Available at Aso Kumamoto Airport! 10 Popular Souvenirs

Aso Kumamoto Airport serves as the gateway to Kumamoto Prefecture and offers convenient access from East Asia, including South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

After enjoying Kumamoto’s rich history and beautiful nature, shopping for souvenirs at the airport is another exciting experience. Aso Kumamoto Airport offers a wide selection of charming souvenirs that reflect the region’s traditions and specialties.

In this article, a Payke writer from Kumamoto has carefully selected the best souvenir recommendations. Be sure to check them out when you visit Kumamoto!

①Kokutei Souvenir Ramen

Kokutei Souvenir Ramen (4 servings) – 1,890 yen (tax included)

Kumamoto Prefecture is home to many “Kumamoto Ramen” shops. Among them, one of the most popular is “Kokutei.” This souvenir ramen allows you to enjoy the taste of this famous restaurant at home, making it a favorite among both domestic and international visitors.

Kumamoto Ramen is characterized by a rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, topped with crispy garlic chips and mayu (black garlic oil). It’s highly recommended for those who love bold, garlicky flavors and rich tonkotsu ramen!

Contents: Noodles, soup, seaweed, mayu (black garlic oil)

I tried making it at home! The package includes only noodles, soup, seaweed, and mayu (black garlic oil), so feel free to add your favorite toppings at home.

②Okashi no Kobai – Musha Gaeshi

Okashi no Kobai “Musha Gaeshi” (15 pieces) – 2,949 yen (tax included)

The popular Japanese confectionery shop “Okashi no Kobai” offers “Musha Gaeshi,” which can also be purchased at the airport. This beloved sweet is named after the beautiful stone walls of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three famous castles, known as “Musha Gaeshi.” It has been cherished by the people of Kumamoto for many years.

Here’s a cross-section of the sweet. Inside is a perfectly balanced sweet azuki bean paste, wrapped in a delicate, buttery pastry with an incredible 100 layers. This treat combines the best of both Japanese and Western confectionery, making it a favorite among all ages, from children to the elderly. Be sure to pick some up as a souvenir!

Okashi no Kobai “Musha Gaeshi” (1 Piece) – 195 yen (tax included)

If you just want to try one first, individual pieces are also available for sale. Be sure to visit the “Okashi no Kobai” shop located inside “ASORA” at Aso Kumamoto Airport.

③Fuki Seimenjo – Taipee En

Fuki Seimenjo “Taipee En” (2 servings) – 864 yen (tax included)

“Taipee En” is a popular dish served in Kumamoto’s Chinese restaurants and homes. It is said to have originated as a traditional dish from the Fujian Province in China, later being adapted and spreading in Kumamoto. This hearty clear soup contains stir-fried pork, seafood, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and more, all served with spring noodles in a rich chicken-based broth.

Contents: Spring noodles, soup, ingredients, pepper

I tried making this at home as well. The thick spring noodles and rich chicken and seafood broth are absolutely delicious. There are several types of Taipee En souvenirs sold at Aso Kumamoto Airport, but the most popular one is this Fuki Seimenjo Taipee En. Inside, you’ll find just spring noodles, soup, ingredients, and pepper. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, using the package as a reference.

④Sugiyo Honey Garden – Honey with Fruit Juice

Sugiyo Honey Garden “Honey with Fruit Juice (Yuzu Honey)” 500g – 1,728 yen (tax included)

If you’ve visited several tourist spots in Japan, you might have seen a “Sugiyo Honey Garden” store. The company, which produces and sells honey, is based in Kumamoto but has sales locations across Japan. One of their most popular products is this Honey with Fruit Juice, specifically the Yuzu Honey.

There are 9 varieties in total, including Yuzu Honey, Acerola, Kyoho Grape, Apple, and more. You can purchase them at the Sugiyo Honey Garden shop inside Aso Kumamoto Airport. Since free samples are available, be sure to ask the staff for a taste!

I bought the mini-size 350g jars of the most popular flavors, Yuzu Honey and Kyoho Grape & Honey. Yuzu Honey is commonly dissolved in hot water to make yuzu tea. The ideal ratio of honey to water is 1:5. As for the Kyoho Grape & Honey, it’s highly recommended to pour it over yogurt. The sweetness is rich and thick, despite being sugar-free, and it’s amazing how intense the flavor is, just from honey. You can also mix it with carbonated water for a refreshing drink!

⑤Fujibambi – Brown Sugar Donut Stick

Fujibambi “Brown Sugar Donut Sticks” 16 pieces – 907 yen (tax included)

This is also considered a famous sweet from Kumamoto. As the name suggests, these brown sugar donuts are shaped like sticks, making them easy to eat, and they’re especially popular with children. The inside has a delightful sweetness from the sugar, while the outside provides a crunchy texture that’s irresistible. They come in various sizes, including 12-piece and 20-piece packs, making them a great souvenir to share with friends or colleagues at school or work.

⑥Antagata Doko-sa – Higo Taiko

Antagata Doko-sa “Higo Taiko” 6 pieces – 1,048 yen

This snack is packed with roasted peanuts and soy sauce-flavored rice crackers. It has a thick, crispy texture similar to a rice cracker, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

The large rice crackers and peanuts are very appetizing. This snack is perfect for those who aren’t fond of sweets or prefer savory treats. It’s a great option to enjoy with a cup of Japanese tea!

⑦Fuga – Fuga Maki

Fuga “Fuga Maki” 6 pieces – 864 yen (tax included)

Fuga Maki is a stick-shaped snack made by wrapping peanuts, cashews, and soybeans seasoned in various flavors with seaweed. It’s available in a range of sizes, including 3-piece and 33-piece packs. The 6-piece version comes in a Kumamon-themed package, as shown in the picture!

This is a perfect souvenir not only for friends and colleagues but also for yourself. It’s easy to eat with one hand, making it ideal for breaks during work or study sessions. Since it’s a bean snack, it’s also suitable for older people.

⑧Ikinari Dango

Ikinari Dango (Plain) – 170 yen (tax included)

Ikinari Dango is a traditional snack from Kumamoto Prefecture. It consists of sliced sweet potatoes and red bean paste wrapped in a dough made of wheat flour and rice flour. You can find freshly steamed Ikinari Dango at the souvenir shop “Shunsaikan” located in Aso Kumamoto Airport.

At Shunsaikan, you can purchase Ikinari Dango in four varieties: Plain, Mocha, Purple Sweet Potato Bean Paste, and Brown Sugar. You can pack them in any combination you prefer. It’s recommended to enjoy them while warm, so why not pick some up as a snack at the airport? You can also heat them up in your microwave at home and enjoy them just as deliciously.

⑨ONE PIECE Printed Cookies

ONE PIECE Printed Cookies – 12 pieces, 864 yen (tax included)

Kumamoto Prefecture is the birthplace of Eiichiro Oda, the world-renowned author of the manga “ONE PIECE.” As a result, there are many exclusive ONE PIECE items that can only be found in Kumamoto. Among them, these printed cookies make for a great souvenir.

These cookies, with colorful prints of popular characters, are so cute that you might feel hesitant to eat them! The box contains 12 pieces. They make a perfect souvenir for ONE PIECE fans, whether for family or friends.

⑩Kumamon Goods

If you want to buy Kumamon goods, we recommend the “Shunsaikan” shop inside Aso Kumamoto Airport. Among the various souvenir shops, it has the most extensive selection. Here are two recommended products we picked out for you.

Igusa Coasters

“Kumamon Coasters” – Set of 3, 1,100 yen (tax included)

Kumamoto Prefecture produces the highest amount of igusa (rush grass) in Japan, which is used as the main material for traditional tatami mats. Igusa is known for its excellent cushioning properties and antibacterial effects. These coasters, featuring the cute Kumamon design, are made from igusa and offer a convenient way to experience “Japanese” culture at home, anytime.

Kumamon Face Mask

Kumamon Face Mask 1 sheet 605 yen (tax included)

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, this face mask is a great choice! Not only is the packaging cute, but the face mask itself features a Kumamon design.

Place it on your face, and you’ll transform into Kumamon! It’s so cute, you’ll be tempted to take a photo. Not only is the design adorable, but the mask also uses carefully selected ingredients. It contains Kumamoto’s hot spring water, horse oil, and horse placenta extract, all sourced from Japan, ensuring that while you’re having fun, you’re also taking great care of your skin.

⚠ Note

The main souvenir shop at Aso Kumamoto Airport is located inside the “departure” security area. If you arrive at Aso Kumamoto Airport or do not have a boarding pass for your departing flight, you will not be able to enter the souvenir shop. Please be aware of this. Be sure to stop by the shop when you’re returning or transferring to another domestic area within Japan through Aso Kumamoto Airport.

Summary

At Aso Kumamoto Airport, you can find a variety of souvenirs such as ramen, sweets, and local specialties that capture the taste and culture of Kumamoto. Find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip and enjoy your shopping experience as you wrap up your Kumamoto visit. 

Additionally, to make your next trip even more enriching, be sure to check out the article “What kind of place is Kumamoto? Access information and recommended tourist spots” for inspiration for your future travels.