Yakage juku is a post town on the old Sanyo Road that retains the historical atmosphere of Japan. It is the only place in Japan where the main inn and waki-honjin (side inn) buildings remain in good condition, and is also popular for its new restaurants and seasonal gourmet events. We will introduce some delicious spots you should visit while strolling around.
2024.12.251. YKNOT COFFEE WORKS
YKNOT COFFEE WORKS, a specialty coffee shop that roasts its own beans, is located just north of the Sanyo Roadside Mito Roadside Station, which was overseen by Okayama Prefecture -born industrial designer Eiji Mitooka. They offer specialty coffee that is not only of high quality but also has clear traceability. Customers can choose from five or six varieties of beans at any given time, and enjoy around 30 different drinks, including espresso, lattes, organic teas, sodas with fruit syrup, and seasonal items.
The roasting method is a hot air method that distributes heat evenly throughout the coffee beans. The light roast maximizes the beans' inherent flavor. Beans are also sold in the store, and there are easy-to-understand cards on display explaining the origin, farm, aroma, and flavor characteristics.
"Hand-drip coffee" (left / 700 yen) is carefully brewed one cup at a time. It has a clean taste, with a refreshing citrus acidity and a deep flavor brought out by the roasting, which goes down pleasantly smoothly. "Annou sweet potato latte" (right / 650 yen) is on the menu for the "Sweet potato festival [Imo Tabi] in YAKAGE," a gourmet event touring the town held in the fall and winter. The rich Annou sweet potato paste and the bitterness of the espresso go well together, creating a dish with an exquisite balance of sweet and bitter.
Owner Harada-san made a U-turn and returned to Yakage Town, opening his shop in the same year as the roadside station, in the same place where his grandmother's restaurant had been operating. He conveys the appeal of specialty coffee, which he discovered while living in Hong Kong for nine years. "The Y (wai) in the shop's name comes from the initial Y of Yakage and the local dialect word 'wai', which means 'oneself'. And KNOT means to tie. I hope to be able to connect visitors to this town through coffee," he says.
[YKNOT COFFEE WORKS]
Address: 1988-8 Yakage , Yakage-cho , Okayama Prefecture Yakage Town
Business hours: 10:00-16:00
Closed: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Parking: None *Tourist parking available
YKNOT COFFEE WORKS Official Instagram
2. Fresh crepes tabi
"Fresh Crepe tabi" is a sister store that opened in spring 2024 next to "t2Lab.", a popular store known for its cute dumplings. It specializes in takeout and its signature menu item is a white crepe made with an original flour base, white rose milk, and fresh cream. In addition to classics such as "Banana Chocolate Whip" (680 yen) and "Mixed Berry Whip" (630 yen), they also offer around 20 types of crepes, including "Bicchu Dainagon Whip" (680 yen) and side dishes. *Prices are subject to change
Originally an incense shop, the shop has a modern Japanese atmosphere. Crepes are made only after an order is placed. There is also a small waiting area inside the shop.
"YAKI-IMO" (800 yen), a limited edition menu item at the Sweet Potato Festival [Imo Tabi] in YAKAGE, is made by wrapping sweet potato paste and whipped cream in a dough containing purple sweet potato paste, then covering it with custard and caramelizing the surface. Its appearance, which resembles roasted sweet potato, is perfect for posting on social media. The chewy dough, rich sweet potato paste, and fragrant, sweet brulee-style custard make for a very satisfying meal!
"The name 'tabi' is a combination of the word 'travel' and 'tabi', which is an image of the white dough of the crepes. I would like you to travel with a crepe in hand through the town of Yakage , where princesses wearing pure white tabi socks once lived," says owner Tsutsui.
[Fresh Crepes Tabi]
Address: 3058 Yakage , Yakage-cho , Okayama Prefecture Yakage Town
TEL: 0866-82-2818 (t2lab.)
Business hours: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 13:00-17:30
Closed: Monday to Friday
Parking: None *Tourist parking available
Fresh Crepe Tabi Official Instagram
3. The Bakery That the Samurai Loves
This high-quality bread specialty shop is located almost in the Chuo of the streets of Yakage . Its signature product is the "Nama Shoku Bread" (980 yen per loaf). All ingredients, including flour, milk, butter, and fresh cream, are produced in Hokkaido. Made using the Yudane method, which involves adding boiling water to flour and kneading the bread, this bread has a chewy texture and a soft melt-in-your-mouth texture, and is best eaten as is without toasting. They also offer a monthly changing nama shokubread (half size 580 yen) that incorporates ingredients to match the season, allowing you to enjoy something a little different. Pictured are the "Caramel Latte" with caramel jam and white chocolate, and the "Hojicha Latte" with roasted green tea and white chocolate.
Another popular item alongside the fresh bread is the "Aka Meat Melon Bread" (330 yen). The dough is kneaded with Hokkaido melon juice, giving it a moist and smooth texture, and the rich aroma of melon fills your mouth with every bite.
There will also be limited-time bread on sale to coincide with the event. This is the "Sweet Potato Bread" (300 yen each), a special menu item for the "Sweet Potato Festival [Imo Tabi] in YAKAGE." Purple sweet potato powder is kneaded into the dough and the bread is filled with sweet potato paste, making it a sweet bread that looks just like the real thing.
The owner, Miyazaki, is also the owner and chef of "Samurai Italian in Yakage , a traditional Japanese restaurant located on the same street. His hairstyle, tied back, is reminiscent of the word "samurai," which is a common theme for both restaurants. "As a restaurant in a tourist area, we value our products and the place as something that will leave fond memories for our visitors," he said, expressing his passion for invigorating the town through food.
[The bakery that a samurai falls in love with]
Address: 3058 Yakage , Yakage-cho , Okayama Prefecture Yakage Town
TEL: 080-7183-6080
Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (ends when sold out)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Parking: None *Tourist parking available
Samurai's Love Bakery Official Instagram
"Sweet Potato Festival [Imo Tabi] in YAKAGE" will be held until January 31, 2025!
This delicious town tour project allows you to sample unique potato dishes at restaurants in Yakage Town during the delicious potato season. From long-established establishments to new ones, you can enjoy creative potato dishes at a total of 23 stores. A stamp rally is also being held at the same time, where you can get one stamp for every 100 yen spent (tax included). In addition, the Yakage Visitor Santa Wholesaler will also be holding a "Limited Gacha" event! Please see the official website for details.
Event period: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025
Location: 23 stores in Yakage Town
Stamp rally product exchange location: Yakage Visitor Center Wholesaler
Inquiries: TEL 0866-83-0001 (Yakage DMO)
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