Welcome to Chamitsulle BAKES & HERBS

Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Binako (24), your SaruKuma writer — though lately even the neighborhood kids have started telling me I look like I’m 30. I’m honestly starting to take it personally…

Anyway, today I’m thrilled to introduce you to a wonderful little spot tucked away in the lush countryside of Nakamatsu, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Chamitsulle BAKES & HERBS”.

This brand-new bakery and herb shop opened its doors on May 8th. With its crisp white exterior and natural wood accents set against the verdant Minamiaso landscape, it’s an absolutely picture-perfect destination!

There’s plenty of parking space, making it easy for visitors driving in. Even on this particular weekend, the shop was bustling with happy customers.

Inside, you’ll find cozy table seating perfect for enjoying your treats on the spot — a lovely eat-in option.

Chamitsulle BAKES & HERBS is run by a wonderful husband-and-wife team. Watching how warmly they work together honestly made my heart melt a little. And the husband? He looks just like Japanese actor Masaki Suda, which gave me a delightful little escape from reality.
Truly, what a treat!

There’s also counter seating, so even solo travelers will feel right at home here♪

To the right of the entrance, you’ll discover an enticing display of cookies, baked treats, and a beautiful selection of dried herbs.

Each herb comes with a thoughtful description of its characteristics and brewing tips, making it incredibly easy — even for first-timers — to find a herbal tea blend that suits you perfectly.

Treats include cowboy cookies (190 yen), raspberry brownies (290 yen), and so many more — choosing just one is genuinely hard!

The counter near the register tempts you with muffins (from 330 yen), banana bread (360 yen), and Victoria sponge cake (450 yen). Every single item looks irresistible.

Other tempting choices include the seasonal strawberry cupcake (450 yen), New York cheesecake (450 yen), and carrot cake (450 yen). With such a beautiful variety of cakes and baked goods, you’ll likely want to grab one to enjoy here and another to take home for tea time.

For drinks, herbal teas are of course the star of the show. They also offer a refreshing ginger ale (450 yen) and a delightful elderflower and amanatsu citrus soda (450 yen) — perfect for the warmer months ahead.

Recommended Menu Items at Chamitsulle BAKES & HERBS

This time, I tried the [Victoria Sponge Cake] and the [Elderflower and Amanatsu Citrus Soda]!

Victoria sponge cake — a classic British treat I’ve been dying to try forever. Wishes really do come true! I was so excited to finally taste it.

Oh my, so delicious!
The sweetness of the sponge cake pairs beautifully with the tangy raspberry jam. And then comes the rich, gently embracing buttercream — sweet, creamy, and absolutely divine.

Savoring beautiful cake while soaking in Aso’s natural scenery — what a luxurious experience. This moment is pure happiness.

Next up, the [Elderflower and Amanatsu Citrus Soda].

Elderflower is a herb known for its sweet, fruity aroma — often described as “muscat-like”. In Japan, it’s also known as “Niwatoko”.

The fragrant elderflower combined with the bright, citrusy notes of amanatsu (a Japanese summer orange) makes for a refreshing, easy-drinking soda that’s simply wonderful.

Here are the [Rosemary and Edam Cheese Cookies].

They have a satisfyingly crisp texture with a deep, savory richness. The salty notes make these a perfect pick for anyone who isn’t a fan of overly sweet snacks.

On a separate visit, I also tried the [Holy Basil tea].

Brewed fresh after ordering, the gentle herbal aroma filled the entire shop — pure relaxation.
The fragrance that drifts through your nose just before sipping, then the deeper notes that come with each taste…
It’s wonderfully aromatic and incredibly smooth to drink.

Why not treat yourself to gorgeous baked goods, cakes, and herbal teas while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Minamiaso? It’s the perfect way to soothe both body and mind ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

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