the coffee stand — Restaurant in Naha

On our 24-day adventure through Okinawa and Kyushu in February 2023, we discovered many amazing spots in Japan, but one memory has stuck with me like the perfect crema on a cup of espresso—your coffee! Oh, if only my Japanese skills matched my love for your brew, I’d be able to properly thank you. My words fall as short as a poorly-pulled shot. To the barista (and I’m guessing, coffee wizard-owner): you’re nothing short of a caffeine magician!

I was practically vibrating with excitement to return the next day, only to find the shop closed—just a 5-minute walk from our cozy spot at the Hyatt Regency. The rest of my trip? A caffeine quest that fell just short of your coffee sorcery. Your knowledge of beans, machines, grind, and even the perfect choice of dairy was a revelation!

When I inevitably return to Okinawa Naha, you can bet I’ll be making daily pilgrimages to your shop like it’s my personal coffee temple. Back home in Canada, I’m armed with my trusty Slayer Single Group and Mahlkonig grinder, but I dream of a day where I can nerd out about coffee with a master like you. Thank you for making my taste buds dance and for giving me a coffee memory I’ll...

Dark roast „specialty“ coffee. Casual place with an owner using hobby equipment and taking his time, roasting in-house. He surely is passionate about his craftsmanship, the path he chose however does not match my coffee preference. All coffee is dark roast, so I couldn’t drink the drip coffee. Espresso might be an option in a latte or another milk drink, neat espresso however isn‘t prepared very well. Underextracted and bitter, probably due to channeling. The roast is not as dark as an Italian espresso blend, but not light enough to be specialty. It if difficult for me to find the appeal in this style of coffee. I really tried. Finding true specialty coffee in Naha seems to be more difficult...

An absolute coffee gem in Okinawa! This one-man coffee stand is run by someone who clearly takes his craft seriously—every detail, from the selection of beans to the brewing process, is done with passion and precision.

There was a great variety of beans to choose from, and the coffee was so good I ended up having two cups in one visit. Each sip was smooth, rich, and perfectly brewed.

It was the perfect coffee stop for our last day in Okinawa, and honestly, one of the best cups I’ve had on the island. A must-visit for any...