珈琲専科 綾 — Restaurant in Kusatsu

If you want a coffee with history and a unique flavor, this is the place. I had the chance to talk to the owner after my second visit. This place seems to be more of a local gem—I noticed as I drank a couple of coffees that locals frequent it more than tourists. The owner does not seem to care about quick money but rather aim to contribute to the local community, which I personally value. The owner inherited this business from his mother, and it has been in the family for over 50 years.

The art in the café, the coffee blends—everything is perfectly curated to create the atmosphere the owner wants to convey: one-of-a-kind Shōwa-period coffee shop. The food was, by far, fantastic. The bread must be made in the shop or by a local bakery, as it tastes incredibly fresh. I had one of the best jam & butter toasts and sandwiches. How can something so simple evoke such warm feelings? I truly believe it is the art of the coffee master.

The café au lait—or iced café latte, as it is more commonly known abroad—is one of the best I have ever had. I visited this coffee shop twice during my stay, and it truly warmed my heart. If you want something ordinary and quick, this is not the place for you. However, if you want to truly experience the history of Kusatsu, this...

I was wandering around the onsen streets and happened to encounter this nice coffee shop. It looks nostalgic and professional in coffee. But I couldn't enter at the first visit as another spot was planned. After soaking in an onsen and catering, it came back to my mind. I walked a long way to it an hour before it closed. Columbia Gesia hot coffee and coffee jelly were served in a showa atmosphere. Coffee is filled with the flavour of flowers. With a balanced sour taste, my desire of fulfillment was met. Coffee jelly, in contrast, is bitter and symphony to sweet milk on top. Outside the window, snow floats in the harsh winter wind, sunshine filters through clouds. Red cover in chairs, brown wooden beams and walls, blue England china cup with golden lines on edges, white snow spots, moving colours from clothing of passing visitors, soaking in a declined sofa, the garden-like coffee smell and exotic tastes... Shouldn't it come alone with beautiful music? Perfection initiated the breaking down. Maybe it is perfect in...

The coffee itself is not bad and this is good coffee shop for smokers! But the staff here obviously does not welcome visitors from overseas. The way he handles those guests is not something comfortable...