Hidden cafes in Japan (Not Tokyo Osaka Kyoto!)
📌 Milkbrew Coffee in Shiotatsu no townscape
Google Maps: Ko-727 Shiotacho Oaza Babashita, Ureshino, Saga 849-1411, Japan
We first stopped at Nakashima Farm, a cheese shop known as Japan’s first producer of brown cheese. We then headed to one of their cafés, Milkbrew Coffee, just a 5 minute drive away. The cafe specialises in milk-brewed coffee made with freshly squeezed milk and is located in Shiotatsu no Machinami, a charming townscape lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops selling traditional souvenirs.
📌 Omagari Nekochaya 尾曲がり猫茶屋
Google Maps: Japan, 〒850-0918 Nagasaki, Ouramachi, 2−5 シャトレ稲尾 1f
The cafe serves matcha, traditional Japanese sweets, Nagasaki Castella cake and is housed within a shop selling tea and matcha-related goods, as well as ceramics from Arita.
📌 Bebenko
Google Maps: 2407-1 Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita 879-4911, Japan
We had a delicious meal with a beautiful view of Aso and Kuju highlands. There was a little farm outside the restaurant. There were horses, ponies, llamas and goats. This place is a 8 minute drive from Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi, a suspension bridge with valley and waterfall views. Would highly recommend adding this restaurant as a pitstop when driving between Aso to Yufuin/Oita.
📌 Yufu Coffee 湯布珈琲
Google Maps: 1524-27 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Yufu Coffee 湯布珈琲 has a rustic and stylish atmosphere, with wooden interiors and a good selection of specialty coffee beans. I would highly recommend the charcoal latte (it feels like hojicha latte though!) and matcha latte. The cafe is also well known for its signature pudding. It gets quite crowded with tourists.
Exploring Japan's lesser-known cafes offers a refreshing break from the bustling urban scenes of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. For example, Milkbrew Coffee in Shiotatsu no Machinami delivers a unique milk-brewed coffee experience using freshly squeezed milk sourced locally. This quaint cafe's location in a historic townscape lets visitors enjoy traditional ambiance alongside gourmet coffee, a perfect escape for coffee lovers seeking something different. Another gem is Omagari Nekochaya in Nagasaki, a delightful cat-themed cafe renowned for its matcha drinks and traditional Japanese sweets like Nagasaki Castella cake. This cafe doubles as a shop for exquisite tea accessories and Arita ceramics, combining culinary and cultural treats in one spot. It's a wonderful find for those who appreciate authentic Japanese tea culture and charming handcrafted souvenirs. In Oita prefecture, Bebenko offers more than just a meal; it's an immersive countryside experience boasting picturesque vistas of Aso and Kuju highlands. Diners can enjoy hearty dishes featuring farm-fresh ingredients while watching ponies, llamas, and goats in the adjacent mini farm. Its proximity to Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi suspension bridge makes it an ideal stop during scenic road trips, blending nature, good food, and local charm. Yufu Coffee in Yufuin is another must-visit, known for its rustic wooden interiors and specialty coffee selection. Their charcoal latte, reminiscent of hojicha with a subtly smoky flavor, and their signature matcha latte are favorites among visitors. The cafe’s signature pudding is a crowd-pleaser too, though it's best to visit early to avoid peak tourist times. These hidden cafes not only provide delicious food and drinks but also offer a deep cultural connection and a peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the tourist-heavy cities. Traveling through Saga, Nagasaki, and Oita lets visitors discover unique regional flavors and soothing natural settings, perfect for those who want to experience Japan’s authentic charm beyond the conventional hotspots.
