A Fukuokan's Notes from Sapporo

There are many cafés around our new place. Or rather, we’re surrounded by authentic coffee houses. Of course, there are the usual national chains, but it’s the independent spots—serving delicate sweets and carefully brewed coffee—that are especially appealing.

They’re wonderful, truly. Perhaps a little too wonderful. They feel almost too nice to drop into casually on my way to or from shopping or the library.

For example:

At this place, the cream was outrageously good. I nearly swooned.

At both cafés, at 10 o’clock on a snowy weekday morning, I was the only customer. Full table service, warm hospitality—I felt thoroughly welcomed. Considering the quality, the prices are quite reasonable. These days, you have to be prepared to pay over 1,000 yen for a slice of cake and a cup of coffee.

Good, good, good. Almost perfect.

And yet… I find myself wishing for places that are a bit more casual—in atmosphere and in price—so that I can drop in without feeling self-conscious or thinking about the contents of my wallet.

Maybe I’m asking for the impossible. Still, in this neighborhood, even Starbucks feels relatively accessible.