Introducing Matsuriya-En

Hello travelers! I’m Aikero,
a writer for [Sarukuma] — and a big horse lover.

Today I’m featuring Matsuriya-En, located in Hakusui, Minamiaso-mura, Aso-gun (inside the free area of Shirakawa Suigen / Shirakawa Water Source).
【Matsuriya-En (えん)】
Shirakawa Suigen is one of Minamiaso’s most iconic sightseeing spots.
In summer, families flock here to play in the cool, crystal-clear spring water — but in winter, the chilly air tends to keep visitors away…

That’s exactly why this brand-new spot is such exciting news!
A place to eat, play, and relax, right at Shirakawa Suigen.

You’ll find target shooting, pick-your-own candy bags, plus tasty bites like crispy chicken wings, yakitori skewers, hurricane potatoes, and long churros.
There’s even a tatami seating area where you can kick off your shoes and relax — making it a perfect family-friendly hangout!

“I wanted to create a place where kids could really enjoy themselves.”
With that vision in mind,
a local dad and father of seven opened Matsuriya-En in February 2026!
For parking, please use the Shirakawa Suigen parking lot.
Walk past the Shirakawa Suigen Bussankan Shizen-an, and Matsuriya-En will come into view.
The Crystal Hall (Suishokan) is right across the way, and restrooms are conveniently located next door.

[Shirakawa Suigen] More Than Just a Spring! There’s Something Here That Really Hits the Mark…?! (Shirakawa, Minamiaso-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto)

Outside the shop, there’s a corner selling fresh local vegetables and miscellaneous goods.
Here’s a peek inside.
There’s a traditional tatami (zashiki) seating area where you take off your shoes — perfect for families with kids who want to relax.
The tatami area also has chairs, so guests with knee or back issues can sit comfortably too.
On the opposite side, get ready to feel that childhood thrill — there’s a real shateki (Japanese target shooting) booth!
You rarely see these anymore, even in Japan.
Being right at a tourist spot, it’s said to be especially popular with international visitors.
Here’s the target shooting menu:

・5 shots — 500 yen
・10 shots — 1,000 yen
★Helper Bonus: 3 free shots
Kids in elementary school or younger who put on the original happi coat and help pick up trash or fallen leaves get 3 free target shooting shots!

And there’s more — the more you spend, the more shots you earn (starting from 2 shots)!
And here’s the dagashi (traditional Japanese candy) pick-your-own corner.
Grab a bag and stuff it with as many sweets as you like!

・Small bag — 300 yen
・Large bag — 500 yen
There’s also a lottery (kuji) draw!
・Lottery — 200 yen per draw

That alone is enough to win over any kid, but…
Matsuriya-En is also a foodie destination!
・En Teba-Kara (signature fried chicken wings) — 250 yen each / 2,200 yen for 10
・Horse Meat Croquette — 350 yen
・Salt Karaage (fried chicken) — 500 yen
・Yakitori — 200 yen per skewer / 1,800 yen for a 10-skewer platter
・Hurricane Potato — 300 yen
・Long Churros — 300 yen

・Soft Drinks — 200 yen
・Lemon Sour — 500 yen
・Non-alcoholic Beer — 400 yen

The bite-sized chicken wings and yakitori are perfect for snacking, and kids will love the karaage and potatoes.
For the grown-ups, daytime drinks are absolutely on the menu!
They even stock non-alcoholic beer — such a thoughtful touch!

Reserve before noon, and they’ll even host private parties from 6:00 p.m.
Great-value set menus are also on offer.
For an extra 200 yen, you can swap your set drink for an alcoholic one.
A quick drink during sightseeing? Yes please!

Plus, spend 1,000 yen and earn 2 free shooting shots; spend 2,000 yen and earn 5!
Great food and great fun, all in one stop — what’s not to love?

Matsuriya-En’s Must-Try Menu

The fried chicken wings, marinated in a secret-recipe sauce, are an absolute must-order.
That irresistible aroma alone will get your stomach growling.
Crispy on the outside, juicy and piping-hot on the inside.
The seasoning is bold but not spicy, so kids can enjoy them too.
The chicken wings were so good they triggered an appetite spree — so we ordered yakitori too.
From front to back: tsukune (chicken meatball), chicken skin, negima (chicken & leek), chicken thigh, and pork belly.

The tsukune has a satisfying crunch from the cartilage mixed in.
The chicken skin was crisp and delightful — every skewer was delicious!
My daughter took on the dagashi pick-your-own challenge.
A bit of a borderline packing job, but she managed to fit a whole lot in there — and was super proud of her haul.
And finally — the long-awaited target shooting!
She had so much fun she kept saying, “I want to play more!”
By the way, knock down the Ultraman target and you’ll win a toy like this!
Now’s the time for moms and dads to show off their skills!
Watch the kids enjoy the games and candy while the adults toast with chicken wings and yakitori…
Now that’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon!
Here’s a photo of the owner and staff.
Shirakawa Suigen is the owner’s hometown,
but beyond summer water play, there weren’t many places where kids could really run wild or where families could enjoy good food.
That’s exactly the gap he set out to fill when opening Matsuriya-En.

And here’s a fun fact — the owner is actually a dad of seven!
Watching him build a place that puts smiles on so many families’ faces and breathe new energy into Shirakawa Suigen,
you can tell his kids must be incredibly proud of their dad.
A brand-new tourist destination packed with hometown love!
Whether you’re on a casual day out or visiting Kumamoto on holiday, this spot is highly recommended.
Gather the whole family and head over to make some unforgettable memories together (^^)/

[Shirakawa Suigen] More Than Just a Spring! There’s Something Here That Really Hits the Mark…?! (Shirakawa, Minamiaso-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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