olive: A Hidden Gem Cake Shop Loved by Locals in Kumamoto’s Kotohira-honmachi
2020.12.30

A Sarukuma writer visits “olive” in Kotohira-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, and shares the experience firsthand. Price range: from 160 yen. Family-friendly tips, access, and opening hours included.
About the Shop
Hello, fellow travelers!
[Sarukuma] writer Cho-san here ♪
Today I’m introducing a wonderful cake shop located in
Kotohira-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City,
[olive].
Let me get straight to the point…
This place is absolutely amazing!!
Let me show you why ⭐︎
Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood of Kotohira-honmachi,
the shop looks more like a cozy home than a typical storefront!
(Sorry for the nighttime photos!)
The shop sign greets you at the entrance,
and since I arrived after dark,
it was beautifully lit up with charming illuminations ♪
There’s also a chalkboard in front of the shop, making it easy to spot!!
The parking space next door belongs to the shop,
with room for one car.
Step through the door, and although the shop is small,
the display case is filled with mouthwatering cakes.
Seasonal strawberry cakes and
the shop’s long-loved gateau au chocolat are right there too!
Since I arrived close to closing time,
the popular omelette cakes were already sold out.
If you have your eye on the omelette, come early!
The shelves are lined with adorably wrapped baked treats ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎
The owner runs the entire operation alone—from baking to selling—
and you can feel the care in every detail of this warm, welcoming space ☺︎
Since I visited just before Christmas,
the shop was beautifully decorated for the season,
and both the interior styling and the sweet packaging
oozed wonderful style and creativity ♪
Although the holidays have passed,
keep this in mind for next year ⭐︎
The owner has a deep love for baked sweets,
and the variety on offer reflects that passion!
The 2,160 yen (tax included) baked sweets set and
the 1,150 yen (tax included) baked sweets gift
are both perfect choices that any recipient would love!
The Florentine at 237 yen (tax included)
looks absolutely irresistible too ♡
The sablé cookies at 129 yen (tax included) are wonderfully affordable
yet still beautifully wrapped!
Recommended Menu
The shop is takeout only,
so I enjoyed everything at home.
This time, I tried two different cakes:
・Gateau au Chocolat 399 yen (tax included)
This signature cake has been baked here since the shop first opened.
For Valentine’s Day and White Day,
they sell whole uncut loaves in beautifully wrapped boxes—
700 of them flew off the shelves last year!!
I took a bite, and
the chocolate was simply incredible—
rich and decadent yet never heavy.
I couldn’t stop eating it ♡
On a totally personal note…
I immediately thought of my chocolate-loving friend Yuka and wanted
to bring her some right away! lol
And then,
・White Chocolate and Matcha Gateau au Chocolat 410 yen (tax included)
This one joined the lineup in June 2020.
As a huge matcha lover myself,
the moist yet delicately crumbly texture
felt like the ultimate treat-yourself moment!!
And on top of that,
I picked up a few baked sweets as a small gift for friends.
On the left: Financier 216 yen and Chocolate Chip Sablé 129 yen.
On the right: Madeleine 216 yen and Vanilla Sablé 129 yen.
I tried the sablés myself,
and even though they’re bite-sized, the careful craftsmanship really shows—
it was a truly satisfying snack moment ♡
For year-end and New Year holiday hours,
please check the shop’s Instagram for the latest details.
Browse olive’s Instagram
and you’ll find gorgeous photos of seasonal fruits
that capture each time of year—it’s a real treat to scroll through ♪
Be sure to check it out for Valentine’s Day and White Day too!!!
olive Shop Information
-
Address
Kotohira-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
-
Hours
10:00-18:00
-
Closed
Sundays + irregular holidays
-
TEL
090-9072-6413
-
Website
-
Payment Methods
Unknown
-
Parking
Available
-
No
Tatami Seating
-
No
Private Room
-
No
Children’s Tableware
-
No
Children’s Chair
-
No
Diaper Changing Station
-
No
Stroller Access
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a recommended family-friendly spot in Kotohira-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City?
“olive” is a welcoming spot for families and a popular cake shop in Kotohira-honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City. See the article above for details.
What are olive’s opening hours and closing days?
The latest hours and closing days are subject to change. Please check the official website or call ahead before visiting.
※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.
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Article Writer
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Sarukuma Editorial
Sarukuma Editorial is a small team of locals based in Kumamoto, Japan, sharing the hidden gems, hometown flavors, and seasonal experiences that make our region special. We write the kind of guide we wish we had when showing friends around — honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.
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