Hey Kumamoto adventurers! Tabeena here, ready to unveil the tastiest treasures from Kumamoto! 🐝🎵

I’m thrilled to share with you my curated list of 6 essential Kumamoto souvenirs, plus a few extra special treats. These delectable finds are available at traveler-friendly spots like JR Kumamoto Station, near Kumamoto Castle at Josaien, local product shops, and even Aso Kumamoto Airport.

Don’t miss out on these flavorful mementos to make your trip to Kumamoto unforgettable!

1. Homare no Jindaiko: A Classic Loved by Locals

Let’s kick off with a true Kumamoto classic!

Meet ‘Homare no Jindaiko’, not just a sweet treat but a piece of culinary art, wrapped in a luxurious gold package that’s hard to miss.

This beloved confection celebrated its 65th anniversary in September 2023, a testament to its enduring popularity.

What makes it special? It’s the blend of velvety red bean paste, made from top-quality Hokkaido Azuki beans, and tender ‘Gyuhi’, similar to mochi but softer, all prepared with Aso’s pure spring water. The unique packaging technique keeps everything moist and fresh.

The most fun part? You get to slice it open with a special paper knife provided, making the first bite as exciting as it is delicious.

Be sure to watch the video on how to enjoy this Kumamoto delicacy – it’s an experience in itself! 🐝

Additionally, in select stores across Kumamoto Prefecture, you can find unique treats like the ‘Jindaiko Soft’ – a soft serve ice cream inspired by the flavors of ‘Homare no Jindaiko’, as well as various limited-time monthly offerings.

Main Souvenir Spots to Purchase ‘Homare no Jindaiko’:

• “Okashi no Kobai” stores (21 locations within the prefecture)
• “Kumamoto Shunsai-kan” stores (7 locations including Aso Kumamoto Airport, Kumamoto Station, and inside Josaien)
• Kumamoto Prefecture Product Center

Okashi no Kobai Official Website: https://kobai.jp/

2. Fugamaki: An Innovative Seaweed Snack

Developed about 40 years ago as a creative venture by a nori seaweed maker, ‘Fuuga Maki’ was an endeavor to present seaweed in an entirely new light.

What sets ‘Fuuga Maki’ apart is its simple yet compelling taste. Sheets of crisp, early-harvest Ariake Sea (有明海) nori around are gently wrapped around crunchy bites of soybeans, cashews, and peanuts. The crispy and fragrant seaweed meets a nutty crunch in a delightful harmony.

The treats popular among both adults and kids. Adults relish them as a savory accompaniment to tea or even alcohol, while kids adore them as a delightful snack.

At “Fuuga Co., Ltd.” stores in Kumamoto, in addition to Fuugamaki, you’ll find an array of innovative seaweed-centric products like seaweed salad dressings, tomato sauces, and furikake seasonings.

Make sure to check out the wide variety of ‘Fuuga Maki’ and other original seaweed products for a unique souvenir from Kumamoto! 🐝

Main Spots to Purchase ‘Fuuga Maki’:

• Direct stores and department store locations of “Fuuga Co., Ltd.” (6 locations within the prefecture)
• “Kumamoto Shunsaikan” stores (7 locations including Aso Kumamoto Airport, Kumamoto Station, and inside Josaien)
• “Kumamoto Meihingura (Kumamoto Souvenir Store)” inside Kumamoto Station’s Higo Yokamon Market
• Kumamoto Prefecture Product Center

Fuuga Co., Ltd. Official Website: https://www.fugamaki.com/

3. Chōsen-ame: Kumamoto’s Centuries-Old Sweet Legacy

Delve into the past with “Ganso Chōsen Ame,” a confection steeped in Kumamoto’s history. The name, Chōsen Ame (朝鮮飴), literally translates to “Korean Candy,” a nod to its storied past.

Originally crafted over 400 years ago in 1582 by the venerable “Sonodaya,” these sweets began life as “Chōsei Ame” (長生飴). The tale goes that Kato Kiyomasa, a prominent feudal lord, took these candies to the Korean campaigns. Their durability and delightful taste not only made them popular among the soldiers, but also led to their renaming as “Chōsen Ame.”

Made from locally sourced mochi rice, starch syrup, and sugar, Chōsen Ame is not your typical hard candy but more like a soft mochi with a gentle sweetness.

Today, Sonodaya still makes the original ‘Ganso Chōsen Ame’, in addition to flavor variations such as “Kakigyūhi” (柿球肥) capturing the refined taste of persimmons, and “Lemon Ame” (レモン飴) a creation of the 19th generation owner.

Experience the legacy and the time-honored methods passed down through generations with these traditional sweets of Kumamoto.

Main Spots to Purchase ‘Ganso Chōsen Ame’:

• “Kumamoto Shunsai-kan” stores (7 locations including Aso Kumamoto Airport, Kumamoto Station, and inside Josaien)
• “Kumamoto Meihingura (Kumamoto Souvenir Store)” inside Higo Yokamon Market at Kumamoto Station
• Tsuruya Department Store
• Kumamoto Prefecture Product Center

Sonodaya (老舗 園田屋)
Address: 6-1 Minamitsuboimachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City (熊本市中央区南坪井町6-1) [Google Maps] Phone: 096-352-0030
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Days Closed: Sunday
Seating: None
Parking: None
Access: About 3 minutes on foot from Fujisakigumae Station (藤崎宮前駅) on the Kumamoto Dentetsu Main Line / About 8 minutes on foot from Suidocho (水道町) Stop on the Kumamoto City Tram

4. Karashi Renkon – A Spicy Bite of History

‘Karashi Renkon,’ a traditional Kumamoto dish with a crunchy texture and a kick of spicy mustard and miso. This local favorite is found in various snack shops and eateries across the prefecture.

The story of ‘Karashi Renkon’ began in 1632, concocted by the culinary master, Morihira Goro, as a health food for the then-ailing first lord of the Kumamoto Domain, Hosokawa Tadatoshi.

Using high-quality lotus roots sourced from across Japan and specially-ordered flavorful mustard miso, “Mori Karashi Renkon” has continued this recipe for over 400 years, producing more than 1,000 pieces daily using the same traditional methods.

Typically sliced 5-8mm thick (considered the ideal thickness to savor the crunchy texture and spicy flavor), ‘Karashi Renkon’ can be enjoyed as is or with a touch of soy sauce.

For those who find it too spicy, a dab of mayonnaise or sesame dressing makes it more palatable.

Taste a flavor cherished by fuedal lords of old, now available for your own table.

Main Spots to Purchase ‘Ganso Mori Karashi Renkon’:

• Mori Karashi Renkon Store (inside Josaien’s ‘Sakura no Komichi’)
• “Kumamoto Shunsaikan” (Aso Kumamoto Airport & Kumamoto Station)
• Aso Kumamoto Airport “Asora Gate Shop” & “Asora Lobby Shop”
• “Kumamoto Meihingura (Kumamoto Souvenir Store)” inside Kumamoto Station’s Higo Yoka Mon Market
• Tsuruya Department Store
• Kumamoto Prefecture Product Center

Mori Karashi Renkon (森からし蓮根)
Address: 2-12-32 Shinmachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市中央区新町2-12-32) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-351-0001
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Days Closed: Irregular holidays
Seating: None
Parking: Available
Access: About 1 minute on foot from Shinmachi (新町) Stop on the Kumamoto City Tram B Line
Official Website: https://www.karashirenkon.co.jp

5. Kokutei Ramen: A Kumamoto Staple

“Kokutei,” a cornerstone of Kumamoto’s ramen scene since 1957, is just a stone’s throw from Kumamoto Station. This revered eatery is a destination for those seeking the authentic taste of Kumamoto Ramen.

Kurotei’s dedication to tradition is evident in its rich pork bone soup, derived solely from pig heads, complemented by aromatic charred garlic oil (ma-yu) and their signature medium-thick straight noodles. The toppings – char siu, green onions, wood ear mushrooms, and Ariake Sea nori – complete this quintessential Kumamoto ramen experience.

This beloved ramen spot has developed a take-home version, capturing the essence of their popular dish. It’s not just a souvenir; even locals who have moved away often buy it for a taste of home. (The numbers speak for themselves – with over half a million servings sold annually, Kurotei’s popularity is pretty impressive!)

The top pick and classic menu item at Kurotei is the ‘Egg Yolk Ramen,’ where a raw egg yolk is mixed with the noodles for an extra layer of richness.

Try recreating this Kumamoto staple at home for a genuine taste of local flavor even after you’ve returned from your trip!

Main Spots to Purchase ‘Kokutei’s Souvenir Ramen’:

• “Kumamoto Shunsaikan” stores (7 locations including Aso Kumamoto Airport, Kumamoto Station, and inside Josaien)
• “Kumamoto Meihingura (Kumamoto Souvenir Store)” inside Kumamoto Station’s Higo Yoka Mon Market
• Tsuruya Department Store
• Kumamoto Prefecture Product Center

Kokutei Ramen Main Store (熊本ラーメン 黒亭 本店)
Address: 2-1-23 Nihongi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市西区二本木2-1-23) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-352-1648
Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 8:30 PM)
Days Closed: None
Seating Capacity: 28 seats
Parking: Available
Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Nihongiguchi (二本木口) Stop on the Kumamoto City Tram A Line
Kokutei Official Website (Souvenir Ramen page): https://www.kokutei.co.jp/souvenir/

6. Ikinari Dango: Quick Comfort in Every Bite

‘Ikinari Dango’ is a Kumamoto classic known for its homely charm. “Ikinari,” in local dialect, implies something made easily and swiftly, something that can be whipped up at a moment’s notice for an unexpected guest. That has made this snack a symbol of warm hospitality through the years.

First up, the ingredients: a mix of Kumamoto’s ‘Beni Haruka’ sweet potatoes, rich red beans from Hokkaido, and a special dango flour blend that maintains the softness of the outer dumpling skin. The dough’s subtle saltiness balances the sweet filling perfectly.

Variety is key at their Sakuramachi store, where steamed ‘Ikinari Dango’ comes in classic black bean paste, purple sweet potato, and brown sugar flavors, along with exciting seasonal varieties.

Every sweet potato at Hanamaru-Do is artfully cut into a floral shape, a nod to their aspiration: to craft ‘Ikinari Dango’ so delightful that customers will award them a metaphorical ‘Hanamaru’ (literallty means “flower circle”, the mark that Japanese schoolteachers give to students when they’ve outperformed on an assignment).

Main Spots to Purchase Hanamaru-Do’s ‘Ikinari Dango’:

• “Kumamoto Shunsaikan” stores (7 locations including Aso Kumamoto Airport, Kumamoto Station, and inside Josaien)

Hanamaru-Do Sakuramachi Store (はなまる堂 サクラマチ店)
Address: 3-10 Sakuramachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県熊本市中央区桜町3-10) [Goole Maps]
Phone: 096-300-8116
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Days Closed: None
Seating Capacity: None
Parking: Available
Access: About 1 minute on foot from Karashimacho (辛島町) Stop on the Kumamoto City Tram / Directly connected to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
Social Media: Instagram

Kumamon Keepsakes

Meet Kumamon and Discover Unique Merchandise at “Kumamon Square”

The moment you’ve been waiting for is here! 💖

Kumamon was born on March 12th, the same day as the full line opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen. According to official Kumamon lore, Kumamon is a mischievous and curious little boy. Over the hears he has captured hearts with his human-like movements and unique antics.

Even if you’re not a dedicated fan, meeting Kumamon often leaves you swooning with his cuteness – and I’m sure I’m not the only one!

“Kumamon Square,” established in 2013, serves as the bustling hub for Kumamon (who also serves as the official Sales Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture), as he travels both domestically and internationally.

The Square underwent a renovation in 2023, now featuring interactive experiences for all ages – from a 360-degree stage where Kumamon performs, to photo spots, AR games using large screens, and a café serving desserts made with local Kumamoto ingredients.

The range of Kumamon merchandise is astounding, with over 300 different Kumamon products available! Among them are exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else.

Don’t miss the chance to visit and experience the world of Kumamon at Kumamon Square!

Kumamon Square (くまモンスクエア)
Address: 8-2 Tetsuji-Honcho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in the first floor of the Tetoria Kumamoto Building (熊本県熊本市中央区手取本町8-2テトリアくまもとビル1F) [Google Maps]
Phone: 096-327-9066
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Days Closed: None (refer to the official website for stage schedule)
Seating Capacity: None
Parking: Nearby parking available
Access: About 1 minute on foot from Suidocho (水道町) Stop on the Kumamoto City Tram
Official Website: https://www.kumamon-sq.jp

Airport-Exclusive Treats

BERRY CUTE! Series – “Kumamoto Yubenichi Strawberry Langue de Chat”

The concept is: “Pick a cute treat, and let your heart skip a beat.” From the BERRY CUTE! series, known for delightful and cute snacks made from various fruits across Japan 🍓🫐, comes a special line featuring the balanced sweetness and tanginess of Kumamoto’s own strawberries, Yubeni. The series presents three types of sweets made with these flavorful berries.

🍓 Kumamoto Yubeni Strawberry Langue de Chat
🍓 Kumamoto Yubeni Strawberry Polvorone
🍓 Kumamoto Yubeni Strawberry Baumkuchen

Among them, the most popular is the ‘Kumamoto Yubeni Strawberry Langue de Chat’ 🍓✨. This light and crispy Langue de Chat sandwiches strawberry chocolate, offering the rich aroma of locally sourced Yubeni strawberries.

If you’re looking for a charming souvenir from Kumamoto, this is a delightful pick! ✨✨✨

Where to Buy ‘Kumamoto Yubenichi Strawberry Langue de Chat’ from BERRY CUTE!:

• “Kumamoto Shunsaikan Aso Kumamoto Airport Store“

BERRY CUTE! Official Website: http://berrycute.jp

WITCH’S FLIGHT LIMITED: Kumamoto’s Citrus-Infused Craft Beer

Did you know about the craft beer haven in Kumamoto, boasting an impressive selection of around 350 varieties of local and international craft beers? 🍺✨

Enter “WITCH CRAFT MARKET,” located in Ozu Town, Kikuchi District. Here, the focus is on creating and selling craft beers that are cherished not just as a trend but as a long-loved tradition, with a strong emphasis on quality ingredients and the stories of the brewers.

And now, its sister store, “WITCH’S BEER FLIGHT,” opened in March 2023 inside the departure gate area of Aso Kumamoto Airport. The lineup includes seven types of draft craft beer, complementing snacks, and an original sweet potato shochu.

The highlight is the “WITCH’S FLIGHT LIMITED,” an exclusive offering from “WITCH’S BEER FLIGHT.” This special brew features Yatsushiro-grown Banpeiyu and Uki-grown Dekopon (Shiranui) citrus, brimming with the juicy essence of the fruit. It’s a complex craft beer with citrusy bitterness and acidity, almost like an “adult” orange juice.

With its mild sweetness, it’s not only perfect with meals but also pairs beautifully with desserts like cake and ice cream.

This limited-edition craft beer, full of unique character, is sure to be a hit as a souvenir. 🐝

Some airlines even allow you to bring it on board, so why not reminisce about your Kumamoto trip while savoring this delightful brew? 🍺🍊

(Available for purchase by departing passengers only.)

WITCH’S BEER FLIGHT (ウィッチズビアフライト)
Address: 1802-2 Oyatsu, Mashiki, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture (Inside Aso Kumamoto Airport Terminal Building 3F, next to Gate 4 departure area) (熊本県上益城郡益城町大字小谷1802-2（阿蘇くまもと空港ターミナルビル3F 出発ゲート内4番搭乗口横) (Google Maps)
Phone: 096-288-9200
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM until the last flight
Days Closed: None
Seating Capacity: 10 seats
Parking: Available
Access: Refer to Aso Kumamoto Airport [Transportation Access] page
Social Media: Instagram

And there you have it, a roundup of delightful Kumamoto souvenirs and where to find them!

I’m always on the lookout for more fun facts and hidden gems to share about Kumamoto. This time, it was all about the delicious finds (hope you enjoyed it! 🐝).

Here’s hoping this guide reaches both locals and visitors planning a trip to Kumamoto, spreading a little joy and taste of the region…

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The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese sister website ALT Kumamoto, titled “【喜ばれる熊本定番土産はコレ】熊本を代表する銘菓や熊本でしか買えない限定品と購入できる場所＆お土産スポットをご紹介！　熊本土産のおすすめ6選+α” For the original content, visit https://akumamoto.jp/archives/220456.