Kumamoto Prefecture is blessed with rich natural beauty and stunning landscapes, along with a wide variety of local souvenirs that reflect its unique culture. All of this will surely make you fall in love with Kumamoto even more.
In this article, we will introduce five recommended souvenirs from Kumamoto in 2025. Perfect for those of you who are still unsure about what to buy.
1. Fujibambi – Brown Sugar Donut Sticks
Brown Sugar Donut Sticks are a classic souvenir from Kumamoto, made by the well-known brand Fujibambi. These snacks are incredibly popular and loved by many.
They’re made with brown sugar from Okinawa Prefecture and 100% locally sourced Japanese wheat flour. The donuts are fried in fresh vegetable oil, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy center. The sweetness is just right—not overpowering.
Thanks to their high quality, these donut sticks have won multiple awards at the Japan National Confectionery Exposition. They’re definitely a must-buy when visiting Kumamoto!
- Product Name: Fujibambi – Brown Sugar Donut Sticks
- Price: 12 pieces – ¥550, 20 pieces – ¥1,000, 40 pieces – ¥1,900 (tax included)
2. Okashi no Kobai – Homare no Jindaiko
Homare no Jindaiko (誉の陣太鼓) is one of Kumamoto’s most iconic traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi), with a history spanning over 60 years.
This confection is made from premium Dainagon red beans sourced from Hokkaido. Inside, you’ll find a soft, flavorful bean paste crafted with expert technique. Its sweetness, moisture, and texture are perfectly balanced.
Beyond the delicious flavor, the sweet also stands out for its appearance. It’s shaped like a traditional Japanese drum (taiko) and wrapped in eye-catching gold aluminum foil. Homare no Jindaiko is a souvenir you definitely need to include on your shopping list when visiting Kumamoto in 2025!
- Product Name: Homare no Jindaiko (誉の陣太鼓)
- Price: 6 pieces – ¥1,340, 8 pieces – ¥1,782, 12 pieces – ¥2,646, 16 pieces – ¥3,564 (tax included)
Read:
6 Must-Try Local Dishes from Fukushima!
3. Hanamarudou – Instant Dango
Instant Dango (いきなり団子) is a traditional sweet snack from Kumamoto with a simple, comforting flavor. It’s made from wheat flour dough filled with sweet potato, then steamed for just one minute until cooked.
Because it can be prepared quickly when unexpected guests arrive, it’s called “instant dango.”
Hanamarudou (華まる堂) specializes in making this instant dango. Besides the classic sweet potato filling, they offer various flavors like red bean, white bean paste, purple sweet potato, and more, adding a fresh twist to this traditional treat.
This sweet souvenir is a must-try when you visit Kumamoto in 2025!
- Product Name: Instant Dango (いきなり団子)
- Price: 10 pieces – ¥1,728, 15 pieces – ¥2,808 (tax included)
4. Mori Karashi Renkon – Mustard Lotus Root
Karashi Renkon (からし蓮根) is a traditional dish that Kumamoto proudly offers.
This unique dish comes from the legendary Mori Karashi Renkon (森からし蓮根) shop, which once presented its recipe to local rulers long ago.
Since then, the recipe has been carefully handed down and preserved for 18 generations, with a history spanning over 400 years.
The lotus root’s holes are filled with a mixture of miso and Japanese mustard (karashi), then coated in flour and fried until crispy.
With every bite, you’ll enjoy the crunch of lotus root combined with the spicy, savory flavor of the mustard miso.
This dish will change how you see lotus root. It’s perfect as a bento side dish, a tea-time snack, or even a sake companion.
- Product Name: Karashi Renkon (からし蓮根)
- Price: 1 piece – ¥1,944, 2 pieces – ¥3,888, 3 pieces – ¥5,670 (tax included)
5. Aso Kenkou Nouen – Kumamoto Tomato Cola
Kumamoto is Japan’s top tomato-producing prefecture, so it naturally offers many tomato-based souvenirs.
One of the most unique and popular is Kumamoto Tomato Cola (熊本トマトコーラ) from Aso Kenkou Nouen.
This original soda is made from ripe tomatoes harvested around Mount Aso.
At first sip, you’ll taste a strong tomato flavor, followed by the sweet-and-sour notes of cola and a refreshing carbonation sensation. This creates a truly unique flavor combination.
Since it can be stored at room temperature, Kumamoto Tomato Cola has become a popular souvenir.
If you visit Kumamoto in 2025, don’t miss the chance to try this distinctive drink!
- Product Name: Kumamoto Tomato Cola (熊本トマトコーラ)
- Price: 1 bottle – ¥302 (tax included)
- Available at: Aso Kenkou Nouen, Kumamoto Airport, and major souvenir shops
So, these are five must-buy souvenirs from Kumamoto in 2025 that you can bring home to share with friends and family or enjoy yourself. Don’t forget to pick some up when you visit!
