Welcome to Kumamoto, where even early June feels like the height of summer! If you’re braving the sweltering heat after exploring Kumamoto City or Kumamoto Castle, a refreshing break is likely on your mind. Look no further than Josaien, an oasis of culinary delights right at the base of Kumamoto Castle.

If you’re on your way down the hill from Kumamoto Castle towards Josaien, you’ll be greeted by a stunning display of hydrangeas that bloom every year in June.

Their vibrant blooms are not just a treat for the eyes but also a prelude to what awaits at Josaien.

On the other hand, coming up from the city centre, you’ll likely pass through the “Minami Gomon,” just a short walk from Hanabatacho (花畑町) tram stop.

Amakusa Kaimaru

First up, let me introduce Amakusa Kaimaru (天草海まる). On weekends, you might find a queue here. Amakusa is known for its seafood, including sea urchin, octopus, and shrimp—all delicious, but it’s the uni korokke (sea urchin croquettes) here that are a must-try. Despite being an expensive ingredient, you can enjoy uni here at an affordable price in these croquettes, and they’re quite generously filled, contrary to what you might expect!

For those who aren’t keen on sea urchin, the creamy premium korokke for 390 yen is another recommended choice.

Uni Korokke from Amakusa Kaimaru

The premium sea urchin croquette oozes with creamy sea urchin as you bite into it.

Look for the big sign that says うにコロッケ (Uni Korokke) in Japanese!

Itsukiya Honpo

Next on the gourmet trail is Itsukiya Honpo, renowned for its Yamauni Tofu (山うに豆腐), a culinary marvel unique to Kumamoto that’s a must-try for any food enthusiast.

This unique tofu is marinated in miso for six months and aged in barrels, a technique that dates back over 800 years to the descendants of the Taira clan, who fled to a remote region of Kumamoto after their defeat in the Genpei War and developed the technique as a way to preserve tofu in their new life hiding from the authorities in the mountains of Kyushu.

The result is a tofu that mimics the mellowness of sea urchin and the texture of fine cheese.

They offer various flavors including original, spicy red pepper, refreshing yuzu, fragrant shiso (perilla leaf), and warming ginger.

It can be spread on a baguette, served on top of rice, or mixed into scrambled eggs—there are many ways to enjoy it.

Ocha no Izumi-En

Before you leave, make a stop at Ocha no Izumi-En, where tea crafting reaches new heights. While their matcha soft serve is a testament to their mastery, the Yuzu Tea Soft Cream (ゆず茶ソフトクリーム) is a revelation. Deceptively simple in appearance, this treat surprises with its crisp, citrusy essence, using locally sourced yuzu from Yatsushiro.

The yuzu’s refreshing taste is perfect for the coming hot months!

I also enjoyed some shaved ice topped with condensed milk and sweet red azuki beans, all for 350 yen.

For a grand finale, indulge in the Kumamoto Castle Gold Leaf Soft-Serve, a luxurious concoction of matcha ice cream enveloped in gold leaf. It’s not only a feast for the palate but also a spectacle for the eyes, making it an Instagram favorite since its debut.

Josaien isn’t just a place; it’s a journey through Kumamoto’s rich culinary landscape, served up with a dose of local history and charm. So, why wait? Dive into the delights of Josaien and savor every moment of your visit.

They even offered cold tea as a courtesy, which was delicious! Made from “edible tea” powder, it dissolves quickly in water, making it easy to prepare a refreshing cold tea.

Passing by the store, they’ll often invite you with a friendly “How about some cold tea?” After enjoying some soft serve or shaved ice, another cup is a welcome refreshment.

As I wandered around, I realized something: being here at Josaien means you can experience a diverse range of culinary delights from all across the wide geography Kumamoto Prefecture in one go—from the plains of Yatsushiro, the mountains of Itsuki, and islands and seas of Amakusa! And that’s not all; there are many more shops with specialitie from places like Aso, Minamata, and Ashikita to explore. Why not come to Josaien and savor the rich flavors of Kumamoto?

For more details about Josaien, including a map and the latest updates, click on the links below!

Main Webpage: http://www.sakuranobaba-johsaien.jp/

English Webpage: https://www.sakuranobaba-johsaien.jp/english/