"What an old building!" I thought every time I passed by the Tsurugata Building.
On the first floor of that Tsurugata Building is a nostalgic café called Café Tsurugata.
It opened in May 2019, with the master's desire to create "a gentle space where you can relax comfortably."
With records covering an entire wall, tin toys, and Showa-era appliances, you won't get tired of looking at them no matter how long you stay.
I recommend the retro cream soda served in a choice of cups with your tea.
Introducing "Café Tsurugata," which allows you to spend a soothing Showa-era time, established in 2019.
The Showa scenery remaining in Kurashiki. "Café Tsurugata" on the first floor of the Tsurugata Building
Café Tsurugata is a café located on the first floor of the Tsurugata Building.
This large building, about 50 years old, has 9 floors, with the first and second floors occupied by tenants such as clothing stores, and it is a valuable building that evokes the atmosphere of the Showa era.
There is also a sign for Café Tsurugata.
There is a large guide at the entrance of the building.
Café Tsurugata is the only dining establishment in the Tsurugata Building.
A guide map of the Tsurugata Building.
It seems that the second floor used to be entirely occupied by dining establishments.
With the words Showa Retro & Cream Soda, the entrance of Café Tsurugata appears.
What will you enjoy after you come? A brief introduction to retro items in the shop!
The master wishes, I want you to cherish the surprise and joy when you come to the shop
so the overall appearance and exterior of the shop have not been photographed.
Please look forward to what kind of shop it is after you visit.
The master's collection includes tin toys and Showa-era appliances.
The interior, which was originally a boutique, has all been remodeled by the master.
A life-sized Victor dog.
Seeing it in person is surprisingly impressive due to its size.
The master's collection and numerous records inherited from his mother.
Requests can also be made.
Previously, there was a request from an 80-year-old woman to play "Bay City Rollers."
There are many nostalgic picture books such as "The Little Cat" and "The First Errand."
The age group is said to be somewhat older, but it seems that small children would also enjoy it.
On the counter, you will find the master's carefully selected teas.
There are various cups to choose from.
From delicate teacups to chunky mugs, you can choose based on your drink or mood.
Exhibition and sale of Bizen pottery, glass works, and accessories
In one corner of the shop, works by Bizen pottery artist Tani Yoshitaka are exhibited and sold.
In October 2019, a pottery exhibition by Tani Yoshitaka was held at Café Tsurugata.
Simple, practical, and beautiful Bizen pottery.
The pottery exhibition seems to have been a great success, with some customers visiting multiple times.
Some people even bought the same item again, saying, "My child took it home (to our house)...".
The cups you can choose from at the shop also include works by Mr. Taniguchi.
It's recommended because you can enjoy it casually.
On the counter, you will find works by the glass artist Taniguchi Ayaka.
Ms. Taniguchi is actively engaged in her artistic activities while working at the "Fairy Forest Glass Museum" in Kagaminokun, Okayama Prefecture.
These are wonderful works that are delicate and beautifully reflect the light.
Of course, these glass works are also for sale.
This is a necklace made by processing flower petals with resin.
It seems to be handmade by a customer.
Lots of Fun Surprises! The Menu at Kurashiki Tocotoco
The menu at Kurashiki Tocotoco is fun to look at and exciting to open.
The recommendation is the black tea.
There are options like apple, Darjeeling, Assam, Takahashi black tea, and the intriguing daily mystery tea! What could it be?!
There are caffeine-free black tea, royal milk tea, and even rare Russian tea available.
The daily lunch without rice, including sandwiches and hot sandwiches, is just 770 yen (tax included) with a drink!
The menu at Kurashiki Tocotoco is fun to flip through.
Please check it out for yourself at the shop.
What Will You Get? Mystery Tea and Clubhouse Sandwich
First, I will have the recommended clubhouse sandwich.
The bread is well toasted, giving it a crispy texture that is fragrant.
With plenty of egg, pizza sauce, ham, and cheese, it has a nostalgic taste.
To accompany the clubhouse sandwich, I have the master’s pride, the carefully brewed mystery tea.
It has a slightly sweet and sour aroma...
“Apple? Peach?” The guessing game continues with the master for a while.
The answer was "apricot" tea.
Fruity and easy to drink, the refreshing aroma is exactly like apricot!
The mystery comes from not knowing what flavor it is.
Since it changes daily, you can enjoy it every day.
By the way, do you know why there is a red knit hat on the table?
It's used as a tea cozy (or teapot cover).
A tea cozy is a cover made to keep the pot's tea warm.
After searching for something suitable for the small shop, they ended up with a children's hat, which is a nice idea to keep the tea warm.
Homemade Cake Set and Cute Retro Cream Soda
Now, I will have the cake set (an additional 250 yen with a drink) along with coffee.
The hat tea cozy is working hard.
The blended coffee served in Bizen ware is accompanied by the master’s homemade cheesecake.
The cheesecake is moist and fluffy with a gentle sweetness.
It pairs perfectly with the coffee.
There are two or three types of cakes available, including gateau chocolat and pound cake.
The simple yet delightful cakes are all handmade by the master.
The wonderful thing about Bizen ware is its excellent heat retention.
I was surprised that even after taking time for the photoshoot, it kept everything piping hot.
And the shop's signature menu item, Cream Soda.
Enjoying the cream soda in a shop filled with Showa-era pop music made me feel as if I had time-traveled back to a nostalgic moment.
A place where the heart feels at ease, walking together with the people of this town: "Kissatsurugata"
The master recalls having cream soda on the second floor of the Tsurugata Building when he was a child.
At that time, the Tsurugata Building was the cutting edge of the era and a popular family outing spot.
The nostalgic taste of cream soda has made a comeback across the ages.
At "Kissatsurugata," a blissful time flows as you enjoy tea along with nostalgic melodies.
It’s also fun to ask the master, who was born and raised in Kurashiki, for recommendations in Kurashiki.
