About Farmers’ Market First

Hello, travelers!
It’s Igaguri 🌰, your Sarukuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to a charming local spot in Shimo, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Farmers’ Market First” (Nousanbutsu Chokubai First).

And — surprise! — a dinosaur greets you out front! (lol)

It was a windy day when I visited (^^;)
Good news for drivers — there’s plenty of parking space!

There were even some adorable parakeets to say hello to (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o))

Inside, the produce section feels just like a Japanese roadside market (“michi-no-eki”) — packed with local goodies!

The veggies at places like this are seriously well-priced — such a treat!
I almost always end up taking something home 🌰

Aromatic rice (“kaori-mai”)?!
The rice on offer looked amazing 😋

There was even a Japanese candy (“dagashi”) corner — perfect for a nostalgic souvenir (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))

Now let’s head over to the in-store kitchen counter!

Wait — “ZUN” the famous Japanese comedy duo?!
It seems the popular Kumamoto TV show “Eitaro no Kataranne” has dropped by too! ＼(◎o◎)／

Must-Try Menu Items at Farmers’ Market First

A Apple & Ginger
B Garlic Soy Sauce
C Punchy Garlic
D Simple Salt

Their signature “4-Color Karaage” — Japanese fried chicken in four distinct flavors — is the star of the show!

For bento lovers, there’s the classic “Makunouchi Bento” (you can choose between karaage or ginger pork) and a “Salted Mackerel Bento.”
They also offer rice bowls (donburi) served with a mini salad!

Hmm, so many tempting choices…!

Each bento has a clear photo on display so you know exactly what you’re getting!
At 500–600 yen for this kind of portion, it’s a real bargain ☺

I dropped by around 3 p.m. for an afternoon snack, so I went with the 4-Color Karaage à la carte (150g for 300 yen) and…

…the “Rich Aso Oguni Jersey First Cream” soft serve (350 yen)!
I let the dinosaur “taste” it first!

That fluffy, swirly silhouette is just too cute (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡

The soft serve is 250 yen in a cup or a regular mini cone.
I went for the upgraded cone, which is gently sweetened with maple syrup and made fragrant with toasted wheat germ. Absolutely delicious! ♡

The karaage was served fresh out of the fryer!
It was so good I forgot to take a photo… and only remembered after eating two pieces (^-^;

They sell drinks too, and…

…freshly made miso soup is also available!

Hot water and a coffee machine are on hand too (^_-)-☆

The recently opened Kumamoto Kenpoku Hospital is just nearby, and the location is right next to Shin-Tamana Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen line — making this a super-convenient stop for travelers exploring northern Kumamoto!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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