Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan｜Akaneya Coffee Shop Kyudo

This coffee shop is a hidden gem! It has a nostalgic feeling and good ambience. All the beautiful coffee cups are placed tidily behind the bar. The menu is simple but in Japanese only: coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice and desserts. They offer cheesecake with jam and chocolate cake. The owner (i believe) is so professional - he washed the cups with hot water first. The pouring is like a nice performance too, really skilled. He later explained (very friendly of him started chatting with me) that their beans are fresh from roaster so it forms more bubbles while pouring - more taste captured in the coffee and it's pretty rich! The cheesecake with jam (we've chosen rose jam) is epic. The cheesecake is sooo smooth and rich, but the rose jam is the highlight! It's so good that my boyfriend bought one right after.

Coffee is very smooth. Menu is simple: coffee, black tea, and coca. Has an ashtray at the bar so I think you can smoke inside. Price is decent JPY 800. But the taste is thick so if you like mild flavor this might not be for you

The best curry I’ve ever had in my life. It’s all they have on the menu so you know it’s good. Note: curry has meat.