Sarutahiko Coffee(猿田彦珈琲): The Perfect Café for Relaxing During Your Nara Stroll

When you feel a bit tired from your Nara stroll, a recommended café to refresh and take a break is "Sarutahiko Coffee(猿田彦珈琲)."

What is Sarutahiko Coffee? 

"Sarutahiko Coffee" is a well-known coffee shop chain that specializes in offering specialty coffee, carefully roasted and meticulously extracted. It has outlets primarily in Tokyo and is renowned for its dedication to the art of coffee preparation.

Sarutahiko Coffee's Nara shop is located near Kofukuji Temple, in a small alley lined with old townhouses known as the "Shika Saru Kitsune Building."

The town where the Shika Saru Kitsune Building stands was once a bustling geisha district, filled with traditional Japanese architecture. 

Despite the area's many traditional buildings, the modern architecture of the Shika Saru Kitsune Building seamlessly blends into the town's scenery without any sense of incongruity.

Japanese architecture, based on pillars and beams as its fundamental structure, seems to harmonize well with the simplicity and functional beauty of modern architecture. 

Inside the Shop

When you enter the shop, you'll find a miscellaneous goods store called "Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten(中川政七商店)" inside. Established in 1716 as a former textile merchant, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten is an old and charming store that continues to offer various stylish and cute goods, with textiles remaining at its core.

You can also explore a wide selection of items on the second floor, making it a great place to find souvenirs from Nara.

This is the counter of Sarutahiko Coffee.

Please secure your seat first before placing your order.

Takeout is also available, so during busy times or on sunny days, you may enjoy your coffee outdoors, perhaps by the Sarusawa Pond.

Coffee and Curry

The menu offers various types of coffee, light snacks, and ice cream.
When I come here, they almost always have a café latte.

The latte art is beautiful, isn't it?

Even as you drink it, it remains intact for quite a while.

The café latte here is delicious and easy to drink, with a mild and not overpowering bitterness. Even for those who aren't fond of coffee, it's a pleasant and enjoyable choice.

Sitting by the window, gazing at the old townhouses outside while savoring the lingering aroma of the café latte is an indulgent and luxurious experience.

After having both café lattes and drip coffees, the fragrant scent lingers, making this place a favorite for those who appreciate this delightful aroma.

When I visited for lunch, I tried the European-style Butter Chicken Curry. 

It's spicy but rich in flavor, with a strong taste of butter and delicious tender chicken. A highly enjoyable curry.

In terms of portion size, it might be just right for women and children.

For those with a big appetite, pairing it with dessert like cake would be a perfect combination.

Interestingly, this curry is only available in some of their stores, and you can savor it exclusively at this café in Nara.

This café is a versatile place that you can visit for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon break during your Nara exploration, accommodating various scenes of your journey.

Shop Information

■Address: 1F Shika Saru Kitsune Building, 22 Ganriincho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan

■Phone: 0742-25-2585

■Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Last Order at 6:30 PM)

■Official Website

■Map

Located a 7-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station

Located a 15-minute walk from JR Nara Station