Best coffee shop in Kumamoto

carbonCoffee shops are at the heart of culture. A small specialty coffee shop does more than just serve drinks; it can tell you what the locals are passionate about, what other innovative businesses are in town, and what events are going on. That’s why in Kyoto I visited more trendy coffee shops than temples, why in Ishigaki I got all my restaurant and beach recommendations from coffee shop owners, and why in Kumamoto I enjoyed my cafe tours so much that when I finally got there, the castle was closed.

While Kumamoto might not be the first place you think of when you think of cafes, that doesn’t mean there aren’t options – the city is filled with incredible cafes, from traditional townhouses serving fresh coffee to modern, eclectic spots specialising in lesser-known drinks from around the world.

Blue Coffee: Serving rare Jamaican and Hawaiian coffee

A Blue Coffee is one of the most recent coffee shops on this list, tucked away in a beautiful alley. The shiny Novo Mark roaster at the entrance complements the shop’s industrial style and promises specialty coffee. Blue is the main color throughout the shop, from the wooden counters covered in gleaming blue epoxy to the owner’s preference for Jamaican rare Blue Mountain coffee. Known for its lightly roasted pour-overs as well as its strong espressos, flat whites, and lattes, A Blue Coffee has something for everyone, no matter your preference.

For more information, visit their website.

Coffee Gallery: Stylish and Historical

Coffee Gallery is housed in a renovated 120-year-old building that was once a bonito flakes shop, from the walls and espresso machines to the staff’s Handa Jacket. Modern design Machiya Stylish, the cafe is filled with thoughtful design details that pay homage to the region’s rich history and culture, with coffee beans stored and displayed in wooden barrels and the ancient Chinese character for “coffee” printed on products. The entire store is spacious, with the second floor being particularly quiet. It’s also used as a gallery and event space.

At Coffee Gallery you can find the perfect blend of traditional culture and contemporary specialty coffee. They stock 20 varieties of coffee beans from 11 countries, all roasted in-house and ready for you to drink or buy to make your own. This coffee shop recently opened a second location at the renovated Kumamoto Airport. Its cubic structure and design are striking and can be identified by the striking rope curtains similar to those that decorate the main store. You can buy a cup of coffee or some gifts for the coffee lover in your life before you take off, as it is located right at the departure gate.

For more information, visit their website.

Omoken Park: A biophilic architectural paradise

Beloved by coffee lovers and architecture buffs alike (even though the Venn diagram is almost a circle), Omoken Park is a brilliant example of revitalization, built on the site of a building that collapsed in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. Located within the Kamitori shopping mall, the cafe sits beneath a small open-air park made up of multiple rooftops. Surrounded by greenery and designed to encourage community interaction, visitors can relax over a cup of coffee and people-watch.

The menu is also impressive, with specialty coffee beans, artisanal colas, delicious snacks, and tempting desserts. Omoken Park’s mission is to provide a community space while also serving as an event and exhibition space.

For more information, visit their Instagram.

Gluck Cafe: Hidden in a Charming Old Japanese House

Relax and unwind in this renovated Showa log house. Freshly brewed coffee greets you at the entrance, and the second floor of the house offers plenty of seating space. There is a wide variety of coffee beans to choose from, which will be delivered to you in a handmade ceramic cup. Both espresso and drip coffee are expertly made to bring out the best of the beans.

Gluck Coffee Spot’s desserts are top-notch—not surprising, since the company also operates its own bakery, Licht coffee&cakes, near Kumamoto Station. Try the banana bread and coffee pudding.

For more information, visit their website.

And Coffee Roasters: A friendly local restaurant

And Coffee Roasters is a small, quaint space that still manages to cram in a coffee roaster, a bar, and a mezzanine with plenty of seating. Despite its small size, the shop has a warm atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, and friendly staff who are happy to make drink recommendations or purchase coffee beans. The beans are freshly roasted on site in small batches.

The owner of this shop lived in New York and traveled around the world to learn about specialty coffee before opening the shop in Kumamoto. The coffee here will please even a seasoned coffee expert. The cold brew is particularly satisfying, but every drink on the menu is great.

For more information, visit their website.

This version of this article was published on Kyushu Weekend Events 2024To read the full article, click here.

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