In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Kayaba Coffee, a coffee shop in Yanaka, Tokyo, which is a perfect example of the old and traditional shitamachi neighbourhoods.
Kayaba Coffee is just a 10-minute walk from both Nezu Station and Nippori Station.
This is a place I’ve visited in my private time out of work and I’m always excited to go. Kayaba Coffee was established in 1938, and actually closed in 2006. But due to public demand, the cafe reopened just two years later in 2008. It’s a popular coffee shop loved by people of all generations.
Time to head on in.
The first floor houses the counter and table seats, while the seating on the second floor is traditional zashiki style on tatami flooring. Although it’s a cafe, you I feel so relaxed in there that it’s like I’m visiting my grandma’s house. The sun shines through the big windows, making you all warm and want to take a nap.
I ordered their super popular egg sandwich! The menu was changed in May this year, and a new and improved version of their egg sandwich was put on there. It’s made using sourdough bread from VANER, a local bakery in Uenosakuragi not far from the cafe.
Breakfast Menu – Egg Sandwich | ¥1,000
The chewy, sour bread is the perfect combination with the fluffy eggs.
Lemon Squash | ¥600
The lemon squash has a cinnamon aftertaste. Everything on the menu is made with love and perfection; before I realised it, I was hooked on going there.
Strawberry Shaved Ice | ¥800
This was my first shaved ice of the year! I went with the classic strawberry flavour. The syrup is super juicy and nearly collapsed the fluffy shaved ice the moment I put it on. It has a syrupy texture and the strawberry juice has a sweet and sour kick that’s just simply delightful♡
And you can make it even sweeter by pouring over your desired amount of condensed milk. It was really tasty.
Kayaba Coffee is the same as it was back in the day, and continues to be loved dearly. I think even people who visit it for the first time will feel a sense of nostalgia. If you have a place you can go to relax on bad days or when you’re feeling down, it’s sure to give you the strength to work hard again. This cafe is a wonderful place that’s close to people’s hearts.
I want to visit there again already.
Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Takayama (ASOBISYSTEM)
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Information
Kabaya Coffee
Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: [Tue-Fri] 8:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:30) / [Weekends] 8:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)
Closed: Mondays
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited J-COOK in Gaiemmae, a place I visited one time while off work which ended up in me wanting to absolutely feature it in the series!
It’s just a 5-minute stroll from Gaiemmae Station.
The cafe enjoys lots of sunlight, which is brightened further by all the plants scattered through the shop. The cafes I have visited to date are often a little darker with only a little light seeping through the windows to create a certain atmosphere, and they are wonderful, but this was the first I have ever visited with so might light and so many plants. The air felt clear, adding to the level of comfort in the cafe, perhaps because there are so many plants adorning the interior.
The cafe also has a space with a slightly more darker light and atmosphere on the left side. I haven’t sat in that area yet, so I think I’ll try it out on my next visit.
When I come to J-COOK, my eyes always wander over to the marzipan creations (¥450).
These ones here were actually all individually handmade by the owner’s husband from the early morning.
If you look really closely, you’ll notice all the dog designs are different. When ordering, get to pick out which one you want, so try finding your perfect pup!
I had mine together with an iced coffee (¥450). The sweet marzipan is a delicious combination with the bitterness of the coffee.
I also got some potted cream (¥450). It’s kind of like a Japanese custard pudding with just a moderate amount of sweetness.
I had mine with a bit of brandy which had fragrant vanilla notes. They’ve had this brandy for 33 years since the store first opened.
The cream was sensational, and the gentle notes linger afterwards.
They have a lot of different homemade soups too which are perfect for the coming cold weather. I got the New Orleans-style gumbo soup. It’s spicy with clam and okra in it.
Relaxing jazz music plays in the cafe while you sit and enjoy your drink and meal.
J-COOK is a wonderful little cafe run by a husband and wife. When I first came, the wife came and talked to me. She’s super friendly, and although it was our first meeting, she made me feel really comfortable and welcome. She must be full of happiness, which in turn naturally gives people who visit the strength to be positive and work hard.
I reckon their smiles have saved a lot of people.
I can’t wait to visit again!
Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Information
J-COOK
Address: 3-36-26 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: [Tue-Sat] 8:00-22:00 (Last Orders) / [Sun] 11:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:30)
Closed: Mondays
Official Twitter: @jcookjp
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In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Hatoya which is located in Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Arcade.
The streets of Tokyo’s historical district of Asakusa are packed to end with cafés. You can be spoiled for choice, but Hatoya stood out to me in particular as it’s an especially old café. Business there began back in 1927 but the actual building was built back in the Taisho period, meaning its history spans more than 90 years ago!
The outside appearance of the shop is smart and chic so it’s very easy to spot. I couldn’t tell by looking from the outside, but the inside is full of old decorations and odds and ends which make you feel the history of the café.
One reason why I wanted to visit this place so much is because I was drawn to their logo. It’s really retro-kawaii so I just couldn’t resist!
You should take some photos too if you visit.
It was time to head inside. It’s really comfy and cozy in there; the atmosphere was nice and relaxed.
Framed on the wall is a map of the Asakusa area during the Taisho era. Hatoya became famous back then because people could buy coffee for a mere 5 sen (a single sen is one-hundredth of a yen).
When business first began at Hatoya, because the café was opposite the stage door of a theatre, all of the famous actors and actresses would pop in. Some include famous Japanese comedian Roppa Furukawa and film actor Kiyoshi Atsumi who played Tora-san in the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo.
I ordered the café’s popular hotcakes which cost ¥600. They have been making these same hotcakes since before the war.
They were nice and fluffy and had a deliciously gorgeous brown colour. The flavour was out of this world when the butter melted from the heat of the hotcakes and mixed together with the syrup.
The portion might look like a lot but they are fluffy and have a light flavour so can be finished with no problem.
And is the café’s signature milkshake (¥500).
It’s so refreshing that you can knock it back all in one go. It has a simple flavour but it tasted so good!
I also ordered the ¥600 cream soda, my favourite beverage.
I’ve been to many cafés, and have covered many in this series, but this is the first I have dined at with such a deep history. I found myself enthralled by the stories of the owner who has continued to treasure the café and maintained it all the same since it opened. I feel like I have learned about a world I never knew about. The next time I go to Hatoya with a friend I’ll be sure to let them in on its history. I encourage you to visit too!
Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)Information
Hatoya
Address: 1-23-8 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00-17:30
No Fixed Holidays
Tabelog Page: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131102/13076130/
TALENT PROFILE
Ema Tanioku
“Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.
RELATED ENTRIES
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The Toy Story Aliens Cafe will be opening for a limited time in Tokyo starting July 23, in Osaka on July 27, and in Nagoya on August 4. Fans of the film series will remember the adorable Alien characters, originally shown as prizes in a crane game. This pop-up cafe will feature themed dishes and merchandise, and Pixar fans should be sure to attend!
Menu
Food
Space Curry
Green Pasta
Alien Burger A (Teriyaki Soy Meat) / Burger B (Tomato Soy Meat) / Burger C (Chicken & Potato)
Moon Landing?! Potato & Bread
Kids Plate
Fruit Bread
Drinks
Alien Smoothie
Space Soda
Melon Milk
Space Crane Game Cider / Grape Juice
Hot Tea / Hot Milk
Goods
The food menu includes a tasty black curry, a green pasta featuring broccoli, edamame, spinach, and snap peas, and three types of alien burgers featuring either teriyaki soy meat, tomato soy meat, or chicken and potato. Even the drinks stick to the Alien theme, and the menu includes an Alien Smoothie with a tasty banana yogurt flavor.
Guests will also be able to purchase event-exclusive merchandise from keychains and stickers to tote bags and letter sets.
©Disney/Pixar
Information
Toy Story Aliens Cafe at OH MY CAFE
Venues/Dates:
Tokyo: OH MY CAFE TOKYO
Running: July 23 – September 25, 2022
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Mall 3F (4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Osaka: OH MY CAFE OSAKA
Running: July 27 – October 3, 2022
1-6-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka (2F)
Nagoya: kawara CAFE&KITCHEN
Nagoya PARCO
Running: August 4 – October 10, 2022
Nagoya PARCO South Building 5F (3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
Details: https://planet.ohmycafe.jp/Online Store
July 23, 12:00~
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THANK YOU MART will begin selling a total of 18 unique items starting in late June. These items were inspired by Japanese cafes during the Showa era, and give off the perfect amount of retro vibes. Most items at THANK YOU MART costs ¥390 (¥429 with tax).
The new cafe-inspired items are perfect for those longing for days long past, made with impactful yet subdued colors and classic patterns. The logo looks like something pulled out of the Showa era, so if you’re a fan of classic Japanese style, be sure to grab some of these inexpensive items when they drop later this month!
Information
THANK YOU MART – Cafe Amour
Sales begin in Late June 2022
Where to Buy: All THANK YOU MART locations, THANK YOU MART Online ShopOfficial Site: https://www.390yen.jp/
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Located along the Meguro River, Haute Couture Cafe is known for serving up some of the best afternoon tea in Tokyo. The location is incredibly photogenic and often pops up on social media, covered in flowers welcoming guests to what feels like a fairy tale land. From July 1 until September 4, visitors to the cafe can enjoy a Peach and Shine Muscat Afternoon Tea set, perfect for summer and incorporating seasonal fruits.
The fresh peaches and shine muscat (a type of luxurious grape found in Japan) are delivered from a nearby market daily. By using peaches without heating them, such as in the compote, guests can enjoy the juiciness of the raw fruit in a new way.
The lineup of delicately prepared and hearty savory dishes includes Peach and Prosciutto Cappellini, and guests wanting to enjoy more can order this as a lunch or dinner course as well. There are six courses in total, including the fresh-squeezed grape and muscat Mont Blanc plan and a Peach Cheesecake plan with a drink included. The cafe also offers anniversary plans, so why not bring your sweetheart?
The theme of this summer afternoon tea is ‘an adorable purple space.’ Guests will be surrounded by light purple wisteria as they enjoy this colorful spread.
Why not enjoy this summer treat as you look out over the river?
Information
Peach & Shine Muscat Afternoon Tea
Venue: Haute Couture Cafe
Available: July 1 – September 4, 2022
Reservations/Official Site: https://haute-couture-cafe.owst.jp/
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Specialty cafe chain ‘Bread, Espresso &’ will begin selling special items as a part of its chocolate fair at the Harajuku location, ‘Junkissa Bread, Espresso &’ starting June 1!
Many of the existing items on the shop’s menu will be available in chocolate versions. The Chocolate Mint French Toast is chilled and perfect for summer, drizzled with chocolate cream and mint sauce. Additional mint can be added to your heart’s content!
The mint cocoa (pictured top right) features blended mint cream on top with cocoa on the bottom. The two halves blend effortlessly as the top warms and the bottom cools.
Come enjoy these chocolate treats during the warm summer months!
Information
Bread, Espresso &
Address: 6-25-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Last order at 7:30)
Open Every Day
Homepage: http://www.bread-espresso.jp/ -
Popular on LINE and other texting apps and illustrated by Jyuuno, mofusand is a curious collection of cute and slightly surreal cats. As with most things that go viral in Japan, these adorable characters will be featured in a themed cafe for a limited time! The Tokyo location will open on May 19 and the Osaka location will welcome visitors starting May 26, 2022.
Cafe Visitor Bonus: Sticker (6 varieties)
Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (6 varieties)
Menu
Fried Shrimp Sandwich Plate
Grilled Vegetable Curry
Nyanko Burger
Salmon Mentaiko Cream Pasta
Taiyaki
Nyanko Parfait
Black Cat Pancake
Nyan Lime Nata de Coco
Green Nyanko Float / Yello Nyanko Float / Blue Nyanko Float
Nyanko Cafe Latte / Nyanko Milk Tea
Merchandise
Sticker
Clear Folder
All menu items draw inspiration from the many mofusand characters and are perfect for posting on social media! Special bonuses will be given to those visiting the cafe and making select purchases, and a merchandise corner will be selling limited-edition goods featuring new artwork!
©mofusand
Information
mofusand cafe
Venue/Dates:
TokyoBOX cafe&space Shinjuku Mylord #2
May 19 – July 10, 2022
Shinjuku Mylord 7F (1-1-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Osakakawara CAFE&DINING Shinsaibashi
May 26 – June 19, 2022
Shinsaibashi Opa 9F (1-4-3 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka)Reservations / Official Site: https://mofusand-cafe.jp
mofusand cafe Official Twitter: @mofusand_cafe -
The popular idol group Shuritsu Ebisu Chugaku will open a one-day-only cafe in Omotesando on May 1, 2022! The location will open in conjunction with CookpadTV, which hosts the popular show ‘Shiritsu Ebisu Culinary Institute.’
The members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku are passionate about cooking, making this the perfect project. Since October 2021, the girls have streamed their cooking stories and ideas on CookpadLive, and now, they’re ready to put their hearts and souls into each and every item on this cafe menu. Visitors will also be able to purchase original merchandise on-site and see some of the member’s costumes!
Reservations for the cookpadLive Ebisen cafe are required, and the lottery for reservations is open now. Some of the menu items and original goods offered at the cafe are also available for purchase on cookpadLive’s official E-commerce site, so don’t worry if you aren’t able to attend in person on May 1!The cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe will feature a special lunch time, dinner time, and cafe time. The nine members of Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku will appear in three teams for each session.
Information
cookpadLive Ebisen Cafe
Address: cookpadLive cafe Omotesando
Open: May 1, 2022
Hours:
Lunch 12:30 – 13:30
Cafe 16:00 – 17:00
Dinner 19:30 – 20:30
Reservations: https://fortune-cookie.cookpad-tv.com/events/86/lotteries/yPvScr
E-commerce Site: https://cookpadtv.stores.jp/ -
The popular BTS chibi characters TinyTAN will be featured at TinyTAN Cafe locations in five cities for a limited time! Nine locations will be open across Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi starting April 21, 2022.
The TinyTAN characters were designed by the seven members of BTS to embody their “second selves.”
Select Cakes: ¥990
Fruits Deco Style: Strawberry, Fruits Deco Style: Mango, Fruits Deco Style: White Grape: ¥1,760
The menu is packed with desserts, including seven different types of cakes each inspired by a member of TinyTAN.
American Sundae Style Chocolate Cookie, American Sundae Style Caramel Nuts, American Sundae Style Pistachio Honey: ¥1,870
Afternoon Style Tea: ¥3,190
The Afternoon Style Tea includes a base plate that can be customized with guest’s favorite fruits and chocolates. Two types of TinyTAN Select Cakes will also be included to share!
Ham (2 types) & Scrambled Egg Peanut Butter Sandwich: ¥1,760
Cafe Style Drink & Cake Set *Prices vary based on drink selection.
Guests can choose from colorful bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and open sandwiches, along with a selection of sweet drinks to match each meal.
Bonuses
Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random): ¥1,320
Sticky Note Roll: ¥880, Acrylic Nameplate (7 varieties): ¥990 each
Original cafe merchandise and special offers will make visiting the TinyTAN Cafe even more exciting!
© BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved
Information
TinyTAN CAFE
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Shinjuku: BOX cafe&space Lumine EST Shinjuku
April 28 – July 3, 2022
Lumine EST Shinjuku B1F (3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Harajuku: BOX cafe&space Harajuku Alta
April 21 – June 5, 2022
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Tokyo, Omotesando: BOX cafe&space Omotesando Hills
April 21 – June 26, 2022
Main Building, B3F (4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Kanagawa, Yokohama: Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
April 22 – June 19, 2022
Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama)
Aichi, Nagoya: BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
April 28 – June 5, 2022
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
Osaka, Umeda: BOX cafe&space HEP FIVE
April 28 – June 5, 2022
HEP FIVE 7F (5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Osaka, Shinsaibashi: Shinsaibashi contact
April 29 – July 3, 2022
1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Miyagi, Rifu: BALLER:S
April 27 – June 26, 2022
AEON MALL Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)
Reservations Open
Reservation Fee: ¥660 (Includes Bonus)
TinyTAN CAFE Official Site: https://tinytan-cafe.jp/
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Starting April 1, 2022, fans of the new Kirby game ‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land’ can enjoy a tasty cake inspired by Karby at the Kirby Cafe in Tokyo and Hakata! Two limited-time menu items commemorating the 30th anniversary of Kirby will also be available.
The newest Kirby game sees everyone’s favorite pink puffball with a brand-new ability, allowing him to transform into various objects by sucking them up. The trailer for the game shocked Kirby fans around the world after Kirby transformed into an entire car!
Transform! Karby Cake
The Karby Cake replicates a special dish that appears in Kirby and the Forgotten Land‘s Waddle Dee Café. It’s a strawberry-flavored blancmange (a French gelatin-based dessert) laid over a sponge cake with fruit layers.
Kirby Burger and Meat & Veggie Pasta (Standard Version)
Kirby Burger and Meat & Veggie Pasta (30th Anniversary Version)
Souvenir Plate
Happy Birthday☆Kirby
Available: April 1 – May 31, 2022
The popular Kirby Burger and Meat & Veggie Pasta menu item will be available in a special 30th-anniversary version for a limited time only. This includes a souvenir plate, and fans won’t want to miss it!
The Kirby Cafe is also selling a Happy Birthday☆Kirby cake, a simple dome-shaped sponge cake filled with fruit covered in icing and cherries.
Come celebrate Kirby’s 30th anniversary while you can!
©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Information
Kirby Cafe Limited-Time Menu
Available April 1, 2022 ~
Kirby Cafe TOKYO https://kirbycafe-reserve.com/guest/tokyo/
Kirby Cafe HAKATA https://kirbycafe-reserve.com/guest/hakata/
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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To commemorate the upcoming release of the film ‘Crayon Shin-chan: Mononoke Ninja Chinpuden,’ a special collaboration cafe is scheduled to open at Seasons & Co Fruits Parlor & Bakery at Osaka LINKS UMEDA! The cafe will be open from April 4 until May 15, and will feature a number of film-inspired dishes and bonus goods for fans to enjoy!
Collaboration Cafe Menu
Shin-chan’s Roll Cake
Silly Ninja! Strawberry, Vanilla & Black Currant Cake
Ninjas love it too?! Matcha Parfait
Shinnosuke’s Birthday Blue Soda
Ninja Child Matcha Frappe
Bonus: Sticker and Coaster
The upcoming film is a gag-filled ninja action blockbuster featuring everyone’s favorite boisterous youth. Shinnosuke will be transformed into a ninja this time around to defeat a mysterious ninja army! Along with the collab menu, fans can also grab some new merchandise and bonuses at the cafe, so don’t miss out!
©臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・テレビ朝日・ＡＤＫ 2022 ※短縮：©U／F・S・A・A 2022
Information
Mononoke Ninja Chinpuden
Running: April 4 – May 15, 2022
Location: Osaka LINKS UMEDA, Season & Co. Fruits Parlor & Bakery
Details: https://season-co.shop/news-topics/crayon-shinchan/
Official Site: https://season-co.shop
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From March 25 until April 27, gelato pique café locations around Japan will be celebrating Easter with three special Easter Bunny-themed sweets.
Easter Bunny Crepe
Easter Bunny Gelato
Easter Bunny Float
Last year, gelato pique café released an Easter Bunny soft-serve ice cream dish which was incredibly popular. In 2022, the brand has decided to release three unique treats under the theme of ‘Happy Bunny Hunt.’ Those with a sweet tooth can snag a crepe, gelato, or float during the event period, all decorated with white and pink shades perfect for spring.
Information
Happy Bunny Hunt
Running: March 25 – April 27, 2022
Location: All gelato pique cafe locationsOfficial Site: https://pique-cafe.com/
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Cafe Accueil Ebisu is currently offering a limited Sakura-themed menu featuring pancakes, afternoon tea, and drinks until April 10, 2022.
Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes
Sakura Afternoon Tea
Special Latte with Cherry Blossoms
The seasonal menu includes Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes with pale pink and strawberry red accents, and savory items such as a croissant with cherry cheese cream. Guests can also enjoy Sakura Afternoon Tea, a colorful 12-item menu featuring cherry and strawberry delights. Come enjoy the coming of spring at this gorgeous Tokyo cafe!
Information
Cafe Accueil Ebisu Sakura Season Special Menu
Available until April 10, 2022
Address: 2-10-10 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order at 21:00)
Official Site: http://accueil.co.jp/ebisu/
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The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara, a traditional-style Japanese inn and hot spring located in Kanagawa Prefecture, will open on March 18, 2022. The hot springs in the area have a storied history, appearing in the oldest collection of Japanese poems from the year 759 AD and loved by great writers such as Natsume Souseki and Ryunosuke Akutagawa. There is also a cafe inviting visitors to enjoy delicious meals as they relax in the springs.
Onsen Dojo operates and plans hot spring facilities, including the ‘Ofuro Cafe’ brand, resort facilities, and more. The company also provides support for local business investments.
Information
The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA
Grand Opening: March 18, 2022
Address: 742 Miyakami, Ashigarashimo, Yugawara, KanagawaReservations: https://theryokantokyo.snack.chillnn.com/
