4 Retro Cafes in Koriyama! Take a break in soothing antique spaces

Photograph:Akio I

Sato Coffee Honten is a retro style cafe tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in Nakano, Koriyama.

The interior has high ceilings and a spacious feel, with natural light streaming in and a warm atmosphere. There are 40 seats in total on the first floor, with table and counter seating, and 15 table seats on the second floor.

Photograph:Akio I

As a coffee specialty shop, it offers a wide variety of beans.

The most popular choice is the "Blend" shown in the photo. Many reviews say it is easy to drink, with a nice balance of bitterness and acidity, and a deep, tasty flavor.

Photograph:sojinkan

The “nagareeru pankeki (flowing pancake),” with cream that pours out the moment the film is removed, is a popular dessert that is fun to enjoy with your eyes, too.

The pancake has a chewy texture, and when eaten with the cream, it changes to a moist and soft texture.

Photograph:喫茶探訪記

This retro cafe opened in 1979 and is located near Kaiseizan Koen (Kaiseizan Park) in Koriyama City.

Inside, surrounded by antique pieces, time seems to pass quietly and calmly. Looking out over the lush garden beyond the windows, you can forget the everyday and enjoy a relaxing tea time.

Photograph:イベリ小豚さん

They use groundwater from the same water source as the spring water of Bandai Ryugasawa for their coffee and tea.

Thanks to that, the coffee has less bitterness and a smooth mouthfeel, with a rounded quality that gives a hint of sweetness in the distance.

Photograph:やまちゃん こうちゃん

Not only for cafe time, it also offers a full lineup of meal options.

The "Kaiseikan Hamburger Steak Set" has a light and tender texture, while the spices give it an authentic flavor with a nice aroma. The rich demi-glace sauce has real depth, and the portion is said to be more than satisfying.

Photograph:なんでも屋純ちゃん

"Tsuzuru," is a retro hideaway cafe. It is located not far from Tsurumidan Koen (Tsurumidan Park) in Koriyama City.

Inside, the monochrome interior creates a calm space, and a faint sweet aroma like spices is said to drift through the air.

Photograph:ぽぽ太郎さん

The "Midori no Wa Opera" is made with organic matcha (green tea powder) from Uji, Kyoto, known for its beautiful greenery.

By adding yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam) to the batter, it seems to have a soft, springy, and distinct texture. It has a rich matcha aroma, and the sweetness is said to be mild.

Photograph:tamamika3

The photo shows the "Darjeeling and Apple Glass Dessert."

It is packed with stewed spiced apples, Darjeeling milk tea panna cotta, walnut crumble, and more. It is said to taste great whether you eat each part on its own or together.

Photograph:ハラミ串

A 7-minute walk from Koriyama Station, Monami is a coffee shop located along the approach to Asaka Kunitsuko Jinja (Asaka Kunitsuko Shrine) and has been loved by locals for many years since opening in 1937.

The wood toned interior seems to have a slightly low ceiling. There are 24 seats in total, all sofa seating, laid out in a compact arrangement.

Photograph:_あんちゃん

The photo shows a classic menu item at a retro cafe, cream soda.

It comes in a light, pale green color, looks cute, and has a refreshing taste. It also has some sweetness and pairs perfectly with the ice cream.

Photograph:まっさー32

Like a classic old school kissaten (Japanese coffee shop), it also has a full lineup of light meal options.

The "supageti (spaghetti)" is a Homemade Napolitan-style pasta. It has a seasoning that is not too sweet, and the crisp texture of green peppers and onions adds a nice accent, making it quite popular.