Welcome to Ichinen

Hello there!
This is Maru, your SaruKuma writer 🙂🙃

Today I’m excited to introduce Ichinen, a charming Japanese sweets shop located in Kengun-honmachi, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City.

This shop is famous for its wide variety of ikinari dango — a traditional Kumamoto sweet potato dumpling 🍠
Convenient parking is available right in front of the shop 🚙

You’ll find Ichinen right at the Higashimachi 1-chome intersection in Kengun — easy to spot!

Here’s a peek inside the shop!
I visited on a Sunday afternoon, and many items had already sold out. I highly recommend coming earlier in the day for the best selection.

Ikinari dango, milk ishigaki manju, and ohagi (sweet rice balls)
All priced at just 120 yen each!

Look closely and you’ll spot purple ohagi too! 😮 They’re made with purple sweet potato.

You’ll also find yaki dango (grilled rice dumplings) and mitarashi dango (with sweet soy glaze) 😋

The cheese oyaki, packed with little chunks of cheese, looks irresistible too! (=^^=)And the imo chips at just 100 yen are a steal! 😆

Perfect for chilly weather — whole roasted sweet potatoes (yaki imo) for just 100 yen each!

You can even pre-order sekihan (red bean rice) here! ✨

Look at these colorful ikinari dango! 😍
Unique flavors include chestnut, sesame, green tea, sakura (cherry blossom), and purple sweet potato! 😲

I want to try every single one!

Ichinen’s Recommended Menu

Today, I picked up these three colorful sweets!

Milk Ishigaki — 120 yen A delicate steamed bun 🍠

Generously filled with chunks of sweet potato and a creamy white milk paste!
Wow — absolutely delicious! ❤

I was blown away from the very first bite 😄
The moist, soft dough paired with the mellow milk filling is pure magic — a gentle, comforting flavor.

Next up: Sakura Ikinari Dango — 120 yen 🌸
The sweet potato is topped with a paste blended with cherry blossom leaves (*^^*)

The subtle salty note and gentle sakura aroma are absolutely soothing!

A taste of spring, even before it arrives! 🌸🌸🌸🍃

This vibrant treat is a feast for the eyes too!
Yaki Dango (Sweet Potato) — 100 yen

The surface is lightly grilled, and the bright yellow color comes from natural gardenia (kuchinashi).
Inside, you’ll find a simple, satisfying sweet potato filling — wonderfully rustic and tasty ♪

Be sure to sample as many varieties as you can! ✨

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.