The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter area is home to many cafes that you can casually stop by during your stroll. This time, we visited some hidden gem cafes with unique locations and store concepts. Each shop is located a little away from the busy main streets, making them perfect for spending some relaxing time.
2025.09.30-
Table of Contents
- 1. Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari (Star Light Clarity) - Enjoy a Book Café at Japan's Oldest Astronomical Observatory
- 2. Toshokan CAFE Hitohi (Library CAFE Hitohi) - A shared cafe that connects people with books
- 3. MATCHA STAND KURASHIKI - A tea stand where you can experience making your own matcha
- 4. harel CAFE+ - A modern teahouse on the slopes of Mount Tsurugata
- (Bonus) Kurasofu - Soft serve ice cream made with fresh milk from local farms
- Conclusion - Cafes to stop by for a break while exploring Kurashiki
1. Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari (Star Light Clarity) - Enjoy a Book Café at Japan's Oldest Astronomical Observatory
The first cafe we'd like to introduce is Hoshi no Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari (Star Light Clarity) , located about a five-minute walk southwest from Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter . This cafe is located on the grounds of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory, Japan's oldest privately-run astronomical observatory.
The romantic name of the bar comes from a poem written by Honda Minoru, a world-renowned amateur astronomer who once lived here. Honda is known for discovering numerous celestial objects, including comets (also known as "broom stars"), novae, and supernovae.
The interior of the shop, which was renovated from Honda's former home, has been turned into a book cafe with a relaxed atmosphere. The shop is lined with many books about the starry sky, and is recommended for those interested in astronomy.
The staff will bring a sample of the carefully made homemade cake to your table.
They all look delicious, so it's hard to choose, but I chose the Matcha Basque Cheesecake. Its moist, rich texture and mellow matcha aroma go perfectly with coffee.
Even now, stargazing events are held on an irregular basis. On nighttime days, staff members will use a large telescope in the observation room next door to explain the stars.
[Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari (Star Light Clarity) ]
Address: 2-19-10 Chuo , Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture Chuo
TEL: 090-9411-1121
Business hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 13:00-17:00, Thursday and Friday 17:00-21:00
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays
Parking: Available
Payment: Cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment
2. Toshokan CAFE Hitohi (Library CAFE Hitohi) - A shared cafe that connects people with books
Toshokan CAFE Hitohi (Library CAFE Hitohi) opened in April 2025 in a back alley of the shopping street connecting JR Kurashiki Station and the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter .
The concept of this shop, which was opened by the director (owner) Sawae after renovating an old Japanese house, is a "shared library cafe where you can rent an entire space." The shop has a calm atmosphere with rows of seats for one or two people, where you can spend some relaxing time reading your favorite book.
As the name "library" suggests, you can borrow books from the store. In addition, those who wish can become owners of the store's bookshelves (for a monthly fee) and have their own bookshelves.
The shelves are actually owned by local stores and individuals, and are filled with unique selections. Each bookshelf also serves as an indirect community that connects customers and the owners, and you can write your thoughts on the books you've read on a card and send it to the owner.
Since it was a hot day, I ordered the "Yozora Coffee Blend (Iced)." In addition to drinks, the menu also offers several types of cakes (which vary depending on the day).
They plan to hold more events in the future, so be sure to check them out.
[ Toshokan CAFE Hitohi (Library CAFE Hitohi) ]
Address: 2-14-5 Achi , Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Business hours: Check the official Instagram
Closed: Irregular holidays
Parking: None
Payment: Cash
3. MATCHA STAND KURASHIKI - A tea stand where you can experience making your own matcha
MATCHA STAND KURASHIKI Kurashiki in September 2025 on the north side of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter . Tucked away in a long, narrow space, this shop serves drinks made with matcha, just as its name suggests.
Kurashiki is a hidden "tea region" where the culture of chanoyu (traditional Japanese tea culture) still remains, centered around the Tamashima district, which was once a port of call for Kitamae-bune (merchant ships that sailed the Nihon Sea from the Edo period to the Meiji period). During the Edo period, there were over 400 tea rooms, which served as places for hospitality as well as venues for important business negotiations.
In Kurashiki, which has such a cultural background, the shop owner, Mr. Maehara, said, "I want people to be able to enjoy matcha more casually."
To help you become familiar with matcha, you can try making your own tea here. You can then use the tea you make to create your desired drink, such as their signature matcha latte.
The matcha latte, made with matcha from Kyoto and milk from Okayama Prefecture, is available in regular, light, or unsweetened versions. There's also a spot next to the counter where you can take a photo of your finished product, complete with a kokedama (a small moss-covered plant decoration) from Kurashiki Green Farm , so we recommend taking a commemorative photo before sipping.
It's mainly take-out, but you can also drink in the store.
[MATCHA STAND KURASHIKI ] Address: 2-25-45 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture , Nijoya 103
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Irregular holidays (open every day in September 2025)
Parking: None
Payment: Cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment
4. harel CAFE+ - A modern teahouse on the slopes of Mount Tsurugata
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, a new cafe will open on the hillside of Mt. Tsurugata, where Achi Shrine is located.
The name of the shop is "harel CAFE+". The shed, clad in burnt cedar boards, stands where a gazebo (a traditional Japanese rest area) once stood, and has the feel of a modern tea shop. I stopped by the other day during their pre-opening.
The exposed concrete interior has counter seats by the large south-facing windows and table seats on the left, making it a hideaway that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of Honmachi Street, which is bustling with tourists.
As I visited in the evening, the desserts were sold out and I only had coffee, but the puddings and other desserts looked delicious.
[harel CAFE+]
Address: 13-34 Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-17:00 (planned)
Closed: Monday to Friday (open Saturday, Sunday and public holidays)
Parking: None
Payment: Cash
(Bonus) Kurasofu - Soft serve ice cream made with fresh milk from local farms
Kurasofu opened in July 2025 in Kurashiki Ebisu-dori Shopping Street.
This is the first permanent store to serve soft serve ice cream made with fresh raw milk from Miyake Farm, which also operates Kurashiki Cheese Factory Harupal .
You can now enjoy the fluffy soft serve ice cream that was popular at the Marché Event (outdoor market event) right in the city.
[Kurasofu ]
Address: 2-17-12 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Business hours: 11:00-17:00
Closed: Wednesdays and irregular holidays
Parking: None
Payment: Cash, PayPay
Conclusion - Cafes to stop by for a break while exploring Kurashiki
All of the cafes introduced here are within walking distance of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, making them ideal places to take a break during your stroll.
In addition to the ones we have introduced, there are many other wonderful hidden cafes around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Take a stroll and find your favorite cafe!
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.