Introducing Sesame Cafe

Hello travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful little spot in Minamiaso Village, Aso District:
[Sesame Cafe]This charming little cafe just opened its doors on Saturday, August 16, 2024.
Before we dive in, I’d love to share the heartwarming story behind why Sesame Cafe was created.As you turn off and head up the road just before Sesame Cafe, you’ll spot this distinctive sign.

“Horses? Is this a petting farm?”
Actually, no — it’s something much more special.

Open Sesame is home to a variety of rescued animals — horses, pigs, cats, rabbits, chickens, and more.
The horses living here are retired racehorses or animals that were destined for slaughter.
The sanctuary also rescues cats injured in accidents or caught in traps and conducts TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs.
In fact, Open Sesame is the only farm sanctuary in Japan dedicated to rescuing and protecting injured animals.

The concept of a “farm sanctuary” may be unfamiliar to many visitors to Japan.
Unlike traditional zoos or petting farms,
the animals here have no “job” to do.
They’re not used for rides, petting, or any commercial purpose — they simply get to live out their days in peace.However, caring for so many animals comes with significant costs.

Since Open Sesame doesn’t generate income from the animals themselves,
it relies entirely on crowdfunding, volunteer staff, and donations (including a sponsorship program) to operate.

It’s through these grassroots efforts that the animals at Open Sesame can enjoy their golden years in safety and comfort.
Charity Treats for the Animals: ¥500

The need for donations and volunteer help is ongoing — for as long as these animals are alive.
With more rescues, typhoon damage, rising feed costs, and medical expenses, the bills keep coming.
While continuous support is essential, it can be challenging to provide…
But there are small things each of us can do to help.For example: learning about what happens to animals after they’ve spent their lives working for humans.
Buying charity treats to feed the animals when you visit Open Sesame.
Sending items from their wishlist or volunteering your time.
Spreading the word about this special sanctuary in Minamiaso, Kumamoto.

And when you visit Minamiaso, stopping by Sesame Cafe for a treat or drink.
These may seem like small acts, but together they make a real difference.This is the inspiring backstory behind Sesame Cafe!

I was on my high school equestrian team, so horses have always been close to my heart — and let me tell you, their eyes are incredibly gentle.
I’d known about Open Sesame for a while but hadn’t visited in years. Returning after all this time, I was reminded just how adorable and soothing these animals are ♪

Knowing the backgrounds of the horses here might bring up complex emotions. But I hope you’ll come and see them — surrounded by the love of dedicated staff and supporters, living peacefully and happily.

Now let me tell you more about the cafe itself (^^)/
It’s located along the road heading from the Kugino or Shin-Aso Ohashi Bridge area toward Takamori.
Look for the signs and banners along the road — you can’t miss it ♪

Because the staff dedicate weekdays to TNR activities and animal care, the cafe is currently open only on weekends and holidays.
If you’d like to visit on a weekday, please call ahead to check (^^)
※The phone number is listed at the end of this article.
Here’s the menu:

Shaved Ice (Kakigori)　　　￥600～
Sesame Cheesecake　　　￥200
Popcorn　　　　　　　　￥300
Yogurt Mousse　　　　　￥200

Banana Juice　　　　　　￥400
Iced Coffee　　　　　　￥300
Gari-Gari-kun Soda　　　￥300
Cola　　　　　　　　　￥300
Shiso (Perilla) Juice　　　￥300

Beer　　　　　　　　　￥600
Highball　　　　　　　￥400
Non-Alcoholic Beer　　￥400The shaved ice comes in 8 different flavors!
Gari-Gari-kun Soda is available in 5 varieties.

You can add toppings to your shaved ice for ¥100 each.
The Charity Ice “Sesame Special” — your choice of sauce loaded with all the toppings — is just ￥1,000!There’s a seating area with tables and chairs where you can enjoy your treats.

You can park right in front of the cafe (^^)/
A portable Japanese-style toilet is available near the house in the back.

Sesame Cafe’s Recommended Menu Items

Even up in Minamiaso, summer can be seriously hot!
So of course, I had to order the shaved ice.

When it arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes!
This shaved ice was so massive, it was bigger than a child’s head!
It’s topped with fresh fruit and homemade fruit syrup.
The ice itself is wonderfully fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth — just the way I like it (laughs).

There’s syrup hidden in the middle and bottom too, with a perfectly subtle sweetness ♪
Since I ate it on the outdoor chair, it melted quickly in the heat.
By the end, it had transformed into something like sweet peach nectar (●＾o＾●)

I forgot to take a photo, but the yogurt mousse was also delicious — light and refreshing ♪Why not start by simply learning?
What future awaits retired or injured racehorses?
What happens at the end for horses who have spent their lives working for humans?

When small acts of support come together, they become something powerful.
Come enjoy a giant shaved ice topped with delicious homemade syrup,
and join us in supporting Sesame Cafe and Open Sesame!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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