Shigaraki, a town in Shiga Prefecture, has been known for its strong ceramic art culture since ancient times. The landscape with numerous pottery shops, including the famous Shigaraki-yaki, is indeed the pride of this region. In this town of pottery, there is a quietly standing cafe called "Midorinoie" which is a hidden gem providing meticulously roasted coffee from raw beans.
The most appealing factor of this cafe is the fresh aroma of freshly roasted coffee. There is a roasting machine inside the cafe where each cup of coffee is carefully brewed upon order. Even for those who are not coffee connoisseurs, they can comfortably enjoy the recommended brand. The 20-minute wait before serving is actually the highlight of the 'intoxicating smell of freshly baked goods'. Despite the large portion of two cups, the reasonable price is also highly evaluated.
Furthermore, a must-try is the specialty "Ponta-yaki", a taiyaki in the shape of a tanuki, which is a unique feature of Shigaraki. A warm piece with sweet red bean paste or cream filling is sold at an extremely affordable price of 100 yen. The adorable appearance representing the town of pottery will surely bring a smile to your face.
Looking around, the interior filled with Shigaraki-yaki tableware and accessories is like a small museum where you can fully indulge in the charm of pottery.
Midorinoie may have an inconspicuous appearance from the outside, but once inside, it is a hidden gem where you can experience the wonderful fusion of pottery and coffee. While the cafe does not put much emphasis on light meals, it is more than enough to satisfy your heart while savoring a supreme cup of coffee in admiration of the Shigaraki-yaki. When visiting the town of pottery, it is definitely worth stopping by Midorinoie.