This venue, also known as ‘Tokyo Mountain’, sits in an idyllic spot in Hinohara, which is one of just two villages located within Greater Tokyo. With a simple yet contemporary design that’s in harmony with its natural surroundings – fans of glamping will feel at home here – the cafe is perched at one end of a footbridge across the Aki River, a small tributary of the mighty Tama River.
The Aki River, which runs clear year-round, is key to Tokyo Mountain’s appeal. Not only does it lend a superb ambience to time spent out on the cafe’s sofa-equipped riverside terrace, as ayu and yamame salmon swim by, but it also contributes to the venue’s delicious coffee.
Premium raw coffee beans, sourced from all over the world, are washed in clear, soft water taken from the Aki River before they are roasted using Tokyo Mountain’s proprietary method. The specific mineral balance of this water helps achieve a consistent roast and maximises the inherent taste and aroma of the beans.
Also recommended is the homemade lemonade, which contains raw honey made from the nectar of local flowers, while the food menu includes hot dogs, toast spread with local jam, and various cakes.
Written by Darren Gore based on the original text by Tomomi Nakamura