Every time I go back to Japan, there’s one café I always make time to visit. Araki Coffee is a charming retro café in Maebashi, Gunma, that captures the spirit of old Japan. What brings me back isn’t just the atmosphere, but also the delicious menu.
↑ Celebrating its 11th anniversary this month (July 2025), the calm interior offers a relaxing atmosphere whether you come alone or with friends.
↑ The Showa-era retro counter it's beautiful just as it is.
↑ A tempting variety of menu items, including a traditional Japanese café-style breakfast.
↑ Araki Coffee’s blend offers a smooth, well-balanced taste of acidity and bitterness.
↑ 「Affogato parfait」includes the owner’s recommended homemade coffee jelly.
↑ 「Pizza toast」Thick-cut bread and toppings come together perfectly
↑ A warm and welcoming vibe comes through right at the counter.
“Running a café had always been a dream,” said Mr. Araki, who took over when the previous owner retired.
He especially treasures the vintage coffee roaster, a 50-year-old machine that’s still going strong.
↑ The vintage gas-powered roaster has been handed down and continues to deliver deep, flavorful coffee with impressive character.
There’s something about this café’s retro vibe, passed down through the decades, that keeps you coming back.
↑ 「Strawberry parfait」pictured here from last year. What’s great about this place is their special seasonal menu that switches up throughout the year.
On top of their regular menu, you’ll find seasonal sweets and classics like Napolitan (a Japanese-style ketchup spaghetti). Everything goes great with a good cup of coffee. If you want to experience a retro Japanese café in Maebashi, this is the place to go!
Araki Coffee
3-2-7 Hirose Maebashi Gunma, Japan
Report by Miho
Miho is a writer from Japan, now living in Colorado. She covers a variety of topics, sharing fresh perspectives from her cross-cultural experiences.
mimiweir0321@gmail.com
Photos by Katiee Starr