Izu, Shizuoka, Japan｜CHAKI CHAKI

Chaki Chaki is a beautiful riverside cafe in the valley of the mountains. Easily missed if you didn’t know what you’re looking for, but once you find it… my god you’re in for a surprise. The sound of the river has its healing properties to your mental health. The staff are very friendly, and the environment is one of the best cafes vibes out there. 10/10 would recommend if you’re in the area.

A very popular Japanese cafe. When it's busy, it's normal to wait for an hour, but if you write down your name and cell phone number and wait, they'll contact you. The area along the mountain stream is popular, so it's best to arrive with plenty of time and be prepared to wait. We had matcha parfait, matcha latte, and Japanese sweets, all of which were delicious, and we were able to relax and cool off by the river. The staff at the store were also very efficient and nice. (Elementary school children in particular seemed to be helping, moving well and carrying the items.)

A few kilometers down the Tatsuhara Line from the Nishi-Izu Skyline, there is a surprising hidden hot spring town. A modern Japanese cafe along a lush mountain stream adjacent to rice fields on the outskirts of the area. Ever since I passed by on my bike for the first time, I had been thinking, ``Someday,'' but I finally came to visit. The terrace facing the mountain stream is the main feature, but the aisle seats inside the restaurant have a modern Japanese feel, and the greenery can be seen through the tarp, making it even more airy and comfortable even in summer. The cold matcha was really delicious until the last sip. This doesn't happen with iced coffee. I learned that real matcha is so creamy that it rivals ice even without making it into a latte. As expected of Shizuoka. The matcha parfait was also delicate and delicious. I'll stop by again if I go to Nishiizu Skyline. The nearby mountain pass is also a gem, but the matcha you drink here is also a gem.