Introducing Yoshinoya Kaho

Hello, travelers!
I’m Binako, a Sarukuma writer with a serious sweet tooth (and an obsession with super-spicy instant noodles, but that’s another story).

Today I’m taking you to Sakaemachi in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, to visit a delightful little gem called “Yoshinoya Kaho”.

Yoshinoya Kaho is what I like to call a hybrid sweets shop — they offer both traditional Japanese wagashi AND Western-style cakes and pastries under one roof.

So if you’re torn between trying authentic Japanese sweets or indulging in a fluffy cream puff, this place solves that delicious dilemma in one visit!

Convenient parking is available right next to the shop — perfect if you’re road-tripping through Kumamoto.

The moment you step inside, that warm, sugary aroma wraps around you and instantly puts a smile on your face.
Honestly — it’s my favorite kind of welcome.

One of the shop’s signature treats is the Castella — a Japanese honey sponge cake with Portuguese roots. You can grab a beautifully boxed version as a souvenir, or pick up single slices for just 170 yen.

Here’s a gift box of Warabi Mochi — a soft, jelly-like Japanese dessert dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour). They also offer combo boxes featuring Kuzu Mochi and Fruit Jelly, which make excellent edible souvenirs.

Then there’s the eye-catching Strawberry Crunch Chocolate (1,000 yen) — adorable pink and white crunchy bits that look like they belong in a fairytale. A perfect gift for anyone with a soft spot for cute sweets.

The display case is so dazzling you’ll want to press your nose against the glass — there’s an incredible variety of beautifully crafted cakes to choose from.

Macarons are sold individually or in sets of three — a perfect bite-sized gift to bring back to your hotel or share with travel companions.

Take a look at the Pudding à la Mode (440 yen) and Banpeiyu Citrus Tart (380 yen) — every cake is bursting with color and beautifully crafted by hand.

Whole cakes are also available, and you might want to sit down for this — the No. 4 size Chocolate Soufflé is just 1,700 yen. That’s an absolute steal! A perfect treat for chocolate-loving kids (or grown-ups, no judgment).

Beyond the famous Castella, Yoshinoya Kaho is also celebrated for its cream puffs and cakes, with the sponge cake earning especially high praise from locals.

Behold — the famous Cream Puff (180 yen). Even at first glance, you can tell it’s an impressively generous size!

Yoshinoya Kaho Must-Try Recommendations

Naturally, I had to try the Cream Puff!

I couldn’t even wait until I got home — I unwrapped it right in the car.

It’s the size of a fist — seriously big!
And here’s the surprise: peeking out from the bottom is a crispy lacy edge, which is definitely not what you’d expect on a typical cream puff…

I scooped up the top half first and took a bite…

Whoa…!?
WHAT IS THIS?! It’s incredible!!

The pastry is fluffy and chewy with a deep toasted aroma that hits you a beat after the first bite. The roasted scent rises through your nose and somehow makes the custard taste even sweeter and richer.

And then I bit into the body of the puff — another wave of surprise.

That crispy lace edge delivers a satisfying snap and crunch,
while the inner pastry stays soft and chewy. The texture combination is honestly outrageous (in the best way).

The custard cream has a beautiful vanilla aroma but isn’t too sweet — even at this jumbo size, it disappears in no time.

One bite and you’ll never forget it.

And here’s the legendary Castella.
The customer ahead of me in line actually turned around to recommend it — “You have to try this, it’s so good!”

The texture is wonderfully moist with a fine, even crumb — no dryness at all.
It’s sweet but finishes clean, which makes it easy to see why so many people grab this as a Kumamoto souvenir.

And finally, the star of the show — Coffee Pudding (300 yen).

I have a serious weakness for unusual sweets I’ve never heard of, so I had to try it.

What kind of dessert genius came up with this?!

The silky, melt-in-your-mouth pudding meets the gentle bitterness of coffee jelly in perfect harmony — they really do hold hands like best friends.

It’s the moment when black and white become one — pure dessert magic.

There are also plenty of baked goods and other cakes to discover, so be sure to stop by when you’re exploring Kikuchi City!

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
Sarukuma shares info on family-friendly lunch spots, parks, and indoor play areas around Kumamoto for parents and travelers alike.
We’d love a follow! (*´∀｀*)

Frequently Asked Questions

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