Five popular old-fashioned cafes in Yamanashi


2019.06.13

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Five popular old-fashioned cafes in Yamanashi

Sprawling to the west of Tokyo, Yamanashi is a scenic prefecture that’s rich in natural wonders and easily accessible as a day trip from the capital. It’s renowned for its old Japanese buildings and warehouses, many of which have been converted into rustic cafes that are infused with history.

Imagine eating lunch or enjoying freshly roasted coffee in a building that’s more than 200 years old, with an authentic atmosphere that will transport you into the past. For a taste of this experience that the big city just doesn’t offer, here are five of the most popular Yamanashi cafes with an old-fashioned vibe.

  • 01

    Sakagura Kai

    Sakagura Kai

    Sakagura Kai

    Situated on the second floor of a historic sake store, Sakagura Kai is a charming cafe in a 200-year-old Japanese building. It’s reached by entering through a stunning gate where you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

    Sakagura Kai

    Sakagura Kai

    The cafe opened 20 years ago following extensive renovations and began by servings dinner menu, accompanied by its own liquor. However, it now also opens for lunch, with meals served on low tables that are positioned on the cafe’s rustic wooden floors. The menu features sake bowl dishes using seasonal ingredients, with their signature item being the Kuramoto rice set that features salmon pickled with persimmon, Kasujiru (soup made with sake lees) and slow-simmered sake pork.

    Sakagura Kai

    Sakagura Kai

    Sakagura Kai
    rating

    4.5

    7 Reviews
    place
    Yamanashi Pref. Yamanashishi Kita 567 Yoro Shuzo inside
    phone
    0553224047
    opening-hour
    [Lunch] 11:30-16:00 (LO 15:0…
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  • 02

    Café Kujiragumo

    Café Kujiragumo

    Café Kujiragumo

    With goats and chickens resident in the garden, Café Kujiragumo is a rural-inspired cafe that’s run by a couple. Old wells and rustic structures surround the 150-year-old cafe while part of the interior is a dedicated gallery space where local handicrafts are sold.

    Café Kujiragumo

    Café Kujiragumo

    If the weather’s nice, settle in outside to enjoy their healthy and organic vegetarian fare or you can cozy up inside on wet days. The menu includes a variety of lovingly prepared vegetables and tempura dishes, as well as freshly made salads and homemade bread. It’s a popular destination for families, with plenty of children’s toys to keep them entertained when they’re not saying “hello” to the animals.

    Café Kujiragumo

    Café Kujiragumo

    cafe(カフェ) くじらぐも
    place
    山梨県北杜市明野町上手3144
    phone
    0551-25-4053
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    no image
  • 03

    Terasaki Coffee

    Terasaki Coffee

    Terasaki Coffee

    With the smell of freshly roasted coffee hitting you as soon as you step inside, Terasaki Coffee is a deservedly popular cafe in Kofu City that renovated old store used for flower arranging business. It’s instantly recognizable due to its whitewashed exterior, with stairs leading to a spacious and light-filled seating area where you can browse a selection of magazines while waiting for your coffee.

    Terasaki Coffee

    Terasaki Coffee

    They specialize in espresso and pour-over filter coffee using beans they personally roast. These are accompanied by an enticing selection of homemade snacks, such as muffins, biscuits and brownies.

    Terasaki Coffee

    Terasaki Coffee

    Terasaki COFFEE
    rating

    4.5

    3 Reviews
    place
    Yamanashi Kofu Marunouchi 1-20-22
    phone
    0552335055
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  • 04

    Tsugura Sha

    Tsugura Sha

    Tsugura Sha

    Occupying an old-fashioned house that was once a residence, Tsugura Sha is both a cafe and information hub run by the friendly Mr. Koide. After working at a tourist information center in Koshu City, he decided to open his own establishment where he could freely exchange information with visitors while they relaxed over a meal.

    Tsugura Sha

    Tsugura Sha

    The cafe is beautifully decorated with antique furnishings and vintage sewing machines, creating a rustic and attractive atmosphere. The menu features seasonal products that are sourced from local farmers or bought fresh each day at the morning market. Highlights include their pancakes with seasonal fruits and shakes made with Kyoho grapes.

    Tsugura Sha

    Tsugura Sha

    Tsugu Ra Sha
    rating

    4.0

    7 Reviews
    place
    Yamanashi Koshu-shi Katsunumacho Katsunuma 2997
    phone
    0553398915
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  • 05

    Café Kagiya

    Café Kagiya

    Café Kagiya

    Café Kagiya is situated in the picturesque town of Hayakawa, which is fed by the crystal-clear streams of the Southern Alps. It occupies a traditional Japanese house that’s more than 200 years old. It’s slightly difficult to access, with the train trip from central Tokyo (Shinjuku Station) to Shimobe-onsen Station taking around 2.5 hours, followed by a 70-minute bus ride to Narada where the cafe is located.

    Café Kagiya

    Café Kagiya

    But the journey is definitely worth it, with a stunning natural setting and the vintage ambiance of an old house. Enjoy seasonal produce sourced directly from the surrounding region, as well as homemade sweets and drinks, then get creative while painting local oboko dolls. Also, there is a beautiful hot spring (Narada No Sato Onsen) just a short walk away, so you can enjoy it.

    hot spring (Narada No Sato Onsen)

    hot spring (Narada No Sato Onsen)

    Furu Private House Cafe Kagiya
    rating

    4.0

    5 Reviews
    place
    Yamanashi Minamikoma-gun Hayakawacho Narada 1064-43
    phone
    0556205556
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    Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

    Nishiyamaonsen Yushima 25 Hayakawacho Minamikomagun Yamanashi

    Agoda
    • Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
    • Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
    • Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
    • Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
    • Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

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