Visiting my friends in Azumino, Nagano, lead me to a special cafe called Hitsujiya. Being situated just across the Hotaka Station, it’a a place where you want to relax having a cup of coffee after a long train ride from Tokyo.

The owner is very friendly and he can communicate in English, having travelled overseas. His shop has a stylish and comfortable space with books around.

We can rent bicycles from his shop to move around Hotaka (the area is quite flat!) through rice paddies against spectacular mountains in the backdrop to Daio Wasabi Farm with plenty of picture stops!

They also offer light food and some dessert menus besides coffee and tea. Also available in the shop are some locally made snacks and souvenirs.

For more information about Hitsujiya, please visit its website here