Coffee Katana

1724 Nojiri, Okuwa, Kiso District, Nagano 399-5504, Japan
$$$ Cafe
(107 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Located in the serene beauty of Okuwa, Kiso District of Nagano, Coffee Katana is a charming café that invites you to unwind and indulge in a variety of delightful offerings. With a unique historical backdrop, having once been a katana smithery from the Edo period, this café is not just a spot for coffee but a slice of history wrapped in an inviting atmosphere.

As you step inside, the ambiance captivates with its beautiful interiors, highlighted by hints of the past—such as the impressive Suzuki Katana on display. The warm and friendly owners make you feel right at home, welcoming you with genuine smiles that set the tone for a memorable experience.

Coffee Katana specializes in delightful meals and drinks that celebrate both local flavors and international comfort. Their curry rice pilaf has received rave reviews, with one customer describing it as "hands down one of the best meals I've had in Japan." The rich flavors and perfect balance of spices make it a must-try. Pair this with one of their local IPAs or a signature cocktail made with Japanese whiskey, and you're in for a treat. The café also offers a delectable lemon pie, praised for its perfect tartness, that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth after a long day of exploration.

Customer experiences shine through, with remarks about the "incredible" services and delicious drinks. A guest recounts, "Based on the service, sake, and an amazing negroni, I only wish we could have stayed longer," highlighting how this café is more than just a dining venue—it's a haven for those looking to relax and recharge. Another patron affectionately notes, “They filled my water bottle after cleaning it,” emphasizing the thoughtful customer service that is a hallmark of Coffee Katana.

Whether you're winding down after a hike through the stunning Atera Valley or simply enjoying a break while waiting for your train, Coffee Katana serves as an exceptional stopover. It’s an experience that intertwines delicious food, historical intrigue, and the warmth of community. A visit here not only promises to satisfy your palate but also creates lasting memories.

Next time you’re in the Kiso District, make sure to carve out some time for Coffee Katana. You’ll leave feeling nourished, both in body and spirit, eager to return again and again.

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fireplace
Great coffee
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Late-night food
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Romantic
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
au PAY
Credit cards
dBarai
Debit cards
PayPay
Rakuten Pay
Transit IC cards
Credit cards
Parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 05:30 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 05:30 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 05:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 05:30 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 05:30 PM

107 Reviews
Beka Huber

14 Sep 2025

We stopped in after hiking the Atera Valley and had a lovely experience. We enjoyed the curry rice pilaf and some local IPAs. The pilaf was delicious and hands down one of the best meals that I have had in Japan. The lemon pie was perfect and we enjoyed some cocktails made with local whiskey and gin. This was such a wonderful experience and I can’t recommend it enough. Thanks to the owners for such a welcoming and beautiful cafe. We wish that we could have stayed longer, but will definitely come back.

Will Huff

12 Sep 2025

The interior is beautiful, the curried rice pilaf was delicious as well as the drinks. The owners were very friendly. This is a wonderful restaurant to visit if you’re in the area.

Ben Wood

01 Sep 2025

After finishing a day walk of the trail we stopped in at this cafe while waiting for our train. Based on the service, sake and an amazing 800 yen negroni I only wish we could have stayed longer

Gage Bryers

22 Aug 2025

This place was INCREDIBLE! After the ryokan food This place had beer roast beef sandwiches and chocolate cake. The coffee was delicious too. The build was a katana smithery in the edo period. There's a Suzuki Katana inside. SUPER COOL. THE NICEST PEOPLE. They filled my water bottle after cleaning it. Thanks!

Miklós Sebestyén

22 Aug 2025

Friendly people, great coffee and delicious sandwiches. The lemon pie was incredible - it's not far from the station, I can only recommend it if you have the time

C KH

01 Aug 2025

Had a ham sammich. And local (Yubuhara) Namachozo sake... Happiness. Oh! And the drooling gorgeous Japanese bikes on display. Reminder that life is never fair.

David Sharpe

01 Aug 2025

A fabulous coffee shop in Nojiri, which proved to be the perfect pit stop after a long hike. Lovely old-style interior, friendly owners (despite our limited Japanese!) and delicious coffee - thank you!

Kate Webber

19 Jun 2025

A gorgeous little coffee shop with great coffee, delicious treats and lovely staff. Highly recommend stopping by!

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