グランピングMUKU — Hotel in Takashima

Overall an utterly disappointing experience. It is a shame to have been so let down by a place that has so much potential. I humbly suggest that one should not choose this establishment for the following reasons:

Firstly, it is outrageously overpriced, paying ¥600 for an iced coffee and ¥650 for an “Ichigo Milk” (strawberry milk). Perhaps the price of such items could have been forgiven had they been made to a quality standard. Unfortunately for us customers, they were not.

The iced coffee was nothing special at all, it was lacking in taste, presentation, and yet the quantity seems ok at a first glance as it is served in a semi-large cup, I soon realised that half the serving size was made up of many big ice cubes. Disappointing and overall had no substantial qualities or “mmmmm factor”.

Moving onto what was easily the most regrettable purchase of 2023, the Ichigo Milk. Wow, this was terrible to say the least. Imagine a plastic cup filled halfway with ice cubes, then a tiny dribble of strawberry flavoured syrup that all accumulated at the base of the cup, then a dash of yogurt, milk, and water. Then bring your expectations all the way down because this Ichigo Milk was appalling. There was barley a hint of strawberry flavour - it was as if someone had eaten a strawberry and breathed on a glass of milk - and the milk yogurt combination was just drab and boring. When I asked if there could be more strawberry syrup added to it I was told no. I can’t believe they are charging ¥650 for this. Both drinks could have easily been made much better at home.

Moving on, the worst part of this experience was dealing with the staff. Never in my years of living in Makino have I had the displeasure of being served by such miserable staff. No warm greeting or any sense of welcoming, with a poor demeanour and coldness when being served our drinks and without a whiff of a smile or a thank you. It only added insult to injury when I was told there was no way to add extra strawberry syrup to the bland yogurt milk concoction. This service was inadequate and not what I had expected from what looks from the outside a very promising cafe establishment.

This brings me onto the positive aspects of Muku. The location is good being placed along the very scenic Metasequoia Road. The building itself is very modern, contemporary, clean and the patio seating area outside is peaceful and comfortable.

Despite the nice environment and seating the poor standard of drinks, terrible overpricing, and sorrowful interactions with the staff made the overall experience quite depressing. We left feeling a deep sense of dissatisfaction, disappointment and regret.

I would highly recommend that if you are passing by and thinking to stop for a quick drink break or coffee, to keep walking. There are other options in the immediate area.

I hope this review is helpful and isn’t too harsh (I have been absolutely honest with my opinions and experience). I will not be returning to Muku cafe ever again. What a shame, it has so much potential, yet so little...

We visited Cafe MUKU recently. The cafe itself is very beautiful and new, the surrounding scenery is nice and the customer service was good. We were however a bit disappointed in the food. We ordered the croissant with custard, icecream and soup. All of it tasted like something from the supermarket. (Nothing was bad but for the price you’re paying you would expect a higher standard. ) The croissant was rather small and not crispy like a fresh croissant. The soup tasted like instant soup from Knorr. The cafe has much potential in my opinion but I think they should try a bit harder...

Food was overpriced and low quality. Outdoor seating very noisy due to the road. Customer service was underwhelming. Location was nice though and this place has potential. But with the current food and service best to...