Welcome to Kyushu Pancake Cafe

Hello, travelers!
It’s Uentsu, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to
Shimoshinmachi in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture,
“Kyushu Pancake Cafe Hitoyoshi HASSENBA”.

This cafe is located inside HASSENBA, a beautifully rebuilt facility that reopened this July after being damaged in the devastating July 2020 floods.
As the name suggests (HASSENBA literally means “boat departure point”), this is where guests board the famous Kuma River pleasure boats for scenic river cruises.

Step inside and you’ll find the cafe on the left, with the reception desk and souvenir shop on the right.

Choose from comfy sofa seating, regular tables, or — our favorite — the open-air terrace with sweeping 180-degree views of the Kuma River.

Here’s the menu.
During lunchtime, curry seems to be a crowd favorite.

These are the pancakes and galettes — choose between sweet pancakes or savory meal-style pancakes.

And here are the drinks and dessert options.
The soft-serve ice cream blends bamboo charcoal with Kyushu milk — and yes, even the cone is jet black!
Intriguing, isn’t it?

Must-Try Menu Items at Kyushu Pancake Cafe Hitoyoshi HASSENBA

Today, I went with…the “Egg & Bacon Galette” (¥780).
Fun fact: this was actually my very first galette ever!
The bacon was wonderfully fresh and savory — absolutely delicious.
My friend, meanwhile, ordered the
“Kyushu Pancake Eggs Benedict” (¥1,200).

As a self-proclaimed matcha enthusiast, there’s no way I could leave without trying something matcha-flavored!
So I also ordered the “Matcha Tiramisu Pancake” (¥1,000).

The pancakes were beautifully moist and wonderfully chewy.
The rich matcha flavor came through in every bite — a true treat for matcha lovers.

Don’t miss the second-floor terrace, where you can soak in panoramic views of the Kuma River and the historic ruins of Hitoyoshi Castle.

Remember, this is a “hassenba” (boat departure point), so you can also enjoy a relaxing river cruise here.
The shallow, gently flowing waters make for a peaceful, leisurely ride that everyone can enjoy.
It’s a perfect spot for a family day out — be sure to add it to your Kumamoto itinerary!

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas and more for families in Kumamoto.
Thanks for following along! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

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