As the number of visitors from overseas grows, we often hear requests for recommendations on vegan-friendly eateries. Luckily, there’s a charming bakery in Takamori Town that bakes delicious bread without using any eggs or dairy products—perfect for vegan guests!

A Cozy Bakery in a Renovated Mountain Cabin

“Bakery Koharubi” is located at the base of Mount Nekodake in Takamori Town, Aso District.

It’s a small, charming place with colorful banners standing outside.

There are parking spaces behind the signboard, so you can park your car there.

At first glance, this bakery looks like a small mountain hut—and that’s because it really originally was a cabin for hikers heading up Mt. Nekodake! The space has since been beautifully renovated into a bakery.

When you enter through the door, you’ll see that you have to take off your shoes before stepping inside.

Inside the store, you’ll find handmade bread and cookies, as well as organic pasta, tomato sauce, and more.

There is also a wide selection of drinks, including organically grown coffee and herbal teas!

There is an eat-in space by the window.

They also offer an oat milk version of their organic coffee—perfect for anyone with allergies or those following a vegan lifestyle!

The owner’s husband also grows rice, and rice is available for purchase for those who make reservations beforehand or sign up for regular deliveries.

Bread That’s Perfect for Vegans Too

Curious about the menu? Here are some of the offerings:

・Sweet red bean (tsubuan) buns

・Chestnut-filled buns

・Maple-flavored bread

・Focaccia

・Cranberry bread

Each item is priced at a reasonable ¥180.

You can also pick up a mini loaf of shokupan bread for ¥220.

All the bread is made with domestic wheat and yeast, with no animal-based ingredients whatsoever. It’s wonderful to know that people with egg or dairy allergies can enjoy these treats too!

The owner previously worked at a bakery inside Minamiaso Town’s Roadside Station “Asobo no Sato Kugino,”. However, the bread there contained eggs and dairy.

One day, she saw a child crying because they couldn’t eat the bread due to allergies. Heartbroken, she wondered, “Why can’t I make bread this child can enjoy?”—and so, her journey into egg- and dairy-free baking began.

Simple Yet Delightfully Chewy and Delicious!

Of course, I had to try some for myself! I picked up three varieties: the tsubuan, chestnut, and maple breads.

I thought that the bread might be dry and bland without eggs or butter, but to my surprise…

When I tore into the bread, the dough stretched like mochi, soft and elastic!

I took a bite and I could taste the aroma of the wheat – it was a simple yet rich-flavored bread.

Plus, there was plenty of sweet red bean paste!

The chestnut paste bread was originally a limited-time offering, but due to its popularity with customers, it became a year-round product. It’s definitely delicious enough to understand this decision.

The sweet red bean paste bun was generously packed with filling, and the combination of the chewy bread and the bean paste was perfect.

The maple bread also was filled with the maple jam to the brim.

Every bite exceeded my expectations. This bakery is a must-visit, whether or not you have dietary restrictions or follow a vegan diet!

With its storybook charm and cozy mountain cabin vibes, Bakery Koharubi is a hidden gem worth visiting.

If you’re ever in the Takamori area, be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!