Introducing Moriguchi Manju Shop

Hello, travelers! I’m Suno, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m taking you to a hidden gem in Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District —
[Moriguchi Manju Shop].Drive along National Route 443 from near Hakka Library heading toward Toyo-machi, and you’ll spot it on your right.

Parking is conveniently located on either side of the shop.
Don’t you love that retro, nostalgic exterior?
Moriguchi Manju Shop has been serving up traditional Japanese sweet buns for an incredible 70 years!
The walls are lined with autographed shikishi (signature boards) from countless visitors — a testament to its popularity.
And just look at this menu — packed with goodies!

Classic takoyaki (octopus balls) ¥450, baked manju ¥120.

There’s even a set of 8 takoyaki-sized mini manju for ¥320.

And here’s the fun one — Russian takoyaki ¥500 available by reservation!
A guaranteed icebreaker for any party (one of them is loaded with wasabi — good luck guessing which)!Then there’s the shop’s signature Takoyaki Burger ¥220 (sauce or salt).

Toppings — gochujang, cheese, curry, or green onion — bump it up to ¥240.

It’s basically a giant manju-sized takoyaki!
It takes about 30 minutes to cook, so phoning ahead is a smart move ♪
And the kids’ favorite — the wakuwaku lottery game ♪The whole place has the cozy vibe of an old-school Japanese candy shop (dagashi-ya).
It’s a charming, increasingly rare slice of Showa-era nostalgia ♪

Recommended Menu Items at Moriguchi Manju Shop

My daughter requested this one.

Chibi Mori Dog (6 pieces) ¥150
What a steal!They also take orders for mochi-an, ohagi-an, and uguisu-an (sweet bean pastes).
Perfect if you’re making mochi or ohagi at home ♪
Watching them bake the manju right in front of you is half the fun!
My daughter and I were peering through the window in total awe, and the friendly staff smiled and waved at us mid-cook.
I imagine the local kids hang out on the bench out front, munching their treats fresh from the grill.

Time for me to dig into mine — piping hot!The baked manju comes in an impressive variety: black sweet bean paste, white bean paste, uguisu (green pea), chocolate, custard, and a chocolate-custard mix.

The chocolate & custard mix feels like the best of both worlds!

And don’t miss the seasonal special — sweet potato & black bean manju, available November through May, limited to just 10 per day ♪

These mini bites are like Japanese-style corn dogs!

Bite-sized, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely a hit with kids ♪

Beloved by generations of local kids, Moriguchi Manju Shop is a half-century-old treasure worth a detour. Be sure to drop by on your next Kumamoto adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.