Have you heard of retro yet modern majolica tiles decorated with colorful flowers? In Nishijin, Kyoto, there's a cafe called Sarasa Nishijin, where original majolica tiles remain. Majolica tiles were made in Japan from the Taisho period to the early Showa period, imitating British tile designs. These individually hand-painted tiles were, of course, luxury items even back then. Their opulent elegance led to their use in inns and public baths.

Sarasa Nishijin is a cafe renovated from the former Fujimori Onsen public bathhouse, which has been in business since the Taisho period, while preserving the original exterior. While retaining the bathhouse atmosphere, the interior is covered with majolica tiles originally used in the bathrooms. Further inside, traces of faucet lines and bathtubs remain in various places. It's a historic building, and it's fun to imagine the former locations of the now-defunct ticket counter and changing rooms.

In addition to delicious cakes and coffee, Sarasa Nishijin also offers a wide selection of lunch and dinner menus. On this day, I enjoyed one of the popular lunch dishes, "Deep-fried braised pork and black sweet and sour pork with five kinds of vegetables" (940 yen). As it was originally a public bathhouse, the interior ceiling is high, creating a comfortable space with just the right amount of openness. It is also a spot where you can enjoy a delicious meal while looking out at the expressive Majolica tiles and historical buildings. I highly recommend it for any Kyoto sightseeing plan.

Interview cooperation /
Sarasa Nishijin
TEL: 075-432-5075