Located in a residential neighborhood in Hina-machi, Odate City, “COCO Terrace” is a warm and inviting café that owner Mariko Nakamura opened in May 2025 after renovating her grandparents’ home. With its striking white walls and wooden doors, soft light streams into the interior, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Beautiful cakes line the display case, and the shortcakes made with seasonal fruits are especially popular. Their gentle flavor, created using additive-free fresh cream and carefully selected ingredients, is a major draw. The menu also features a selection of health-conscious sweets, such as pudding and gluten-free baked goods. Rooted in the tradition of baking for her family, this heartwarming café embodies the owner’s desire to share special moments with the local community.  

"Amaryllis Shinkoya," a long-established confectionery shop located on "Oomachi Hachiko Street" in Odate City, is a historic store founded in Meiji 5. Originally starting out as a manufacturer and retailer of mochi and hard candy, it took on its current form in Showa 44 by combining a confectionery shop with a café space. The retro interior is lined with colorful cakes and sweets, and at the back lies a small café area with a nostalgic atmosphere. Another appealing aspect is the shop’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and its dedication to crafting sweets with care, driven by the desire to “deliver treats that people will say are delicious.” The classic strawberry shortcake offers a quintessential flavor—a harmonious blend of light, fluffy sponge cake, smooth fresh cream, and sweet-and-tart strawberries. Enjoy a relaxing break with a light cup of coffee. In addition, their milky, rich soft-serve ice cream is a popular choice, available for both in-store enjoyment and takeout. It’s a shop with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has been cherished by the local community for many years.

Located on the street in front of Takanosu Station, Atelier Éclat is a small shop where you can enjoy gluten-free baked goods made with rice flour. It also features an eat-in area where you can relax and enjoy fair-trade black tea or organic coffee. The shop features a selection of gently sweet treats made with carefully selected ingredients, such as Tigré, chocolate cake, lemon cake, and Basque cheesecake. Their appeal lies in the moist texture—hard to believe they’re made with rice flour—and the rich flavors that highlight local ingredients. Owner Minako Momen aims to create “light, approachable sweets” and also accommodates orders for vegan and raw desserts. Incorporating local seasonal fruits is another hallmark of her craft. Thanks to its location right in front of the station, the shop attracts a wide range of customers, and events held there are fostering new connections within the community. It’s a warm and welcoming shop that adds a little richness to everyday moments.

Located in a residential neighborhood near Takanosu Station, KITCHEN Suiryu is a hidden gem where you can enjoy spicy dishes and authentic desserts paired with drinks. Owner Ryu Misawa honed his skills in French cuisine and patisserie and has experience overseeing a spice curry restaurant in Tokyo; guests can casually savor his expert craftsmanship here. The interior retains the nostalgic atmosphere of a former coffee shop. The lunch menu features dishes such as butter chicken curry, keema curry, and taco rice, all offering a rich, complex flavor derived from the restaurant’s unique blend of about 10 spices. The taco rice, in particular, combines Bolognese-style meat with the aroma of spices and the richness of cheese, resulting in a truly satisfying dish. After your meal, you can enjoy desserts crafted with the chef’s pastry experience, and another highlight is the ability to enjoy a drink with appetizers starting at lunchtime. With its meticulously prepared dishes and cozy atmosphere, this restaurant adds a touch of something special to your everyday life.

With its striking red exterior that stands out in the residential neighborhood, Asian Chick-Tags Cafe is a relaxed café where jazz and blues play softly in the background. The sophisticated interior, infused with Asian flair, exudes a sense of private, adult-oriented ambiance. The weekly rotating pasta lunch is a popular choice; on this visit, I enjoyed the pasta with duck, mushrooms, and eggplant in a tomato sauce. The sauce, with its perfectly balanced acidity and a hint of the café’s original herb blend, pairs wonderfully with the rich, savory duck meat to create a truly addictive flavor. The Italian pudding served after the meal was rich and creamy, and the toasty caramel paired perfectly with coffee. The owner, Tadayuki Fukagawa, moved to Kitaakita City following the Great East Japan Earthquake and opened this restaurant. Originally focused on general goods and light meals, the restaurant evolved into its current style as its pasta gained popularity. One of its charms is that people of all ages visit and can relax at their own pace. The restaurant also features a piano brought from the disaster-stricken area, and jazz concerts are held there from time to time. It’s the perfect spot to step away from the daily grind and enjoy a pleasant, relaxing time.

Located in a residential neighborhood near JR Takano Station, “The Grape Tree” is a retro Showa-era café that opened in 1988. Its well-worn counter, stately furniture, and the Showa-era pop songs playing in the background create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that has made it a longtime favorite among locals. The menu features unique dishes such as the “Katchan Don” and carbonara topped with a fried egg. On this visit, I enjoyed the mild-flavored “Tofu Hamburg Steak Set Meal.” The tender hamburger steak pairs perfectly with the rich demi-glace sauce, and the inclusion of a small side dish is another appealing touch. The unique drink “Penguin” offers a mysterious flavor blend of cola, milk, and melon syrup, and is served with a playful sea otter-shaped ice cube in the glass. Additionally, the “Jomon Parfait,” inspired by the Ise-dōdai archaeological site, is visually appealing and offers the exciting sensation of an archaeological dig. After your meal, the house-roasted coffee is a popular choice; you can select from dark or light roasts to suit your preference, and each cup boasts a rich aroma and deep, full-bodied flavor. With time seeming to slow down inside, the cozy atmosphere makes this a place where you’ll naturally want to linger.

Located about a 15-minute walk from Odate Station, Kōrōdō—a traditional Japanese-style café and restaurant with a noren curtain hanging on the first floor of a building along the street—is a Japanese-style café supervised by “Morita-en,” a renowned producer of Uji tea from Kyoto. Enveloped in Nishijin-ori obi sashes and soft lighting, the interior exudes a calm atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto. Here, you can enjoy authentic “thick matcha sweets” made with tea leaves carefully selected by Japan’s foremost tea masters, along with a diverse menu featuring items such as parfaits and anmitsu.Among these, the “Kōrōdō Parfait” is a luxurious treat that combines rich matcha ice cream and aromatic hojicha ice cream with layers of shiratama mochi, brown rice, and thick matcha jelly, allowing you to fully savor its aroma, depth of flavor, and texture. Furthermore, the set lunch menu, which incorporates Kyoto’s home-style cuisine known as “obanzai,” is also popular for its delicate and gentle flavors. Driven by the owner’s desire to “make Uji tea more accessible,” this establishment offers a soothing respite where you can take a moment to relax amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.

With its spacious, airy interior bathed in natural light streaming through large windows and soothing jazz playing in the background, Odate Coffee House is a café that offers a relaxing, resort-like atmosphere. Using coffee beans from the long-established “Narita Senzo Coffee Shop” in Hirosaki, you can enjoy authentic cups of coffee, including blends and single-origin varieties. They also take pride in their light meals; for example, their pizza toast is made with bread from the local “Mori no Chisana Zakka Kobo.” Additionally, the non-alcoholic mocktail “Virgin China Blue,” which combines grapefruit and lychee, is a popular choice, offering a refreshing taste and beautiful presentation. Driven by the desire for “anyone to feel welcome and relax here,” the second cup of certain drinks is offered at a discount. Run by store manager and barista Mr. Taguchi alongside his family, this warm and inviting spot not only serves coffee but also sells drip coffee packs and various goods.

Located in the heart of Odate City, near City Hall and Katsurajo Park, Café Sōen is a historic traditional coffee shop that opened in the 1960s. Recognizable by its blue sign, the interior features stately furniture and intricate decorations, creating an elegant Shōwa-era atmosphere. Even the game tables—a rarity these days—are still in use, adding to the charm of this nostalgic space. The most popular dish, the “Napolitan” pasta, is made using a recipe that has remained virtually unchanged since the café’s founding; it features a gentle flavor where the mellow tomato sauce clings perfectly to the chewy, thick noodles. The menu also features an extensive selection of sweets, such as hot sandwich-style sandwiches and old-fashioned chocolate parfaits, ensuring you’ll enjoy every last bite. Currently run by the owner who has carried on the legacy of the previous generation, the shop operates with the goal of becoming a “café that lasts 100 years.” While the clientele used to consist mainly of older regulars, social media has attracted an increasing number of younger visitors. It’s a warm and welcoming café where everyone—from those looking to spend a quiet moment alone to families with children—can relax comfortably.

Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Kitaakita City, this house stands out with its striking red roof and blue door. Its exterior, reminiscent of a street corner in Southern Europe, looks just like a tiny house straight out of a picture book—so charming that you can’t help but stop and take a closer look. Step inside, and you’ll find a calm space filled with the warmth of wood. The interior, which blends natural and antique elements, features chairs of various shapes and materials alongside unique lighting fixtures—a clear reflection of the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Kondo’s, wish for guests to “find their own favorite seat.” Inspired by their early retirement, the couple opened this shop together to bring their passion to life. The lunch menu centers on five types of one-plate dishes made with salt koji. These dishes not only tenderize the meat but are also gentle on the body, and the rice is made with locally grown Akita Komachi from Kitaakita City. The meal is satisfying, complete with soup, coffee, and dessert. The sweets are handmade by the owner’s wife, and the smooth cheese terrine and pudding are particularly popular. The interior is lined with cat-themed goods and handmade crafts. Enveloped in gentle flavors and a cozy atmosphere, this charming spot has a special appeal that will make you want to come back again and again.

"Kaori Coffee," which relocated and reopened on May 1, 2026, catches the eye with its red noren curtain Here, we serve “Andromeda Ethiopian Coffee,” imported directly by the NPO Koma. This coffee is hand-picked from wild coffee trees growing naturally in the forests of Ethiopia, grown without pesticides in an environmentally friendly manner, making every cup a contribution to local communities. Carefully hand-brewed, this coffee captivates with its vibrant aroma and a fruity, refined flavor. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the station, it’s the perfect place to start your sightseeing and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

WHITE CREW is a self-service café nestled along the Nagaki River, which flows through the center of Odate City. With a view of beautiful scenery—a row of cherry blossoms in spring and swans arriving in winter—you can spend a relaxing time in the cozy interior, which features a mountain cabin-like exterior and the warmth of wood. The space, lined with retro knick-knacks and photographs, has a calm atmosphere reminiscent of a small gallery. It’s a self-service café where you help yourself to drinks from the coffee maker and refrigerator, and even toast your own cheese toast. You can relax at your own pace without any pressure, savoring the aroma of freshly toasted bread.Since you’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks as long as you order at least one item, you’ll often see people enjoying their time however they like—whether studying, reading, or chatting with friends. Across the parking lot stands an annex that displays numerous photographic works by Mr. Komatsu, the owner—who is also a ski instructor and photographer. You can spend a leisurely moment here while taking in his dynamic and vibrant photographs.The views of the Nagaki River and Mount Houou spreading out beyond the windows, along with the mountain lodge-like atmosphere—especially when it’s blanketed in snow during winter—are also major attractions. It’s a place where time flows gently, allowing you to unwind amidst the changing seasons of nature.

Café Penta & Nic is a hidden gem of a coffee shop tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Odate City. The retro building that appears after passing through the snow-covered garden, along with the gentle glow of the wood-burning stove, creates a relaxed atmosphere. In May 2025, Hiroyuki Kishi, a former middle school teacher, fulfilled a long-held dream by opening the café. The coffee features a blend from “KOW,” a long-established local roaster, and is carefully hand-brewed one cup at a time. The menu features a selection of thoughtfully prepared, comforting dishes, such as cake with a whole banana inside, moist cheesecake, and pizza toast with homemade sauce. The owner’s dedication is evident in the care he takes with every order. At the back of the shop is a storehouse over 100 years old; this space, featuring a striking, heavy iron door, is also available for rent. It is also well-loved as a venue open to the community, hosting events such as concerts, yoga classes, and photo exhibitions. In honor of the music-loving owner, the shop’s name is derived from the musical term “pentatonic.” Surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in summer, it’s a place where you can spend a peaceful moment amidst the changing seasons.

On the quiet West Shore of Lake Towada, there’s a renowned burger spot known only to those in the know. WEST SHORE’S GREEN CAFE is a “phantom” burger shop located inside the Towada Furusato Center that’s open for only half a year. The signature dish is the “Lake Towada Burger.” Made with an abundance of ingredients from Kosaka Town, it features a juicy patty made from the “Momo-butan” brand pork, paired with a sauce made from Kosaka wine and acacia honey—it’s absolutely exquisite.   Why not stop by for a break after enjoying the water activities at the Towada Furusato Center? 十和田ふるさとセンター（SUP・HOBIE・カヤック）

Nestled in a quiet village surrounded by nature is Gateau Mignon, a pastry shop and café-restaurant. Here, you can enjoy exquisite lunches and desserts created by Kimiko Ito, a dessert concierge who trained at a French patisserie in Daikanyama, Tokyo. The lunch menu features an omakase course centered around chewy pizza and pasta. This hearty lunch comes with an authentic dessert plate and a drink, ensuring you’ll leave completely satisfied.Depending on the season, you may also be able to enjoy dishes and desserts made with local specialties from Kamikoani Village, such as edible ground cherries and perilla. Both the dishes and the desserts are all carefully handmade by Kimiko herself. Set in a standalone house surrounded by nature, this hidden gem of a spot is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends or family without a care in the world. You can also purchase Kimiko’s sweets and bread at the Kamikoani Roadside Station. Her chiffon cake is especially popular! Be sure to stop by.  

This building is a relocated and restored version of the “Former Kosaka Mine Engineering Department Power Room” (electrical room), which was originally constructed in 1904, and opened as a café in 2015. It is a rare timber-frame brick building featuring wooden columns and brick walls. The interior features a spacious, chic design, and children’s chairs are available for families with children. On sunny days, you can enjoy freshly baked bread, waffles, and cakes on the spacious open deck. You can also savor Kosaka Town’s specialty acacia honey by adding it to organic coffee or drizzling it over soft-serve ice cream.