Satoyama Cafe,里山カフェ in Naruko Gorge, Miyagi
Satoymama Cafe(里山カフェ) is a hidden Cafe located near Naruko Gorge(鳴子峡). “Satoyama” literally means “village, mountain” so you can tell by its name. It is a hidden Cafe in the mountain.
You will see a banner of the Cafe after getting off on the main road. Follow the direction shown and you will get there in a few minutes.
I admit that someone would only come here probably just because of the scenery of Naruko Gorge in autumn. And it is not a must to visit. Because the train which brings me from city to here is not very frequent.
But, at that time it was cold, windy outside and I’m starving inside. I got to Satoymama Cafe and it was just so cozy and comfortable. The waitress brought me to the table near the heater and patiently explained the menu to me in English(Yes. She spoke English well).
After that, she took some ‘sample’ of rice from the kitchen and show it to me. Asked if I like normal rice or brown rice more. I used to cook brown rice. Not only because it’s much healthier with loads of fiber, I love the texture of brown rice. But it’s not common for a restaurant to serve brown rice. And I was so surprised and happy about that.
I used to love a light taste of food rather than a rich taste. That’s why recently I like to explore such kind of restaurant which is simple but scrupulous.
Satoymama Cafe cooks with local and seasonal produce to serve a delicious meal. Other than that, the tableware they use are delicate, which are available for buying. There was a corner displaying that tableware, postcards, and some little cute things. For the food, they serve homemade desserts as well as lunch set. I would like to try their cake and pie but I was not hungry enough at that moment.
You can find the opening hours and date on the official site of Satoymama Cafe, generally on weekend, Monday and Friday. But make sure to check it in order to get your lunch when you are starving after visiting the Naruko Gorge.
Right after I paid the bill and was leaving, the waitress seemed to forget there is seasonal bus operating. She thought I was going to walk to the train Station, which takes 40mins. And she said they can take me there by car. Of course, I did catch the bus and back to the train station in the end. But what she did is just so warm and I am glad for that.
To conclude, yes, you don’t really have to come here by purpose if you are not planning to visit Naruko Gorge. But if you do come, be sure to check out Satoymama Cafe(里山カフェ)!~
Read more:
Not necessarily Kyoto! 5-days autumn-leaves-trip in Tohoku,Kanto(North,East Japan)
