About the Cafe

Hello from SaruKuma!
This is Mikan, your local travel writer.

Today we’re heading to Kawayo, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture to visit a truly enchanting spot:
“Cafe Tippel“.

Even from the outside, this cafe radiates style…

But Cafe Tippel’s charm
isn’t limited to its exterior!

Get ready — the interior is just as magical!

Cafe Tippel sits on the same grounds as
Minamiaso Pension Nonbiri Mura!

Parking is shared with the neighboring shops, but it’s conveniently close to the cafe!

Now, let’s step inside!

Oh my, cuteness everywhere you look!!!!
Probably because it was Christmas season,
there was even a giant Christmas tree!

Even the table we were guided to was lined with
charming tableware, dolls, and little trinkets!

Honestly — too adorable for words!!!

This slightly raised seating area is
truly a special spot

If you score this seat, you’ll feel like
you’ve stepped into a fairy tale picture book.
It’s that kind of magic ♪

Everywhere you turn inside, the space is filled with
wooden toys, nutcrackers, and incense smokers (Räuchermänner)
imported directly from Seiffen in Germany’s Erzgebirge region,
along with countless ornaments creating a true storybook world.

Honestly, all I could say was “so cute!” over and over (lol)

There’s a stylish terrace outside, too!
And good news — the terrace is pet-friendly!

Recommended Menu

Baumkuchen — 300 yen

An authentic handmade Baumkuchen in the traditional Salzwedel German style —
this is one of the cafe’s most popular treats.

Right next to the register, takeaway Baumkuchen is also available!

Prices vary by size,
so pick the perfect one for you when you buy!

Coffee — 350 yen

Hot Cocoa — 500 yen

Caramel Latte — 600 yen

The drinks above are just a taste of what’s on offer.
There are loads more delicious drinks to choose from!

This time, we treated ourselves to the Baumkuchen (300 yen) and Hot Cocoa (500 yen).

Baumkuchen
A generous dollop of whipped cream — yes please!
The Baumkuchen comes thinly sliced.

As for the texture,
it’s slightly firmer than super-moist.
The whipped cream is lightly sweet — never overpowering.

Both kids and grown-ups (even those who don’t usually go for sweets) will enjoy this Baumkuchen!

There’s also a white-chocolate-coated version and
that rich white-chocolate sweetness pairs beautifully with the cake!
White chocolate fans, you’ll be in heaven!

Hot Cocoa
First — that mug! So adorable my heart skipped a beat

I’m a tableware lover, so I always notice the dishes —
and this one perfectly matches the cafe’s vibe. Flawless!

Scoop up some whipped cream and take a sip.
Beautifully bittersweet!

That grown-up bittersweet flavor we all love.
This is exactly the kind of cocoa I’d been craving.

Winter cocoa just hits differently.
And you simply can’t recreate this flavor at home.
Ordering the cocoa was 100% the right call.

So, what do you think?
Did I successfully convey
the charm of Cafe Tippel?

By the way, as a totally doting parent,
I snapped tons of photos of my daughter inside this adorable space (lol)

The staff even told us, “Your little one’s a real star!”
(lol, lol)

This cafe warmly welcomes families with kids!
Definitely add it to your Aso travel list ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours may change. Please check before visiting.