Hi, there! Summer is over, and      it’s been getting chillier. Do you ever feel like that the changing of seasons takes a toll on your energy levels?

I was feeling a bit drained, so I decided to take a little trip to Minamioguni Town in Aso District for some peace and quiet.

“Takenokuma Kissa” in Minami-Oguni Town, Aso  District

This time, I visited “Takenokuma Cafe　 located in Minamioguni Town, Aso District.The term “Takenokuma” comes from a local placename.

The moment you enter, the breathtaking views greet you. The cafe building was made to order by local carpenters using Oguni cedar.

A Japanese-style garden contributes to a soothing ambiance.

 Elements of the design were inspired by the architecture of Japanese Shinto shrines. 

 Upon arrival, start by placing your order at the counter located at the end of the passageway. After that, you can take your order to your seat.

There are two seating areas.

One of them is in the same building where the reception desk is. It features spacious windows offering expansive views of the rice fields.

 Truly invigorating. 

The other one is the room with a wooden floor, located on the opposite side of the first one. You are free to sit wherever you like.

 A Feast of Local Delights from Oguni and Kumamoto

This is the menu. For 2,400 yen, there is a meal set that includes “okowa” (seasoned sticky rice) paired with a sweet dessert, and a beverage. Okowa is a Japanese steamed rice dish made with glutinous rice mixed with meat or vegetables.

You can savor three different types of okowa.The ingredients vary with the seasons.

This time, our okowa was made with ingredients like dried tomatoes, fried pork with miso and fried onions, green beans and jako (young sardines), kiriboshi-daikon (dried radish), and Nankan-age (a wWell-known type of deep-fried tofu from Kumamoto).

 The small, bite-sized okowa is packed with hearty ingredients, satisfying hunger with its sticky, chewy texture. 

 The soy milk panna cotta provides a smooth, subtly rich dessert, topped with fresh fruit and gelée for a refreshing finish. 

 The matcha milk, chosen for its mild sweetness and strong matcha flavor, complements the meal perfectly.

The restaurant’s menu features ingredients sourced from Aso, particularly from Minami-Oguni. The glutinous rice for the okowa comes from the rice fields right in front of the restaurant and from Aso. For the desserts, they use soy milk from a local tofu shop, and for the beverages, they use spring water sourced from Minami-Oguni.

The food tastes even better when you have the beautiful natural landscape in front of you.

A Place where You can Truly Get in Touch with the Natural World

Curious to learn mores, I decided to ask the owner, Mr. Anai, about what inspired him to create such a unique cafe.

Mr. Anai moved to Tokyo and held various jobs before making his way back to his hometown, Minami-Oguni. He established “Kissa Take no Kuma”, driven by a desire to showcase the beauty of his hometown.

 With a family background in the forestry business, he played a hands-on role in constructing the café. 

The design of the restaurant harmonizes with nature, allowing customers to enjoy the ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons, complemented by meals prepared with local ingredients.

Furthermore, the absence of any electric lighting in the café is another particular feature. This café is brightened by light bouncing off the water’s surface and onto the ceiling. Being a farmer himself, he has infused his store with the same lifestyle he embraces as a farmer.

Mr. Anai is not only behind the “Kissa Take no Kuma” café but also runs a furniture brand that utilizes Oguni cedar. He is actively involved in “mokuiku” programs, educational activities about wood and forestry at local schools.

For his contributions, Mr. Anai was awarded the grand prize of the Kyushu Machizukuri Kanko Award 2024 by JR Kyushu, recognizing individuals and organizations that enrich the community and enhance the charm of towns in Kyushu.

The stunning countryside views, the architecture crafted from Oguni cedar, and delicious food and drinks made from local ingredients… “Takenokuma Café” offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Minami-Oguni. 

 It’s a place to pause and immerse oneself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the area, providing a perfect escape for those looking to unwind from the hustle of daily life. 

 I wholeheartedly recommend coming here when you’re feeling stressed and in need of some relaxation.

Takenokuma Cafe