About 10 years ago, a cafe boom hit Japan. At the time, visiting a cafe itself was considered a status symbol, and stylish cafes with elaborate interiors and decor began opening one after another. It was around this time that Daisuke Takayama, owner of Kamogawa Cafe, began his journey with coffee. Driven by his desire to enjoy even better coffee in a stylish cafe, Takayama began gaining experience in the food and beverage industry in 2001. In 2004, he opened Kamogawa Cafe in a residential area along Nishimoto Sanbongi Street in Marutamachi, Kyoto, his hometown. Takayama personally researched coffee and visited famous coffee shops throughout Japan, particularly in Tokyo. Wanting to "do something no one else had done," he pursued a unique flavor, leading him to start roasting his own coffee in-house. When Kamogawa Cafe opened, in-house roasting was extremely rare. He roasts his coffee for 10 to 20 minutes each day in a hand roaster located at the back of the kitchen. He ground the beans and hand-dripped them for each order. Customers fell in love with the flavor and became regulars, and other cafes also approached him, so he now sells beans wholesale. Takayama is not only the owner of the cafe, but also one of its leading roasters. Kamogawa Cafe's interior is designed to create a relaxing space, with three distinct rooms: a calming main hall with a warm wooden feel; a chic small room with expansive white walls in the back; and a loft with a view of the main hall on the first floor. The three distinct atmospheres were intentionally created so customers can change their mood and enjoy the cafe no matter how many times they visit. Kamogawa Cafe also features a large bookshelf, stocked with books of all genres, from manga and idol photobooks to picture books Takayama received as a child. "Since our customers are the main focus, we have books that they actually like," says Takayama, whose bookshelf is filled with his passion.

You can relax in the cafe and enjoy not only delicious coffee but also a meal. This time, I ordered the "Today's Rice Special" for lunch. They also have curry, soup and bread sets, and it's nice that they prepare a different menu every day using seasonal vegetables. And for dessert, I ordered chocolate cake and coffee (Kamogawa House Blend). The rich chocolate melts easily in your mouth and goes really well with Takayama's coffee. It's a cup with depth and richness, and you can savor it until the last sip while enjoying the aroma of the coffee that fills your nose. I was able to spend a happy time with the coffee that Takayama has carefully made.


Interview cooperation/
Kamogawa Cafe
TEL: 075-211-4757