・Directions to cafe Kotonaki

Get off at JR Himeji Station and walk about 10 minutes.

Located just a 10-minute walk from the station and a 5-minute walk from Himeji Castle, this café is in a prime location, making it the perfect spot to stop by while sightseeing in Himeji.

・A 100% Vegan Cafe near Himeji Station!

Tucked away quietly on the second floor of a building, “cafe Kotonaki ” is a hidden gem known only to those in the know. From set meals to desserts, every item on the menu is available anytime, and takeout is also an option, making it the perfect spot for any moment during your trip.

Every item on the menu is vegan, made with 100% plant-based ingredients. Furthermore, most items are gluten-free, making it a popular choice for those with wheat allergies or those on a diet. Additionally, if you make a reservation in advance, they can prepare dishes without aromatic vegetables like garlic or green onions.

Step through the traditional Japanese curtain known as a “noren” and climb the stairs to find a pristine, sophisticated space on the second floor. The venue is reportedly a renovated traditional Japanese house believed to be about 70 years old. While the impressive beams and frosted glass windows have been preserved, the space is thoughtfully designed to allow guests to enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese home throughout.

There are two tables for two, which can be joined together to accommodate groups of four or more. There are also five counter seats available, so solo diners can feel free to visit without any hesitation.

・Packed with locally grown vegetables! “Veggie Karaage Set”

『Vegan Karaage Set Meal』1,800 yen

There are two meal options available for both lunch and dinner, both of which are vegan-friendly. The “Vegan Karaage Set Meal” includes soy-based meat karaage, 3–4 small side dishes, a salad, mixed grain rice, and soup.

The soy-based meat karaage has a bold flavor enhanced with ginger and garlic. It’s as juicy as chicken, and the umami flavor bursts in your mouth with every bite.

Enjoy the fresh salad and assorted fried vegetables served alongside the main dish with our homemade soy milk mayonnaise. The rich mayonnaise enhances the deliciousness of the vegetables.

“Kobachi” refers to the small bowls and plates commonly found in Japanese meals. It is a part of Japanese food culture that allows you to enjoy a variety of dishes in small portions.

The kobachi dishes, made with plenty of locally sourced organic vegetables, vary depending on the season and availability. On the day of our visit, the lineup included “Chinese cabbage stir-fried with harissa,” “mushrooms marinated in sesame,” “carrot slaw,” and “pickled purple cabbage”—offering a wide variety of vegetables and flavors.

・”Taco Rice Set” with addictive flavor!

『Vegan Taco Rice Set Meal』1,500 yen

Don’t miss the “Vegan Taco Rice Set Meal,” featuring mixed-grain rice topped with vegan meat seasoned with about six spices and homemade salsa sauce. Served with a side dish and soup, it’s thoughtfully designed for both visual appeal and nutritional balance.

The homemade taco meat features chewy mung beans that add a delightful textural contrast. The flavor starts with a mild kick, followed by a rich umami depth that makes it impossible to stop at just one bite. A key feature of the salsa sauce is the onions, which are intentionally chopped coarsely to preserve their freshness.

・Desserts made with plant-based ingredients

『Coffee Cardamom Muffin』600 yen

They also offer sweets made with carefully selected ingredients. These healthy muffins, made with rice flour and soy pulp, are intentionally free of almond flour—a common flavor enhancer—so that even those with nut allergies can enjoy them with peace of mind.

Flavors change daily, with 3–4 varieties available at any given time. In addition to their regular offerings, they also feature muffins starring seasonal fruits. On the day of our visit, we chose the “Coffee Cardamom Muffin.” The unusual combination of slightly bitter coffee and the refreshing flavor of cardamom is truly addictive.

『Vegan Chocolate Cake』650 yen

Customers are often surprised by the “Vegan Chocolate Cake,” exclaiming, “I can’t believe it doesn’t use any animal-derived ingredients at all.” The secret to its moist texture is, surprisingly, tofu. Of course, the tofu flavor doesn’t overpower the cake; instead, the rich, dense flavor fills your mouth the moment you take a bite.

The delicate glassware, crafted by the owner’s favorite artist, is also striking and is sure to add an extra touch of elegance to your café experience.

『Vegan Coffee Jelly』750 yen

The “Vegan Coffee Jelly” features a sophisticated flavor profile of bitter coffee enhanced with a touch of liqueur. Naturally, it contains no gelatin; instead, it’s set using agar—a seaweed-derived ingredient—resulting in a smooth, springy texture that’s truly delightful. Topped with vegan ice cream and soy milk whipped cream, this dessert strikes a perfect balance between lightness and richness, with the presence of a mini-parfait.

“cafe Kotonaki” offers a menu that satisfies everyone—vegans, vegetarians, and non-vegetarians alike. It’s perfect for a quick stop during lunch or coffee time, but it’s also great to take out and enjoy at your leisure in your hotel room! Why not treat yourself to some Japanese café cuisine and spend a relaxing moment?

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