Welcome to Roasters Cafe Kohaku no Toki

Hello, travelers! I’m Chako,
a mom of three and a writer for Sarukuma.
Yamaga City is seriously heating up right now!

Sorry — I got a little carried away there. 😅
But honestly, there are SO many wonderful cafes and shops in Yamaga
where busy parents (and curious tourists) can sneak in a little break from the day.

And let’s be real — sweets paired with great coffee? It doesn’t get better.
Today I’m taking you to Roasters Cafe Kohaku no Toki (琥珀の刻, meaning “Amber Hour”),
located right along National Route 3 in Kahoku-machi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Heading north on Route 3 from central Kumamoto City, you’ll spot it on your left — its eye-catching exterior is impossible to miss. ✨
The parking lot is also nice and spacious, making it easy to pull in.

You can really feel the love for coffee here. ♡

They also sell their own original coffee beans and merchandise — perfect souvenirs to take home.

Recommended Menu at Roasters Cafe Kohaku no Toki

Once you step inside, head straight to the counter to order and pay first — a simple, easy system for international visitors too.

This time, I tried the House Blend coffee (410 yen) and the Kahoku Tea Smoothie (580 yen).

The generous mug-sized original cup is just adorable. (^^♪
Even before sipping, the rich coffee aroma fills your nose — utterly irresistible.
If you’re a coffee lover visiting Kumamoto, you absolutely must try this!

The Kahoku Tea Smoothie has a gentle vanilla flavor with restrained sweetness, and the sweet azuki red bean paste added on top is a brilliant accent. I slowly stirred everything together, savoring the cream, locally grown Kahoku green tea, and the bean paste with each sip.
You can’t taste any bitterness from the tea at all, so it’s a flavor even kids will enjoy. ✨

And don’t miss the famous Marron Pie (chestnut pie) — limited to 3 per person and only available while supplies last.

I got mine to take out.
For the Marron Pie, I highly recommend calling ahead to reserve.

Each pie is freshly baked only after it’s ordered — that’s their commitment to quality. ^ ^

(Apologies for the already-bitten-into shot — total rookie writer move!)

Look at the size of that chestnut!

A whole, plump shibukawa-ni (chestnut simmered in its inner skin) wrapped inside a single buttery pie!
The rich, buttery pie crust 🥧, the simmered chestnut, and the sweet bean paste create the perfect harmony of flavors.

Be sure to try it before chestnut 🌰 season ends!The spacious interior even features a wood-burning stove. 👀

I’m definitely coming back in winter.
I can already picture myself sipping coffee at a leisurely pace while watching the flames dance.

The pizza also looked fantastic — saving that for next time!

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of coverage. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.