Motomachi Kissa

Kobe has a history of coffee culture dating back to the opening of its port in the late Edo period, and I get the impression that traditional coffee shops are cherished and continue to operate there. So, when you’re strolling through the city, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a charming coffee shop. Motomachi Kissa in Kobe’s Motomachi district, which I’m introducing today, is one such place. I happened to find it while walking around looking for a place to rest, and it had such a wonderful atmosphere…

A classic, stately atmosphere with brick walls… Momotachi Kissa is a place like this…

I visited Momotachi Kissa a little past noon on a certain weekend. Although the cafe itself opened in 2009 and has only been around for about a decade, it’s housed in a building that has been operating as a coffee shop since the mid-1970s, so the exterior exudes a lovely retro vibe. From the outside, the phrase “quietly standing” perfectly describes this café, but even at this time—just a few minutes after opening—most of the seats inside were already filled with customers. The interior is incredibly quiet, to a degree rarely seen in other cafés these days.

The dark brown counter and shelves blend perfectly with the brick building, creating a very substantial atmosphere. There are signs of wear and tear here and there, which only adds to the sense of the weight of history. A coffee shop with this kind of atmosphere—I doubt it would even be possible to recreate it from scratch today. This unique establishment is run by a couple. The atmosphere and tranquility of the shop are absolutely wonderful, but there’s one downside: the seating is limited to 60 minutes. Well, 60 minutes is usually plenty of time, but once I hear that, the number “60” keeps popping into my head, and I can’t relax 100%—or is it just me?

This is the true pleasure of adulthood… Motomachi Blend and Homemade Custard Pudding at Motomachi Kissa—so, how did they actually taste?

Now, let me introduce the Motomachi Blend (600 yen, tax included) and the Homemade Custard Pudding (300 yen, tax included) that I ordered at Motomachi Kissa that day. About five minutes after placing my order, the coffee and pudding were brought to my table, and this is what they looked like…

The pudding in the front left is a mini size—you could probably eat it in one bite if you opened your mouth wide—and it’s generously topped with caramel sauce. Meanwhile, the Motomachi Blend in the back right is served in a high-end-looking coffee cup, and combined with the shop’s atmosphere, it gives off a rather luxurious vibe.

First, a bite of the pudding in the front… Let’s call it an old-school, old-fashioned pudding that stands apart from the smooth, trendy puddings of late. The moment the spoon touches it, you can feel its dense, “compact” texture. This firm pudding carries a soft, gentle sweetness that contrasts with the bitterness of the caramel sauce. When pressed against the tongue, the rich egg flavor and elegant sweetness of the custard burst forth, filling the entire mouth.

In contrast, the Motomachi Blend is a deep roast, characterized by a robust bitterness that lingers firmly on the tongue with just one sip. With acidity kept in check, the coffee’s inherent rich body and aroma stand out, giving it the distinct character of a true “adult’s coffee.” The marriage of this Motomachi Blend’s bitterness and the refined sweetness of the homemade custard pudding is simply irresistible… To be able to enjoy this combination for just under 1,000 yen—I really envy the people of Kobe.

If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city center… Motomachi Kissa is just a 3-minute walk from Motomachi Station on the JR Kobe Line.

That’s why Motomachi Kissa is the perfect place to take a break when you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of Kobe’s city center. It’s tucked away off the main street, so it’s quiet, and since it’s close to the station, I think it’s the perfect place to take a breather. In fact, I’ve seen customers bring in paperbacks and get lost in a good book… It’s a shame there’s a 60-minute time limit, but this is a coffee shop I highly recommend if you want to immerse yourself in some high-quality tranquility in Kobe.

Now, here are the shop details…

P.S. If you’re looking for a cozy café in Hyogo, be sure to check out this article as well…