About Imokichi

Hello travelers! This is Aikero, writer for Sarukuma.

Every time I head out on a story, I discover so many delicious bites and lovely shops, but…
I’ve just found another spot I know I’ll keep coming back to (*’ω’*)

Today, let me introduce you to Tomiai Town, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City‘s newest favorite,
Imokichi (芋吉).Newly opened on February 16!
As the name suggests (“imo” means sweet potato in Japanese), the menu stars everyone’s favorite — sweet potatoes (●＾o＾●)

Thinking, “Wait, I’ve seen this place somewhere before”? Good eye!
They previously ran a stall inside Cainz Home Uto store in Uto City ♫

Imokichi already has a loyal following of Cainz shoppers and even Cainz staff who keep coming back for more. We sat down with the owner to hear about his passion and the story behind the new shop — let me share it all with you (^^)/The shop sits just off National Route 3, near the Kumamoto City Minami Ward Office.
You’ll find it tucked next to Yuai Juku (a cram school), inside the lot of a coin laundry called THE LAUNDRY.
Heads up: on Google Maps, the location is pinned at Yuai Juku, so don’t be surprised!

Plenty of neighborhood regulars were stopping in after spotting the signboard ♫

Nearby you’ll also find Nihon-ichi Taiyaki Kumamoto Tomiai Branch and Bäckerei Glück (*’ω’*)
Both are absolute favorites of mine!

[Nihon-ichi Taiyaki Kumamoto Tomiai Branch] Enjoy Japan’s #1 Taiyaki Right Here in Kumamoto! Classic Red Bean, Custard, and Matcha Bean Flavors《Tomiai Town, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City》

[Bäckerei Glück – Tomiai Town, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City] A Must-Order! Delicious and Picture-Perfect Bread Hors d’oeuvres

Plenty of parking too!
You’ll definitely find yourself grabbing a snack while doing your laundry (￣▽￣) haha

Route 3 sees plenty of traffic, but many drivers probably don’t even notice this little gem tucked away here.

“I figured some women might feel a bit shy if a friend or neighbor caught them buying sweet potato tempura — so I picked this discreet spot. That’s just my personal take, though! (laughs)”
That’s what the owner shared with a smile.

A few years back, he battled leukemia, which left him with mobility issues in his lower body.
Since the condition made his original line of work difficult, he wanted something he could do while seated — and that’s how this sweet potato shop, with universal appeal for kids and adults alike, came to be.

Even with the new Tomiai location now open, they plan to keep the Cainz pop-up going too ♫
Imokichi’s biggest commitment? The deliciousness of the sweet potatoes themselves!

They use only Beni Haruka sweet potatoes, sourced directly from a farm in Nishihara Village!
“People often tell us our potatoes are delicious — but really, that’s all thanks to the farmer!” the owner said modestly ♫

They have an oven for baked sweet potatoes too, but it hasn’t arrived yet — for now, it’s sweet potato tempura only.
The plan is to freeze baked sweet potatoes during their peak season and use them in soft serve ice cream by summer!
Just hearing about it makes my mouth water (laughs)
Now, here’s the full Imokichi menu (^^)/

Pre-ordering is highly recommended — that way you can pick up your order without waiting!
Reservations can be placed via DM on the shop’s Instagram ♫

〈Food〉
・Sliced Sweet Potato Tempura (Wagiri Imo Ten)　　150 yen
・Bite-Sized Sweet Potato Tempura (Korokoro Imo Ten)　　300 yen
・Takoyaki　　　　from 400 yen
・Karaage (Fried Chicken)　　　Small 400 yen / Large 600 yen
・French Fries　400 yen

〈Drinks〉
・Coffee　　300 yen
・Cappuccino　300 yen
・Matcha Latte　　400 yen

〈Tapioca〉ALL 400 yen
Brown Sugar Milk Tea / Strawberry Milk / ChocolateThere are tables and benches on site, so feel free to enjoy your treats fresh on the spot!

Imokichi’s Recommended Menu

Shopping while hungry always means buying too much, doesn’t it? (laughs)
I grabbed the popular Korokoro Imo Ten, the Sliced Sweet Potato Tempura, and Salt Takoyaki ♫The Korokoro Imo Ten is bite-sized sweet potato tempura with a slightly sweet, doughnut-like coating.
The fluffy batter tastes just like a fried doughnut!

That juicy, oily explosion of flavor in your mouth — yes, it’s high-calorie, but oh so worth it!
The natural sweetness of the potato pairs beautifully with the lightly sweet batter, making it the perfect snack — kids absolutely love them too! ◎My son grabbing two at once (laughs)
Even after a full dinner, he polished off both!The Sliced Sweet Potato Tempura (Wagiri Imo Ten) is a simple, classic preparation that lets the natural sweetness and aroma of the potato truly shine.
The sweet potato itself is moist, soft, and beautifully sweet.

This style of batter has plenty of fans too. “Customers often ask, ‘How do you fry it like this?'” the owner told us.
I’m a big fan of this kind of tempura batter myself ♪The takoyaki had just the right amount of salt — really delicious ♫
The batter is wonderfully fluffy, and I imagine it’s gloriously gooey and molten right out of the pan!
With a school nearby, I’d guess plenty of parents pick these up as after-school snacks for the kids!
The sheer deliciousness of these sweet potatoes keeps customers coming back time and time again!
Whether for a kids’ snack or as a side dish for dinner at home, the sweet potato tempura is a wonderful choice ♫

Definitely stop by and try this delicious sweet potato tempura for yourself (●＾o＾●)

[Nihon-ichi Taiyaki Kumamoto Tomiai Branch] Enjoy Japan’s #1 Taiyaki Right Here in Kumamoto! Classic Red Bean, Custard, and Matcha Bean Flavors《Tomiai Town, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City》

[Bäckerei Glück – Tomiai Town, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City] A Must-Order! Delicious and Picture-Perfect Bread Hors d’oeuvres

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information current as of writing. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting.