Welcome to the Akai Yakata

Off the beaten path is a special place that the three of us (Rob, Nick, and I) go frequently “The Akai Yakata.” It was found by mistake but, this place is somehow is one of those places that you love because of its ambiance and character. If you’ve never been here before you’re in for either a culture shock or a delightful treat. Simply put, this coffee shop is one of those rare places that time forgot after 1970. You can see how years of smoking has “seasoned” this place. The walls, the curtains, and ceilings are a light brown from years of tobacco smoke (as well as other kinds of smoke). We all wonder what this place was like 30-40 years ago. It must have been rock’n at one time like one of those coffee shop joints in New York back in the 50’s. I think its a real Bob Dylan kind of place (whatever that means to you). The people that come and go, I assume, are time travelers just making their way to where ever they’re from. It’s new and old, dated and current all in one. It’s how you appreciate it when you’re there that makes it great or makes it drab.

For me, I think the atmosphere is great! Come in and sit down at anyone of the old table top video game tables. There’s an old horse racing game, an old pong game, and Tetris (but Tetris is the only one that works). While you’re sitting there (assumably playing Tetris) you’re greeted by Yuko, a nice waitress that serves you a glass of water and patiently waits for you to order. There are many specialties here at the Akai Yakata. Most people order coffee and the Mikku Fry (which is a deep fried dish of tempura, oyster, potato, and cod). The Mikku Fry comes with Salad, Mizo Soup, Rice, and an apple slice. Also if you order coffee (ko~hi~) they usually include it in the order. Prices are pretty reasonable as Japanese coffee shops (ki-sa-ten) go: Coffee is 350 yen and the Mikku Fry is 880 yen. The other option is to order the excellent spaghetti. At the Akai Yakata they have all sorts of spaghetti from Nato Speghetti to Meat Spaghetti, you name it. Great stuff too if you ask me. A better review of the Menu (especially the HAMBAAGU) can be read at

http://navy.ap.teacup.com/applet/sugasuga/200607/archive

just search for the「『赤い館』のハンバーグ♪」. Beware its all in Japanese!

Anyway pretty much everyday I make my way down the Shiroshi Bicycling Path to the first street intersection where I turn left and head down the street to the barber sign where I hang another left and there it is “the red café.” You won’t find it in a travel guide or from any English travel guides like Lonely Planet, but this is the place! Its retro, but nobody is trying to keep it retro… it is what it is and that’s why I recommend it.

~J out

Read More