Introducing Fuya Ujisuke

Hello, travelers!
This is Maru, your SaruKuma writer.

Today I’m excited to share a hidden gem located in Nishi-Kogai-machi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City:
“Fuya Ujisuke” — a shop with centuries of history.

Just look at that beautiful, traditional facade! 😍

This specialty shop has been crafting traditional fresh wheat gluten (nama-fu) since the Edo period.
With over 300 years of history, the current owner is the 17th generation! 😮

While the wheat gluten typically found in Japanese clear soup is the dried variety, this shop specializes in fresh nama-fu — a rare and special treat! ❤

The shop is nestled in Kogai-machi Shopping Street.
There’s no private parking, but partner parking lots affiliated with the shopping street are conveniently nearby! 🚙=꒱‧*

You can also dine in at the shop.

Here’s a peek at part of the dine-in menu.
The Daitokuji Udon and Soba — topped with chewy fresh wheat gluten —
are wonderfully filling and have become local favorites! 😋

You won’t find this dish anywhere else — definitely worth trying!

The dine-in menu also features a Nama-fu Lunch Set, matcha green tea, and more!

The Nama-fu Lunch is definitely on my must-try list! 😋

The display case is filled with goodies that are also available for takeout! 😍

It’s like dango skewers, but made with wheat gluten — Kushi Nama-fu (skewered fresh wheat gluten)!

The round maru-fu can even be enjoyed sashimi-style — simply dipped in wasabi soy sauce! 😋

The age-fu is the same maru-fu, but deep-fried for extra crispness.

The gorgeous colors of the nama-fu come entirely from natural vegetable pigments! ✨

Healthy and beautiful — a favorite among foodies looking for wholesome treats! ❤

The fu-manju (sweet wheat gluten dumplings) wrapped in fragrant leaves look absolutely irresistible!

Bonus: there’s a bench right outside the shop where you can enjoy your treats!

Recommended Menu Items

Today, I picked up exactly what I’d been craving — check it out! ✨

The Three Skewered Nama-fu Brothers!!!

Kushi Kinako (roasted soybean flour) 150 yen, Kushi Azuki (sweet red bean) 160 yen, Kushi Dengaku (miso glaze) 180 yen

The perfectly portioned size is ideal — ✨
and they’re absolutely perfect for street snacking while exploring the shopping street!

My number one recommendation is the Kushi Dengaku!!!
The savory, sweet-and-salty miso glaze is so perfectly balanced, you’ll want to eat skewer after skewer.

The fresh wheat gluten has this wonderfully chewy, addictive texture! 😍
It’s similar to mochi, but lighter and more delicate.

Mild and neutral, the nama-fu pairs beautifully with sweet flavors too!

The Kushi Azuki is loaded with generous amounts of sweet red bean paste!

Kushi Kinako — the nutty roasted soybean flour pairs perfectly with the soft gluten! 😍

My daughter and I happily fought over them! (=^^=)

Be sure to try this centuries-old delicacy on your visit to Kumamoto — whether as a snack, sweet treat, or full meal! ✨

Frequently Asked Questions

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