Shitamachi Brewery Hikobe

Nestled in the charming town of Gojome in Akita, Shitamachi Brewery Hikobe is more than just a café; it’s a delightful experience that intertwines the rich traditions of Japanese sake brewing with contemporary café culture. Situated adjacent to the famous Ippekusuisei Brewery, this stylish locale welcomes visitors into a space that beautifully marries traditional aesthetics with modern charm.

The café's atmosphere exudes warmth and elegance, offering both indoor and cozy second-floor seating, where patrons are invited to remove their shoes and embrace a casual yet refined dining experience. With plush sofas and inviting table arrangements, it’s an ideal spot to linger over a drink or snack while soaking in the ambiance.

The menu may be compact, but it is curated with care to showcase the unique flavors derived from the brewery's sake-making process. One standout offering is the Chai Latte made with sake lees – a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This drink greets you with an unexpected heat that warms the soul, balanced with a lightly sweet and subtly rich flavor profile from the fermented sake. Sensory delight erupts with each sip, where the crisp undertone of sake seamlessly melds into the aromatic spices of chai.

For a truly traditional taste, guests can indulge in the Amazake, which delivers a refreshing sweetness with a delightful texture that features grains of rice, making it an excellent companion to the delectable manju served alongside. Visitors consistently express their satisfaction in reviews, with one customer noting the remarkable flavor of the amazake and the comforting atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

Additionally, the café operates on a unique schedule; lunch is exclusively available on Tuesdays, creating an environment that sometimes feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Regulars, like customer '吉成佳子（oko）', rave about the hearty sake lees lunch, showcasing generous portions coupled with the exquisite coffee brewed with the brewery's own water.

As you sip on your drink, consider browsing the selection of nihonshu (sake) for sale, produced by the renowned Fukurokuju Brewery. Guests appreciate the chance not only to enjoy these crafted beverages on-site but also to take a piece of the experience home. Shitamachi Brewery Hikobe embodies a place where culinary creativity meets a reverence for traditional sake brewing, ensuring each visit is not just a meal, but a memorable experience.

Whether you are a local or traveling through, make a point to stop by Shitamachi Brewery Hikobe for a taste of innovation wrapped in tradition, and let your palate explore a different side of Akita with every visit.