A few of our summer favorites accumulated over the years of traveling back to Japan:
1. Mikasayama Tenbokaku Observatory (三笠山展望閣) - Esashi, Hokkaido
A gorgeous cafe near Wakkanai on Hokkaido’s eastern coast in Esashi, which was a herring fishing town in the Edo period. This cafe offers amazing ocean views and delicious cake and coffee sets!
2. Teienkissa Nishiki (庭園喫茶錦) - Yamagata, Yamagata
A tranquil hidden garden cafe with delicious desserts! Be sure to try the delicious pancakes or kakigori in this peaceful setting.
3. ”Kyoshu” Traditional Coffee Shop (文化喫茶 郷愁) - Shirakawa-go, Gifu
A charming traditional style cafe in Shirakawa-go with great views of the thatched roof village and a delightfully calm getaway.
4. Canary Cafe (カナリアカフェ) - Rebun Island, Hokkaido
Fantastic Hokkaido ice cream and coffee in this cafe next to Northern Canary Park, a famous film location in Japan. The stunning views of Mt Rishiri are a plus!
5. Rokusai (鹿柴) - Katsuyama, Fukui
Some of the best matcha we’ve ever had in a 130-year-old traditional Japanese house near an iconic Fukui shrine inspired by a unique moss that blankets the area.
6. FIFI PARLOR - Nago, Okinawa
A wonderfully serene cafe by the ocean with great coffee (highly recommend the coconut latte) and churros.
7. The Ocean and The Orgel (海とオルゴール) - Notojima, Ishikawa
A beautiful cafe by Dolphin Bay on Noto Island where you might catch a glimpse of a playful sea creature!
8. Hyoue Cafe (兵衛Cafe) - Kibune, Kyoto
The perfect tranquil summer getaway from Kyoto! Enjoy matcha (or coffee) and yummy deserts while cooling your feet off in the iconic Kibune River on a hot summer day.
Which of these would you visit first? And let me know if I’m wrong and you have been to one of these (I feel like that last one is possible). 👀
Japan is renowned for its exquisite cafes, each offering a unique blend of scenery, culture, and cuisine that reflects the region’s heritage and natural beauty. Beyond the famous metropolitan spots, these hidden summer cafes provide immersive experiences where visitors can relax while savoring delightful treats. Starting from Hokkaido, the Mikasayama Tenbokaku Observatory in Esashi delivers breathtaking ocean vistas paired with delightful cakes and coffee, embodying the coastal charm of a historic herring fishing town. Similarly, the Canary Cafe on Rebun Island offers delicious local ice cream and coffee with spectacular views of Mt. Rishiri, set near the evocative Northern Canary Park. Moving south, Teienkissa Nishiki in Yamagata is a tranquil garden cafe renowned for its fluffy pancakes and shaved ice desserts (kakigori), perfect for cooling down. In Gifu’s Shirakawa-go, the Kyoshu Traditional Coffee Shop blends historic thatched roof village views with a serene atmosphere, inviting visitors to enjoy calm moments steeped in local culture. Fukui’s Rokusai cafe impresses with some of the best matcha tea served in a traditional 130-year-old Japanese house, surrounded by a mossy landscape inspired by place-specific natural beauty. Farther south in Okinawa, FIFI PARLOR sits oceanside in Nago, known for its excellent coffee—especially the coconut latte—and perfectly paired churros, offering a tropical vibe. Ishikawa’s The Ocean and The Orgel cafe on Noto Island provides picturesque views over Dolphin Bay with a chance to spot sea creatures, combining marine elements with a relaxing cafe experience. Lastly, the Hyoue Cafe in Kyoto’s Kibune offers visitors a perfect summer escape where they can enjoy matcha or coffee while cooling their feet in the iconic river—a uniquely refreshing tradition during hot days. These cafes are not only culinary destinations but also gateways to experiencing Japan’s diverse landscapes and traditions in a leisurely, authentic way. Whether seeking oceanfront treats, historic serenity, or garden tranquility, travelers can find a perfect summer cafe that invites both discovery and relaxation.
