About Kinpozando

Hello, travelers!
This is Maru, a writer for Sarukuma 🙂🙃

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a brand-new specialty sweets shop dedicated to aged sweet potatoes, which had its grand opening on December 4, 2021!

Located in Ansei-machi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, this charming shop is called
“Kinpozando.”

You’ll find it right in front of COCOSA on the Shimotori shopping arcade—super easy to spot when strolling through the heart of downtown Kumamoto.

Since it had just opened, plenty of curious passersby were stopping in for a look.
Sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkin sweets have long been beloved in Japan, especially among women—but these days, sweets-loving guys are right there with them!

Here’s a peek at the takeout menu.

So, what exactly are aged sweet potatoes? By carefully storing them at controlled temperatures and humidity, the natural sweetness, umami, and moisture intensify. Sounds amazing, right? Expectations were running high!

Unfortunately, I dropped by a bit too late in the afternoon, and many of the takeout items were already sold out.

The popular Sweet Potato & Cheese Mont Blanc was completely gone 😭 So I’d definitely recommend stopping by earlier in the day!

This beauty is the Shiroga-mine, priced at 1,980 yen—a luxurious chocolate terrine made with aged sweet potatoes and white chocolate.

You can also pick up classics like Ikinari Dango (a regional Kumamoto sweet potato dumpling) for 140 yen.

They also have plenty of perfect souvenir options on display—imo kenpi (crispy candied sweet potato sticks), sweet potato chips, and beautifully boxed assortments to take home.

Inside, there’s also a small eat-in space, with a separate dine-in menu in addition to the takeout offerings.

Recommended Menu at Kinpozando

Although I went for takeout this time, let me share some of the in-store dining options too!

Behold—the Freshly Piped Sweet Potato Mont Blanc, 980 yen!

Personally, I had my eye on the Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée at 880 yen.

For sweet potato lovers, the Kinpozando All-Sweet-Potato Parfait is 1,380 yen—truly indulgent!

Or try a little of everything with the Sweet Potato Sampler Plate, 1,280 yen—a great way to taste several of the shop’s bestsellers in one go.

And here’s the drink menu.

I happened to be there just as someone ordered the sweet potato Mont Blanc, so I caught a glimpse of the freshly piped sweet potato cream being swirled on top.

And here’s the finished masterpiece! Heaping with sweet potato—I swear it must be a whole potato’s worth piled on top!

Here’s what I took home with me!

Moist Sweet Potato Cake (Sweet Potato), 298 yen.

It’s small, but oh-so-divine. The rich, concentrated flavor of sweet potato is packed into every bite—I could easily polish off several in a row!

This one is the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Potato Pudding, 498 yen.

This was my very first time having a melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato pudding!

Generously dotted with rum-soaked raisins, it has a sophisticated, grown-up flavor. The two distinct layers—vanilla and sweet potato—made every bite pure bliss. My heart and tastebuds both melted away.

I also tried the Aged Sweet Potato Yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato): medium 398 yen, large 498 yen—and oh my, the natural sugar was practically oozing out! Once again, my mouth melted into pure bliss.

If you’re visiting downtown Kumamoto, do stop by this newly opened gem and treat yourself!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.