Stop by on Your Walk! Must-Try Delicious Spots in the Historic Post Town of Yakage
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Yakage-juku is a post town on the old Sanyo road that retains the historical atmosphere of Japan. It is the only place in Japan where honjin and wakihonjin buildings still remain in good condition, and is also a hot topic for new restaurants and seasonal gourmet events. We will introduce some delici...
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Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chuo of Western Japan, and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It is conveniently located halfway between famous tourist spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that grow in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea and sunshine are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-famous tourist spots such as Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are renowned for their history, culture, and art!
1. YKNOT COFFEE WORKS
YKNOT COFFEE WORKS, a specialty store that roasts its own coffee, is located just north of the Sanyo-do Yakage-juku Roadside Station, which was designed by Eiji Mitooka, an industrial designer from Okayama Prefecture. They sell specialty coffee that is not only of high quality but also has clear traceability. You can choose your favorite coffee from 5 to 6 types of beans that are always in stock, and you can enjoy about 30 types of drinks, including espresso, latte, organic tea, soda with fruit syrup, and seasonal products.
The roasting method is hot air, which distributes heat evenly throughout the coffee beans. The light roast brings out the beans' natural flavor to the fullest. Beans are also sold in the store, and there are also cards posted that clearly explain the origin, farm, aroma, and flavor characteristics of the beans.
"Hand-drip coffee" (left / 700 yen) is carefully brewed one cup at a time. It has a clean taste, with a refreshing citrus acidity and a deep flavor brought out by the roasting that goes down comfortably. "Annou sweet potato latte" (right / 650 yen) is on the menu of the "Sweet potato festival [Imo Tabi] in YAKAGE", a gourmet event touring the town held in the fall and winter. The rich Annou sweet potato paste goes well with the bitterness of the espresso, creating a dish with an exquisite balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Owner Harada-san returned to Yakage Town and opened his shop in the same year as the roadside station, in the place where his grandmother's restaurant had been operating. He conveys the charm of specialty coffee that he encountered while living in Hong Kong for nine years. "The Y (wai) in the shop's name comes from the initial Y of Yakage and the local dialect word 'wai'. And KNOT means to tie. I hope to be able to provide hospitality that connects the people who visit here with the town through coffee," he says.
[YKNOT COFFEE WORKS]
Location: 1988-8 Yakage , Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-16:00
Closed: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Parking: None *Tourist parking available
YKNOT COFFEE WORKS Official Instagram
2. Tabi Fresh Crepes
"Nama Crepe tabi" is a sister store that opened in spring 2024 next to "t2Lab.", a popular store known for its cute dango. It is a takeout specialty store whose signature dish is a white crepe made with an original flour base, white rose milk, and fresh cream. In addition to classics such as "Banana Chocolate Whip" (680 yen) and "Mixed Berry Whip" (630 yen), they offer about 20 types of crepes, including "Bicchu Dainagon Whip" (680 yen) and side dishes. *Prices are subject to change.
Originally an incense shop, the shop has a modern Japanese atmosphere. Crepes are made only after an order is placed. There is also a small waiting area inside the shop.
"YAKI-IMO" (800 yen), a limited menu item at the "Sweet Potato Festival [Imo Tabi] in YAKAGE", is a purple sweet potato paste dough rolled with sweet potato paste and whipped cream, covered in custard and caramelized on the surface. It looks just like a roasted sweet potato and is perfect for posting on social media. The chewy dough, rich sweet potato paste, and fragrant, sweet brulee-style custard make for a very satisfying meal!
"The name 'tabi' combines the word 'travel' and 'tabi', which is an image of the white dough of the crepes. I would like people to travel through the town of Yakage , where princesses wearing pure white tabi socks once lived, with a crepe in hand," says owner Tsutsui.
[Fresh Crepes Tabi]
Address: 3058 Yakage , Yakage Town , Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 0866-82-2818 (t2lab.)
Business hours: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 13:00-17:30
Closed: Monday to Friday
Parking: None *Tourist parking available
Tabi Fresh Crepes Official Instagram
3. The bakery that the samurai loves
This high-end bread specialty store is located almost in the Chuo of the streets of Yakage . Its signature product is the "Fresh Bread" (980 yen per loaf). All ingredients, such as flour, milk, butter, and fresh cream, are produced in Hokkaido. Made using the Yudane method of kneading flour with boiled water, this bread has a chewy texture and a soft melt-in-the-mouth texture, and is best eaten as is without toasting. They also offer a monthly fresh bread (half loaf 580 yen) with ingredients that match the seasonal theme, allowing you to enjoy something a little different. Pictured are the "Caramel Latte" with caramel jam and white chocolate, and the "Hojicha Latte" with roasted green tea and white chocolate.
Another popular item alongside the fresh bread is the "Red Meat Melon Bread" (330 yen). The dough is kneaded with Hokkaido melon juice, giving it a moist and smooth texture, and with one bite, the rich, fragrant flavor of melon fills your mouth.
There will also be bread on sale for a limited time only to coincide with the event. This is the special "Sweet Potato Bread" (300 yen each) from the "Sweet Potato Festival [Imo Tabi] in YAKAGE". Purple potato powder is kneaded into the dough and the bread is filled with sweet potato paste, making it a sweet bread that looks just like the real thing.
The owner, Mr. Miyazaki, is also the owner and chef of "Samurai Italian in Yakage , an old-style restaurant on the same street. His hair tied back is reminiscent of the word "samurai" that is common to both restaurants. "As a restaurant in a tourist area, we value our location and products as places that will leave fond memories for visitors," he said, expressing his passion for invigorating the town through food.
[The bakery that a samurai falls in love with]
Address: 3058 Yakage , Yakage Town , Okayama Prefecture
TEL: 080-7183-6080
Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (ends when sold out)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Parking: None *Tourist parking available
Samurai's Love Bakery Official Instagram
"Sweet Potato Festival [Potato Journey] in YAKAGE" will be held until January 31, 2025!
In the season when sweet potatoes are delicious, this delicious town tour project allows you to enjoy a variety of unique sweet potato dishes at restaurants in Yakage Town. From long-established shops to new establishments, you can enjoy creative sweet potato dishes at a total of 23 stores. A stamp rally is also being held at the same time, where you can get one stamp for every 100 yen (tax included) you spend. In addition, the Yakage Visitor Santa Wholesaler will also be holding a "Limited Gacha" event! For more information, please visit the official website .
Event period: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025
Location: 23 stores in Yakage Town
Stamp rally product exchange location: Yakage Visitor Center Wholesaler
Contact: TEL 0866-83-0001 (Yakage DMO)
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chuo of Western Japan, and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It is conveniently located halfway between famous tourist spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that grow in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea and sunshine are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-famous tourist spots such as Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are renowned for their history, culture, and art!
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