Top 5 Kominka Cafés Near Sawara Station – Discover Katori’s Hidden Spots for a Peaceful Break

Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, attracts visitors as a town full of the atmosphere of Edo (old Tokyo) with a touch of suigo. Amidst the beautiful townscape and abundant nature, numerous cafes in renovated old private houses dot the area, offering a special space to heal the fatigue of travelers. In this issue, we will introduce five old private house cafes you can find in Sawara. Why not spend a relaxing time in between strolls in Sawara while learning about the unique charms of each café?

Inae

Inae is a café in a renovated, quaint old building that blends in with the Sawara townscape and offers visitors a special healing experience. It is the perfect place to stop by after a stroll through the Edo period-style streets, and is a place where you can refresh both body and soul. The shaved ice, a specialty in particular, is characterized by its fluffy texture, and the luxurious toppings are in perfect harmony with the ice, which gently melts in your mouth with each bite. The brown sugar miruku walnut, in particular, has the perfect texture of savory walnuts and the sweetness of the rich brown sugar syrup. The quality of the ice is so good that one bite is enough to understand why it creates repeat customers. In addition, light meals are served during lunch time, allowing customers to enjoy not only sweet treats but also light meals. The seasonal menu is also abundant, and each time you visit, you will discover something new. If you are tired from your stroll, be sure to stop by.

Recommendation: In addition to the fluffy shaved ice, you will also be soothed by the aroma of roasted bancha tea, which is offered free of charge. The store's history of overcoming the effects of the earthquake is one of its deep attractions.

Access: 10 min. walk from Sawara Station

Budget (recommended item): Shaved ice from 800 yen

Inae

住所	511, Sawara I, Katori-shi, Chiba, Japan
電話番号	0478-54-7575
営業時間	10:30 - 17:00
営業日	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday
定休日	Wednesday
公式サイト	https://sawara-inae.com/

Chaya Hanakanmuri

Chaya Hanakan Honten, Kajinoki Terrace is a café where you can enjoy the sweet taste of Ujikintoki, a modern recreation of Sawara's historical Ujikintoki. The gogyo, made generously with the finest matcha “Hatsumukashi,” or powdered green tea, is filled with strained red bean paste cooked three times, both on and inside the ice, so that you can enjoy its luxurious taste until the very last bite. This Uji Kintoki is based on a flavor popular at court in the late Edo period, and is recommended for history buffs as a special sweet revived in the modern age. The hot egg sandwiches using eggs picked in the morning are also popular, and the fluffy eggs and rich flavor are superb. Enjoying sweet and light meals in a relaxing space with a Japanese atmosphere will help you recover from the fatigue of traveling. This is a satisfying spot whether you are alone or with family or friends.

Recommendation: The Uji Kintoki Gogori, which combines the aroma of green tea and the sweetness of red bean paste, is a must-try. The egg sandwiches are also popular as light meals, perfect for a light meal during a stroll.

Access: 15 min. walk from Sawara Station

Budget (recommended item): Ujikintoki no Gohi 1,200 yen

Chaya Hanakanmuri

住所	1902-4, Sawara I, Katori-shi, Chiba, Japan
電話番号	090-4530-0022
営業時間	10:00 - 17:00
営業日	No mid-year break
定休日	indeterminate rest period (e.g. from work)
公式サイト	https://hanakanmuri.tokyo/chaya/

Chibuan Inou

Late An Inou is a café renovated from an old private house dating back to the Edo period, where you can feel the historical atmosphere of Sawara as it is. Not only the quaintness from the exterior, but once you step inside, you will see an interior that makes use of old wood and lacquerware, giving you the feeling as if you have stepped back in time. The signature dish, a cup of deep-roasted old coffee, ground from beans and carefully brewed, is recommended for coffee lovers. The handmade cakes are another attraction, especially the baked cheesecake, which is as light as a soufflé. Known as the location for the drama “Tokyo Bandwagon,” it has become a sacred place among fans, providing visitors with special memories. It is a secluded spot where you can spend a peaceful time in the slowly flowing time.

Recommendation: The space created by lacquerware and old timbers with a sense of history from the Edo period (1603-1867) is attractive. It is an ideal spot to take a break during sightseeing.

Access: 10 min. walk from Sawara Station

Budget (recommended item): Cake set 500 yen

Chibuan Inou

住所	1721-12, Sawara I, Katori-shi, Chiba, Japan
電話番号	0478-54-2335
営業時間	11:30 - 17:00
営業日	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday
定休日	Wednesday
公式サイト	https://tvyz.monogoshi.com/cafe/

Chaya Hanakanmuri Uwagashi Bettei

Chaya Hanakan Kamigawagishi Villa is a café famous for its pudding a la mode, which is made with an abundance of seasonal fruits. This pudding a la mode is based on traditional hardened pudding and is colorfully arranged with ripe fruits, making it a beautiful visual treat. The rich flavor of the pudding and the bitterness of the caramel enhance the sweetness of the fruit, and each bite offers a different harmony of flavors. The nostalgic banana juice is also popular, with a simple yet profound flavor that is addictive. The renovated old private house provides not only a special dessert time experience, but also a place where you can feel in harmony with the beautiful townscape of Sawara.

Recommendation: The perfect balance of hard pudding and seasonal fruits is the charm of this place. You can enjoy the taste of the space and the luxury of the sweets at the same time.

Access: 15 min. walk from Sawara Station

Budget (recommended item): Pudding a la mode 1,700 yen

Chaya Hanakanmuri Uwagashi Bettei

住所	498, Sawara I, Katori-shi, Chiba, Japan
電話番号	090-5894-0033
営業時間	10:00 - 22:00
営業日	Wed - Sun
定休日	Monday, Tuesday
公式サイト	http://matsumoto-sakafumi.jp/chaya-uwagashi/

VMG CAFE

VMG CAFE is a café created by renovating a 160-year-old historic building, offering a blend of modern taste and historical flair. The store's specialty, freshly squeezed Mont Blanc, is one of the pleasures of the live experience, which is finished right in front of your eyes. The Mont Blanc cream made from sweet potatoes is characterized by its smooth texture and elegant sweetness, and you will be surprised by its quality with every bite. The savory pie crust on the bottom provides a contrast of different textures. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to spend a leisurely time with friends and family, or to enjoy a luxurious time alone.

Recommendation: The live performance of freshly squeezed Mont Blanc finished in front of your eyes is very attractive. You can enjoy the elegant sweetness and rich flavor of this sweet treat.

Access: 11-minute walk from Sawara Station

Budget (recommended item): Freshly squeezed Mont Blanc (drink set) 1,800 yen

VMG CAFE

住所	1720, Sawara I, Katori-shi, Chiba, Japan
電話番号	0120-210-289
営業時間	Weekdays: 11:00 - 16:00 /Holidays: 11:00 - 16:30
営業日	Mon, Wed - Sun
定休日	Tuesday
公式サイト	https://www.nipponia-sawara.jp/cafe

summary

Spending time at one of Sawara's old private house cafes is a precious experience that will fill your heart with contentment. Enjoying the café's unique menu and space, along with the historic townscape, will give you a deeper appreciation of Sawara's charms. In addition, by using the “Popland” application, you can easily check the latest information on tourist spots and events. Your visit to Sawara will be even more fulfilling. We hope you will enjoy a moment of healing woven by nature and travel at Sawara's old private house cafes.