We asked the manager about their dedication to coffee
Since it was founded in 1971, Kurashiki Coffee-kan has operated as a shop serving only its own roasted coffee. We spoke with its current manager and roaster, Matsuo Naoki, about his passion for exceptional coffee.
Has anything changed since the shop opened in 1971?
Matsuo (surname only)
The exterior, interior, furnishings, and other features have hardly changed since the shop first opened.
Apart from some renovations, such as the restrooms inside the building, almost everything remains as it was when the shop opened. Not only the exterior and interior, but also the roasting machine, roasting methods, drip-brewing methods, and the menu, which features only coffee, have hardly changed. In fact, that is one of Kurashiki Coffee-kan’s defining features.
Does having a menu with only coffee ever leave customers unsure what to order?
Matsuo
It’s true that some customers would like to order something other than coffee, such as a light meal or juice.
However, because Kurashiki Coffee-kan specializes in coffee, I believe we can pay meticulous attention to every step, from sourcing the beans to roasting and drip brewing.
I imagine you’re particular about your roasting machine as well?
Matsuo
Of course, one of the things we take pride in is our roasting machine. However, this machine is actually not very efficient.
It has a 3 kg capacity, and if we were concerned only with efficiency, it would certainly be better to roast more beans at once in a larger machine.
But we can’t bring out Kurashiki Coffee-kan’s traditional flavor without this machine.
On roasting days, I spend almost all my time in the roasting room.
By carefully roasting small batches in the machine we’ve used since the shop opened, we bring out the beans’ natural flavor to the fullest and want to serve them to everyone at their very best. That’s how dedicated we are to our coffee.
What are the advantages of “flannel drip” (drip brewing with a cloth filter)?
Matsuo
Flannel drip offers endless possibilities for developing the flavor. Unlike other brewing methods, by maintaining a delicate balance with flannel drip, you can converse with the coffee and bring its rich flavor into balance.
This makes scientific sense, too.
Also, not just anyone brews coffee using flannel drip; it’s done by staff who have built up two or three years of experience. The person at the dripper is in a key position.
Besides your menu and dedication to roasting, are there other things you want to preserve at the shop?
Matsuo
We hear all kinds of things from our customers, such as:
“I came here when I was a student. (I splurged on expensive coffee when I was a student.)”
“I came here with my late wife.”
“It brings back memories. It hasn’t changed at all.”
We want to become a place that creates memories for today’s customers, while preserving our identity as a shop filled with memories.
Do you have a message for readers or people who have visited the shop?
Matsuo
You may notice when you come inside that we don’t play background music or broadcast music. This has been one of our principles since the shop first opened, and we deliberately keep it that way.
Our shop is in the heart of the Bikan Historical Area, but once you step inside, you leave behind the bustle of the tourist area and enter a world of quiet.
The conversations between customers, the sound of turning newspaper pages, the sound of coffee being brewed…
We hope you’ll relax as you listen to the natural sounds made by the space.
Recently, more people from overseas have been visiting, and there are more lively moments. But that, too, is part of the sound of our shop.
Some people like to stay for a while as they enjoy their coffee, so please feel free to visit and enjoy Kurashiki Coffee-kan’s house-roasted coffee.
From the Writer
As I listened to Manager Matsuo while enjoying the carefully crafted coffee, I felt that everything—from the building and atmosphere to the furnishings, as well as the coffee itself—shapes the character of Kurashiki Coffee-kan.
What particularly impressed me was seeing the roasting machine that has been in use since the shop opened. Hearing how they continue to use it with care despite its inefficiency gave me a sense of their deep love for coffee.
The manager and the staff are courteous, and it’s easy to see why so many people linger over their coffee.
The extensive menu is another attraction of this specialty coffee shop. I tried the popular No. 1 drink, “Queen of Amber,” and its exquisite harmony of milk and rich coffee made it an unforgettable cup.
When you visit the Bikan Historical Area, why not spend a special moment at Kurashiki Coffee-kan?
Kurashiki Coffee-kan details
| Name | Kurashiki Coffee-kan |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-5516 |
| Parking | None There is no dedicated parking. Please use a nearby paid parking lot. |
| Hours | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | None |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Seating | 40 seats |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Kurashiki Coffee-kan |
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