Welcome to Uto no Yakiimo-ya

Hello, travelers!
Lately I’ve been getting hit with sleepiness right at 8 PM —
this is Binako, your Sarukuma writer!

Today I’m introducing a charming little spot in
Shinkoji-machi, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Uto no Yakiimo-ya” — the Uto Roasted Sweet Potato Shop.

Uto no Yakiimo-ya just opened last week, and here’s the catch —
they’re only open on Thursdays! So mark your calendar and make every Thursday a yakiimo (roasted sweet potato) day!

There’s no parking lot, but customers simply pull up right in front of the shop.
And since the whole purchase takes only about one minute, you can be on your way in a flash!^^

The variety of sweet potato used here is the famous Beni Haruka —
a premium Japanese sweet potato beloved across the country.
Some say its sweetness rivals (or even beats) the legendary Annou-imo…
Sweet potato lovers, prepare to be amazed!

Inside, there’s a stylish wood-themed table and chair set,
where local regulars often sit down to enjoy their potatoes on the spot.

Recommended Menu at Uto no Yakiimo-ya

The sweet, mouthwatering aroma drifting through the shop comes from — you guessed it —
these gorgeously roasted, fluffy sweet potatoes.

Honestly, just looking at them is enough to fall in love.The Beni Haruka (400 yen) is grown right here in Kumamoto by Hagiwara Farm.
Thank you for these beautiful potatoes!

Now let’s grab one of these piping-hot, honey-oozing roasted sweet potatoes
and dig in!Oh. My. Goodness.
Can you sense how rich and creamy this texture is?

Fresh out of the oven, fluffy and warm — it’s pure bliss.
“So good! So sweet!” I caught myself grinning ear to ear in the car as I devoured it.
That natural, deep sweet potato flavor flooding your mouth… pure happiness.

The shop owner mentioned, “It’s also delicious chilled!”
So I saved half and popped it in the fridge — and wow,
the way it melts in your mouth is absolutely incredible!
The sweetness becomes even more concentrated, turning it into a perfect dessert!

I was already full from dinner, but before I knew it, the whole thing was gone.

One bite of Uto no Yakiimo-ya’s Beni Haruka and you’ll be transported to sweet potato heaven.
It’s a wonderful warm treat to share with kids,
and chilling it transforms it into a refreshing dessert — perfect as an afternoon snack!

Since they’re only open Thursdays and reservations fill up quickly,
I highly recommend booking ahead through their Instagram and picking up your order!

Come and let yourself be charmed by the magic of these incredible sweet potatoes!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.