Nakanojo, Gunma, Japan｜Utatane

A perfect place to stop for a coffee on the way home from Shima Onsen. Very peaceful atmosphere. Delicious pressed coffee.

A very calming cafe surrounded by beautiful foliage. The interior design is very tasteful and the gift section features many goods made by local craftsmen and artists. The menu is small, but very good. I really enjoy their herbal teas, which as also made in Gunma.

うた種 (Utatane) is a charming little tea cafe zakka-ya that overlooks the Agatsuma river. They have a delicious selection of teas and also offer french-press coffee as well. You can add a light tea cookie to your order to compliment your beverage. Order a cup and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and gorgeous view of the Agatsuma river valley. The building, a former restaurant, uses exposed wood and whitewash to exude a cozy charm that, with the help of large picture windows, blends wonderfully with the forest. While waiting for your tea you can peruse a fine selection of made-in-Japan small house goods, or head over to the "sewing corner" to find a nice addition to your next project. Utatane is a great place to pull off the road and enjoy a moment to yourself before continuing on up the valley to Kusatsu or Shima onsen. It serves equally well as a final place of refuge before you head back to the bustle of the Kanto plain. (There is no English menu that I am aware of. But the Japanese menu is light on Kanji so it is not too hard for a learner to read. If one is friendly and polite you will have no trouble here, no matter the language.)