Kumamoto Aso: Local Ingredients & Italian Spices Create Delicious Pizzas

Text & Photos / Joel Fukuzawa

Rinrin Café (Pisa House Rinrin)

It’s often said that “good water nourishes people,” and water is undoubtedly the foundation of all life. But just how good is the water in Aso? Scoop up a ladle from one of the natural spring sources in Aso and taste it—its texture is incredibly soft and smooth. About ten years ago, Mr. Shinichi Nishimura, the owner of Rinrin Coffee, along with his wife, purchased this land. He hand-drew the blueprints and then hired carpenters to dig a well and develop the site into what it is today.

“At first, there was nothing here. A lot of people would ask why we’d open a place serving pizza and coffee in such a spot,” Mr. Nishimura says with a laugh. Back then, many thought he was foolish, but he remained committed to realizing his vision in his own way. So, brick by brick, he slowly built his own kingdom. What he’s most proud of is probably his handmade bacon pizza with a tomato base, as well as his summer-only iced coffee.

These two unassuming dishes actually reflect Mr. Nishimura’s deep dedication. Take the pizza, for instance—he insists on using ingredients from Italy for the dough, while the bacon, tomatoes, vegetables, and cheese all come from local Aso producers. The pizza is baked in their own oven before being served to customers. And importantly, all food is made fresh to order, which means customers have to wait a bit longer—but amazingly, those who come specifically for his cooking appreciate his commitment.

Aside from the pizza, another must-try at Rinrin in the summer is the limited-edition iced coffee. Using premium beans to make cold drip coffee isn’t exactly rare, but making the ice itself through cold drip extraction—that’s a bit more unique. And all the water used comes from Aso’s natural underground sources, which is truly special. After all, no matter how high-quality the coffee or tea is, without good water, those deeply hidden flavors can’t truly shine.

Another thing Mr. Nishimura takes pride in is the view—right before your eyes is the vast Aso grassland, and in the distance, Mount Aso. It’s a perfect place to relax and let your mind wander. From April to May, the garden is filled with roses, then from May to June, fireflies fill the evening air. From July to August, everything is lush green, and from September to October, the grass turns golden and the scenery becomes more subdued. In winter, snow blankets the area. Sitting here, you can ponder how you’d like to spend your own long life.

When you visit Aso, don’t rush off—have a coffee, eat a slice of pizza, reflect on life, and enjoy a truly relaxing time.