INDEX
"I want to give it to someone" category
"I want one for myself" category
One of the most famous sweets in Kumamoto: Koubai's "Musha-gaeshi"
"I want to give it to someone" category No. 1
5 pieces for 918 yen (tax included) / Sold by: Okashi no Koubai
This is a famous Kumamoto confectionery with fans all over the country, with a well-balanced flavor of mellow red bean paste wrapped in light pie crust and a rich buttery aroma. Named after the stone walls of Kumamoto Castle, an impregnable castle built by Kato Kiyomasa, this is a literally "safe" souvenir. Easy to make, delicious, and long-lasting. There is a reason why this popular item is so popular.
A word from JAL staff!
"I always buy this as a souvenir, and everyone says it's delicious. When I buy it again, they always request that I bring it back with Musha-gaeshi." (Female ground staff member)
Available at JAL PLAZA (formerly BLUE SKY) and other locations
A long-established "all-rounder" with over 70 years of history. Sugi Bee Farm's "Yuzu Honey with Fruit Juice"
"I want to give it to someone" category No. 2
500g: 1,620 yen (tax included) / Sold by Sugi Bee Farm
Sugi Bee Farm, which has branches all over the country, was founded in Kumamoto in 1946. Yuzu honey, made by blending yuzu juice with honey carefully selected by Sugi Bee Farm, has a refreshing flavor. It is also very versatile. You can mix it with hot water or soda as it is, or try mixing it with yogurt or alcohol. It will surely come in handy if you keep it on hand. There is also a lineup of large-capacity sizes that are sure to please anyone who receives them.
A word from JAL staff!
"The yuzu juice and honey are not too sweet, so even people who don't like the distinctive honey flavor can enjoy it. I once gave some to a friend as a gift, and when she tried it like yuzu tea, she was so pleased that she ordered some herself. She also told me a new way to eat it: spread it on bread. It was a new discovery for me." (Female ground staff)
Available for purchase at Asora satellite stores
A convenient souvenir with a gentle sweetness that will touch your heart. "Brown Sugar Donut Stick"
"I want to give it to someone" Category 3
3 pieces for 150 yen (tax included) / Sold by: Fujibambi
The contrast between the crispy cookie dough and the mellow sweetness of brown sugar is exquisite. This classic souvenir that you can't stop reaching for is available in a wide variety of packages. This one has the classic Kumamon design. It is individually wrapped, so it is perfect for handing out at work.
A word from JAL staff!
"The brown sugar is soaked right through to the center and it's delicious! There are also salty, caramel, and apple flavors available for a limited time, so be sure to try them out." (Female ground staff member)
Available at JAL PLAZA (formerly BLUE SKY) and other locations
SWISS's "Liqueur Maron" is an adult flavor that has been loved in Kumamoto for 60 years.
"I want to give it to someone" Category 4
5 pieces, 1,950 yen (tax included) / Sold by: SWISS
The adult taste of chestnut cream sandwiched between liqueur cake soaked in plenty of Western liquor is a sweet that has been loved in Kumamoto for a long time. The taste has remained unchanged since the shop opened in 1962. Diced chestnuts from Kumamoto Prefecture are sprinkled on top, adding texture and creating a rich atmosphere. A perfect souvenir for discerning adults.
A word from JAL staff!
"It contains liqueur, so it may not be to everyone's liking, but it's a classic, old-fashioned cake with a mature taste. I saw it on TV the other day as the number one gift given to celebrities." (Airport staff, female)
Available for purchase at Shunsaikan and other stores
"Ikinari Dango" is a traditional snack with plenty of sweet potatoes and a dynamic flavor.
"I want to give it to someone" category No. 5
A classic, flavorful Kumamoto snack, made with wheat flour dough stuffed with dynamically diced sweet potatoes and bean paste. "Ikinari" means "easy" or "convenient" in Kumamoto dialect. It is said that it was named so because it can be served immediately even to unexpected guests. Various confectionery shops and manufacturers put a lot of effort into making it, and there are many different flavors. It's also fun to search for your favorite one and buy it as a souvenir.
A word from JAL staff!
"It's delicious and filling with sweet bean paste and potatoes! I highly recommend it." (Female ground staff)
Available for purchase at souvenir shops in the airport
Fresh and rich flavor at the airport: A wide variety of "horse sashimi" options
"I want one for myself" Category #1
It is said that the popularity of horse meat in Kumamoto began when Lord Kato Kiyomasa enjoyed eating it. Aso Kumamoto Airport also has a wide selection of horse meat from a variety of manufacturers. Authentic horse meat is a little different. It has no strong flavor, and it is fun to enjoy the different tastes of each part of the horse, such as lean meat, fatty tuna, and mane. How about buying some as a souvenir for yourself?
A word from JAL staff!
"It's soft and irresistible when eaten with sweet and spicy soy sauce. It goes perfectly with shochu." (Male mechanic)
Available for purchase at souvenir shops in the airport
Tai Ping Yen, a healthy noodle dish unique to Kumamoto that is garnering attention
"I want one for myself" Category #2
1,620 yen (tax included) / Sold by: Fuki Noodle Factory
Tai Ping Yen is a Chinese dish adapted from the Japanese style, and is one of Kumamoto's famous dishes. It has been gaining attention in recent years as a healthy noodle dish, as it uses glass noodles. Tai Ping Yen from Kairakuen, known as the restaurant where it originated, can be purchased as a souvenir. The refreshing, flavorful soup goes perfectly with the smooth glass noodles. Enjoy the taste of this famous restaurant in the comfort of your own home.
A word from JAL staff!
"It's hard to find outside of the prefecture, so I always buy some to take home." (Ground staff, female)
Available for purchase at Shunsaikan and other stores
Fukutoku's "Mustard Lotus Root" is a delicious dish with a pungent spiciness and rich flavor.
"I want one for myself" Category #3
648 yen (tax included) / Sold by: Fukutoku
One of the classic snacks in Kumamoto is mustard lotus root. It has a crunchy texture and a salty mustard flavor. The pungent aroma and spiciness are addictive. Fukutoku's mustard lotus root is carefully colored with natural turmeric and is sold fresh at the airport.
A word from JAL staff!
"I don't drink alcohol, but this is a dish I still want to try." (Female ground staff)
Available at JAL PLAZA (formerly BLUE SKY) and other locations
A competition of textures and sweetness. "Jindaiko" with a gentle contrast
"I want one for myself" Category #4
4 pieces for 864 yen and up (tax included) / Sold by: Okashi no Koubai
The small yokan is wrapped in a package that looks like Camembert cheese. The fresh and tasty treat is filled with soft gyuhi, giving it a gentle texture. Made with the highest quality Dainagon azuki beans, cooked with a light sweetness, it is truly a high-quality Japanese confectionery. It is known as a popular souvenir, and it is no wonder that some staff buy some to take home.
A word from JAL staff!
"It's delicious and I love it!" (Ground staff, female)
Available at JAL PLAZA (formerly BLUE SKY) and other locations
Kyushu has delicious food. Kumamoto, which boasts some of the best water quality in the country, is known as one of the best gourmet prefectures in Kyushu. And Aso Kumamoto Airport is the place where all these things come together. If you are visiting, please be sure not to forget to buy some.
Carefully selected by JAL staff! Airport souvenirs from around the country
JAL staff have carefully selected recommended souvenirs for each airport across the country! We will introduce them by category.
*Some content was updated on February 9, 2024.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
