment it arrived at the table, the rich aroma of matcha filled the air.
The gentle bitterness of matcha gives way to subtly sweet anko, balanced by the slightly earthy black rice — an exquisite combination.
For anyone who loves traditional Japanese flavors, this is heaven♪Hento (Black Rice Almond Ohagi)

“Hento” is the old Japanese word for almond, by the way.
This one also fills the air with a warm, toasty fragrance the moment it arrives.
The crunchy almond meets the slightly chewy pop of black rice — a delightful combination of textures!
Though both ohagi use the same black rice, tasting them side by side reveals such different personalities — I highly recommend trying both♪
Here’s a photo of the owner.
Isn’t her uniform just adorable?
It completely matches the retro charm of the whole shop (*’ω’*)
Her warm, gentle personality is just as wonderful — you’ll feel right at home.
Behind the cafe, you’ll find “Retreat House HOKKOMA,” a private rental accommodation that hosts only one group per day.
A “retreat” is about stepping away from daily life to refresh body and mind, and reconnect with yourself.
Combined with Takamori’s tranquil town atmosphere, this is the perfect place for a meaningful escape (^^)
For more details, check the link in Kissa Tenoha-an’s Instagram profile (^^)/
Kissa Tenoha-an is a wonderfully retro cafe that fits perfectly into the nostalgic streets of Takamori Town.
If you’re traveling around southern Aso, take a little detour to enjoy these delicious burgers and ohagi♪
The kind owner will give you the warmest welcome (^^)/

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Frequently Asked Questions

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