“It looks like a traditional storehouse on the outside, but inside it’s a stylish cafe.”
We found just such a surprising spot in Kojima.
The cafe, which is part of Kojima’s history and beautiful scenery, is called “caffe antico Sion (Cafe Antico Sion).”
It was a wonderful space full of thoughtful details.
In this article, we’ll introduce the charms of caffe antico Sion.
This article was contributed by students in their second year at Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Washu Senior High School as part of their “Kojima Future Studies” inquiry-based learning class. The Haretoco General Incorporated Association editorial team edited and published it.
The information presented was accurate when the article was published in June 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
How an Edo-period storehouse became a cafe: The story behind caffe antico Sion
From the outside, caffe antico Sion looks like a storehouse with a touch of history, but inside it has a stylish atmosphere (hereafter, Sion).
In fact, it is said to be an Edo-period storehouse passed down through generations of the owner’s family, the Shiogamis.
Today, its interior is so beautiful that everyone wants to take photos, but in the past it was cluttered with so many things that no one could even begin to tackle it.
But after an acquaintance suggested, “Couldn’t it be used for something?”, the owner resolved to take action and began clearing it out around 2010.
As they gradually made space, they discovered that precious items evoking the history of the Shiogami family had been preserved in good condition.
This inspired the idea that the storehouse could be transformed into a place for relaxation and cultural exchange, surrounded by greenery.
Before long, old documents and materials related to the local area began to be displayed inside, changing the storehouse into a space where many people could take a relaxing break.
A relaxing moment in a historic storehouse
Sion’s greatest charm is its 140-year-old historic storehouse.
The original structure remains intact, and the paintings hanging on the walls are stylish and give a sense of history.
The dried flowers and tableware on the tables, the piano, and the noren (traditional shop curtain) near the entrance are all antiques that combine nostalgia with elegance.
The cafe also takes care to display mainly works by artists from Kojima.
The counter stools are beautiful, curved English Ercol chairs, creating a space unique to Sion.
The background music playing in the cafe adds to its lovely atmosphere.
Classical music, including Baroque pieces, plays from records and CDs the owner has collected as a hobby, creating a very soothing atmosphere.
Sion is the kind of place that makes you feel, “I want to stay here forever.”
Enjoy Kojima’s spectacular scenery, found only here
Sion is located on a hill with a panoramic view of Kojima.
The view from the slope leading to the cafe is a hidden scenic spot, with vistas stretching as far as the eye can see.
From the cafe, you can see Ojigadake Hill to the left and Otsuchijima Island straight ahead.
This beautiful view of Kojima can only be enjoyed here.
Also, the view differs depending on where you sit, so you can enjoy it no matter how many times you visit.
A 140-year-old historic storehouse brought back to life.
The cafe is filled with many eye-catching items that had been stored away inside, including precious cutlery, trays, and plates.
Scenery found only here, and flavors you can experience only here. That is Sion’s charm.
A lovingly crafted curry full of flavor and care
Every dish served at Sion is made with care.
Hot sandwiches are available on weekdays, and tomato butter chicken curry on Saturdays. The curry is made carefully over three days without using chemical seasonings.
Oil is kept to a minimum, and the curry is made exclusively with the juices from tomatoes packed with pulp, ginger, several kinds of spices, chicken fat, and butter.
It is gluten-free, so people with wheat allergies can enjoy it with peace of mind.
From the interior and exterior to the food, caffe antico Sion is full of thoughtful details.
We asked the owner about the love they have put into the cafe.
Interview with the owner of caffe antico Sion
caffe antico Sion is housed in a storehouse passed down since the Edo period.
We interviewed the owner to hear their thoughts about the cafe and the local community.
Where did the cafe’s name come from?
Could you tell us where the cafe’s name came from?
Owner
Actually, the cafe’s name has three meanings behind it.
First, “Sion” comes from “shio,” part of the owner’s surname, Shiogami, and “chione,” meaning “tide sound,” since the owner enjoys classical music.
Second, asters (shion) used to bloom around the storehouse.
Third, the owner liked “Mount Zion,” which appears in the Old Testament as a sacred place, so the name Sion was chosen.
What are your thoughts and priorities when it comes to cooking?
How do you come up with your recipes?
Staff
We continue to refine items that have been on the menu since we first opened, such as cheesecake and gateau chocolat, gradually adjusting the ingredients.
We also use seasonal ingredients and produce grown at Sion, pairing them with our basic cakes and tasting them repeatedly as we consider the balance of flavors and textures.
What part of the cafe have you put the most thought into?
Owner
It’s a relaxing space. Sion is a café, but its main appeal is the space, atmosphere, and music, where you can unwind at your own pace.
We started the café with the concept that “food is just an accompaniment,” so we put the greatest care into the space.
The future of caffe antico Sion
Which view from inside the café is the most beautiful?
Owner
The view from the second-floor counter seats, looking straight ahead, is beautiful from around 3 to 5 p.m. It’s especially spectacular after the rain.
What kinds of customers would you like to visit?
Owner
Everyone is welcome, including young people, couples, people around my age, people who share my interests, and those who say they feel at ease here.
You can stay at Sion for as many hours as you like.
What kind of café would you like this to become in the future?
Owner
I want to keep creating a space that makes people think, “This was a lovely place to relax” and “I’m glad I came,” just as I did when I first started out.
From the Writer
caffe antico Sion is a cafe where you can enjoy the good old-fashioned atmosphere, and it is beloved by regulars and local residents.
I could feel the owner's love for their hometown and passion for the cafe, and their desire to “run a business and make customers happy and smile” came through very clearly.
If you would like to see spectacular views or simply unwind, why not stop by caffe antico Sion?
caffe antico Sion Information
| Name | caffe antico Sion |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-7-28 Kojima Shimonomachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086−472−3447 |
| Parking | Available 7 spaces |
| Hours | 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday, Tuesday, Sunday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 26 seats |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking (outdoor smoking area available) |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | caffe antico Sion official Instagram |
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