Loading...

Feb 21, 2022

Best cafe outside the chains stores?

I know that cafes like Starbuck's, Tully's, and Doutor's supply a consistent cup of coffee, but I'm looking for that cafe that is mom & pop or a place that has one location that you stumbled upon and love. What's your go-to drink or what would you recommend?

JapanDreamscapes

JapanDreamscapes

I never thought I would call Japan my home, but after 20 years I understand the beauty and appeal of Land of the Rising Sun. Part of my affection for Japan stems from my bride, Manami who introduced me to the essence of this magical land. As an amateur historian and sociologist, the uniqueness of Japan’s past captured my heart and soul, bonding me to the society and culture that is now a part of me. This society has embraced me, and I am no longer a visitor, I have recast myself as a cultural hybrid, always updating my identity with the rich cultural information from the past into the present, and, invariably, the future.

13 Answers



  • RindoRingo

    on Feb 21

    For a campus atmosphere, I really like Uni.Shop & Cafe 125, next to Waseda University. Since it caters to students, it is unexpensive and you can see the Okuma Garden from the window (or the terrace when weather is good). Another favourite is Nayuta, next to Shiinamachi station. It is inside of a shrine/temple premises, so you can also see the beautiful greenery and enjoy not only good drinks and sweets, but also delicious lunch. Guess I just like cafés with garden views :)

    0
  • genkidesu

    on Feb 22

    I really like Tsubame Coffee in Tsubame-Sanjo (Niigata), it has a really nice cozy atmosphere and the coffee is great. Kona Snow Coffee Roasters in Niigata City is also really tasty, and Good Luck Coffee in Nagaoka is close to the station and has been a favorite of mine for some years now.

    0
  • @genkidesu Did Kona Snow move from a location close to the Meike bypass? The name sounds familiar, but when I looked them up, the store is in the Kameda area.

    0
  • genkidesu

    on Feb 22

    @JapanDreamscapes they're about 10 minutes from Higashi-Niigata Station, but I don't know if they've since opened another location! It's been a little while since I've visited their store, but I don't think they closed down...I hope not, anyway!

    0
  • TonetoEdo

    on Feb 22

    One of my favorites in Chiba Prefecture is Cafe Edomons in Futtsu City close to the ferry port there. It's in an antique house and the guy there roasts and brews excellent coffee.

    1
  • JapanRamen

    on Mar 18

    Not that I frequent it, but recently I went to a place called liwei coffee stand, a Taiwanese atmosphere cafe. Not bubble tea and stuff, but actual great coffee and great pudding too!

    0
  • Eli

    on May 29

    I recently went to Hachi Cafe in Asagaya and they have really good tarts. I definitely plan to go again.

    1
  • BigfamJapan

    on Aug 25

    For all the cafes I've been to and loved, I find it harder than expected to recall one that was really special. But the first place that came to mind when I really thought about it was Komonoyasan in Tokigawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. It is an outdoor cafe that opens on sunny days only, if the owner feels like it! There is just something special about that place. The owner prepares one of three coffee choices with explicit instructions on how to drink it!

    1
  • TonetoEdo

    on Feb 10

    A lovely spot in my city, Noda, is Kurara Community Cafe across from Atago Shrine. The cafe serves typical shokudo fare, has a display of locally made handicrafts, and even better, has a wood-burning stove to cozy up to. It's got short hours - 10 am to 5 pm most days.

    0
  • genkidesu

    on Mar 18

    For the Tokyoites I definitely recommend Kosoan in Jiyugaoka. It has such a lovely vibe + makes you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

    0
  • helloalissa

    on Apr 16

    Cafe 5438 Ocha-Nova was my place in Koga, Ibaraki. Soy Latte with cute latte art. I should try the very tiny mom and pop coffee shop nearby... here in north Osaka. Those are the best kind of places.

    0
  • IndayPerry

    on May 6

    As a coffee enthusiast, I was excited to visit Starbucks in Hiroshima City for the first time. Nestled amidst the bustling streets, the café exuded a welcoming ambiance from the moment I stepped inside. The interior design seamlessly blended modern aesthetics with nods to traditional Japanese culture, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. From the wooden accents to the minimalist décor, every detail seemed meticulously curated to offer a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. As I settled into a cozy corner with my drink, I couldn't help but appreciate the attentive service and warm hospitality of the staff. Despite the café's popularity, they took the time to ensure that each customer felt valued and cared for—a testament to Starbucks' commitment to customer satisfaction. Overall, my first visit to Starbucks in Hiroshima City exceeded my expectations. From the inviting ambiance to the impeccable service and delicious beverages, it was a memorable experience that left me eager to return. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or simply seeking a tranquil respite, I highly recommend paying a visit to this charming café in the heart of Hiroshima City.

    0
  • JamesInJapan

    on May 7

    Starbucks tokyo

    0

Awaiting More Answers

3 Answers

February joys

February is just around the corner. January brought New Year festivities, wintersweet, tulips, snow, dondoyaki and so much more. What are you looking forward to in February? Be it weather related, traditions, festivals, flowers, seasonal food etc.- what you are looking forward to this February.

BigfamJapan

on Jan 27

3 Answers

What's on your "generic" local manhole?

My local area has some specialty manholes (including some from the Gundam manhole project not too far away!) but the most common "generic" one features mountains and watermelon. Fairly representative of the region, I think! What's on yours?

genkidesu

on Jan 17

5 Answers

Do you have a favorite mascot?

The other day, on "Strawberry Day" I wrote about "Yoshimin", the strawberry mascot of Yoshimi. I thought it might be fun to introduce a few others, so I've just written about "Tokimo" the mascot of Kawagoe. And I plan to introduce a couple of my favorites. It begs the question, do you have a favorite mascot? And how about writing a post on City-cost about your favorite or a local mascot? Pictured "Umerin" who I plan to write about next!

BigfamJapan

on Jan 17

6 Answers

Who is your hero!?

Today, January 16th, is Hero Day. Who is your favorite hero, fictional or otherwise? The first one who comes to my mind for me is a real life person; Mary Robinson, a former president of Ireland (moreover, the first female president), and a former United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights, among other impressive roles. I had the great pleasure of meeting her in December, a dream come true. I was trying to think about who my favorite fictional hero is. I have not come to conclusion yet! There is such a choice. Do you have one?

BigfamJapan

on Jan 16

4 Answers

Recommendations for next Christmas?

While its somewhat fresh in your mind, what gifts came into your house this Christmas and / or New Year, that you thought were really nice things to receive and / or really good buys, that you think might make a good present for someone else in the future? As you might see in the product reviews, I am going through some of the things I bought for the kids this year and thinking of what I was really happy with. And already thinking of next year!

BigfamJapan

on Jan 11

4 Answers

Growing Mushrooms

Here's for a weird hobby. I just saw a video by an American Youtuber that I plan to watch about growing shiitake mushrooms. From what I've seen, it probably needs a bit of space. There was a local market in Fukuoka Prefecture that had a "mushroom room" where they grew and sold mushrooms like maitake and eringi. I also saw a video of a couple in Paris that built a mushroom growing shower room! The local hardware store sells "seeded" logs and shiitake mushroom growing kits. I have seen the logs around people's homes on occasion. It seems like a very odd, but sustainable hobby. Has anyone tried it, or is anyone interested to try this? I wonder how involved or beginner friendly it is.

helloalissa

on Dec 29

2 Answers

Japanese Christmas songs

Do you like any Japanese Christmas songs? If so, what is your favorite Japanese Christmas song? Or maybe you like the Japanese version of a traditional Christmas carol?

BigfamJapan

on Dec 19

2 Answers

Where do you visit Santa Claus?

Firstly, do you visit Santa Claus each year in Japan? And if so, where? I've been posting places you can meet Santa Claus in various parts of Japan on the blog section. If you are looking for somewhere to meet him this year, you'll find at least 25 places on City-cost.

BigfamJapan

on Dec 11

2 Answers

Did you feel the December 8th earthquake?

There was a large earthquake off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11.15 pm on December 8th 2025. We are approximately 700 kilometers from the epicenter, yet we felt it very strongly. Did you feel it and how far away (roughly) are you from the epicenter?

BigfamJapan

on Dec 9

7 Answers

Which airline do you prefer?

If money wasn't an issue, which airline and / or air route do you prefer when traveling to Japan?

BigfamJapan

on Dec 6

6 Answers

What do you most associate with Wakayama?

Today, November 22nd, is Wakayama Prefecture Hometown Birthday. What do you most associate with Wakayama Prefecture? To be honest, I realized in writing about this 'birthday', that I know next to nothing about Wakayama Prefecture. I'm really interested to hear what your image of the prefecture is. Wakayama Prefecture Hometown Birthday post; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/z8X5a-living_wakayama

BigfamJapan

on Nov 22

10 Answers

What do you most associate with Saitama?

November 14th is Saitama Prefecture Day. I am curious, especially as I live there, what is the FIRST thing that comes to mind when I say "Saitama Prefecture"? About Saitama Prefecture Day; https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/BigfamJapan/wmeY2-living_saitama

BigfamJapan

on Nov 16