RACOFFEE - Enjoy carefully crafted coffee in a unique space.

A café called RACOFFEE (ラコーヒー) located a little away from the Bikan Historical Area.

As you walk down the street, you can't help but notice the unique atmosphere of the store.

The counter facing the sidewalk and the large glass door next to it are impressive.

I spoke with the owner of the creative café "RACOFFEE" in Kurashiki, Mimura Naoya, about his commitment to the store and coffee.

The Charm of "RACOFFEE"

Highlights of "RACOFFEE"

What catches your eye when passing by "RACOFFEE" is the large glass door.

Peeking through the glass framed in iron, you can see a calm space inside.

On the left side of the glass door is the counter where you can order coffee.

They prepare coffee behind the counter.

As you step inside through the glass door, the first thing you notice is the earthen walls that exist in front and on both sides.

Next, your gaze is drawn to the wooden tables and mismatched chairs arranged in the space surrounded by earthen walls on three sides.

Inside, there is a gradient of light and dark from the entrance to the earthen wall in front, creating a unique atmosphere.

What you notice when you sit down is the straight lines that partition the interior.

The long lamp cables hanging from the ceiling, the iron lattice of the glass door, and the columns embedded in the earthen walls.

You can't help but trace the vertical lines that are neatly arranged in the calm space with your eyes.

The view visible through the glass door is also impressive.

In contrast to the calm atmosphere inside, there is a busy street with many people and cars passing by.

As you gaze at the lively scene outside through the large glass door, you get the illusion that time has stopped inside the café, separating you from the outside world.

Owner-Made Store

The store was renovated by the owner, Mimura, from a 50-year-old building.

The charming earthen walls were preserved from the original structure.

The large glass door at the front was made by Mimura, who welded the iron and cut the old glass to fit.

The lift-up window attached to the counter is also handmade.

The ceiling fan installed is one that was manufactured in the 1960s, which he sought out and installed.

Mimura loves to create things with his own hands and has crafted almost everything you see in the store.

"RACOFFEE" Menu

At "RACOFFEE", they offer coffee from different regions.

Unless you are knowledgeable about coffee, you may be confused by the differences in taste based on the region.

Rest assured, the staff will explain the aroma and flavor characteristics when you place your order.

Choose the coffee that piques your interest after hearing the explanation.

You can tell the difference in aroma and taste by comparing them, as there are indeed differences based on the region.

Being able to enjoy the differences in coffee bean origins is one of the charms of "RACOFFEE".

Sharpen your sense of smell and taste, and enjoy the freshly brewed coffee.

All the coffee served at "RACOFFEE" is dark roasted.

It is characterized by a lack of acidity and a prominent bitterness and aroma.

You can enjoy the coffee you ordered either inside the café or as takeout.

They also sell coffee beans by weight, starting at 150 grams for 1,150 yen.

Commitment to Coffee

Journey to Coffee Plantations Around the World

Every February, Mimura goes on a journey to visit coffee plantations.

The countries he has visited so far belong to the tropical climate near the equator, known as the coffee belt.

This is a region where coffee bean cultivation is thriving.

Choose the coffee that piques your interest after hearing the explanation.

He travels by bicycle while there.

Sometimes he travels over 1,200 kilometers.

Moreover, coffee plantations are often located at altitudes of about 1,800 meters, and the roads are not always flat.

After traversing incredible distances through valleys and over mountain ranges, he arrives at the coffee plantations with a deeply tanned appearance.

Through this journey, he experiences the environment in which coffee beans are grown and the people who cultivate them.

What is the Value of Coffee?

Mimura tries not to talk about technical aspects such as coffee roasting methods and brewing techniques.

No matter how particular you are about brewing coffee, the people who grow the coffee beans are the ones who work the hardest.

The value lies in knowing and being able to speak about the origin of the coffee in front of you through personal experience, he shared.

There may be no one else but Mr. Mimura who travels to coffee farms around the world by bicycle.

He taught me that he is the only one with such dedication in the world.

Mr. Mimura shares with me the breathtaking views that remain in his heart, such as the majestic sight of Mt. Fuego in Guatemala, the deep fog of the morning welcomed in the Ethiopian valley, and the surprise of farmers when he arrives at the coffee farms.

The coffee enjoyed while listening to the landscapes in Mr. Mimura's heart seemed to gain depth.

Try Coffee at "RACOFFEE"

The café "RACOFFEE" attracted me with its unique atmosphere.

Recalling the space and Mr. Mimura's dedication to coffee, I can see why I was drawn to "RACOFFEE."

The renovations he personally undertook, the layout of the store, and his travels to coffee farms around the world.

It seems that the charm is overflowing due to Mr. Mimura's passion.

A café where you can enjoy a unique space and coffee is located on the outskirts of Kurashiki.

RACOFFEE Information

Name	RACOFFEE
Address	1-8-13 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Contact	070-4196-5019
Parking	None
Business Hours	10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Regular Holiday	Wednesday
Payment Methods	Cash
Reservation	Not accepted
Seating	6 tables, 24 seats
Smoking	Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas)
Restroom	No restroom
Website	RACOFFEE (Instagram)

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