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Café Kotodama
A beloved café in Asuka Village, where both the cozy space and delicious dishes are lovingly crafted by the owner couple.
Drawn to the charm of Asuka Village, the Kato couple relocated from another prefecture and opened this café in 2006. Since moving to its current location in 2015, it has remained a favorite among fans from within and beyond the prefecture.
Located near the village office, the café occupies a 200-year-old former sake brewery residence that the couple renovated themselves over two months. The interior exudes the warmth of a historic kominka (traditional Japanese house), creating a nostalgic atmosphere even for first-time visitors.
Their menu is entirely handmade, with the standout dish being the Kotodama Lunch, which showcases fresh, locally sourced vegetables from Asuka Village. To highlight seasonal ingredients, the menu changes every two weeks, offering diners a taste of the village's best at just the right time.
The café also features a gallery space showcasing handcrafted items and crafts by local artists. These unique, artisanal pieces make perfect souvenirs to take home.
Highlights
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A 200-year-old kominka space lovingly renovated by the owners themselves.
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Signature seasonal lunch featuring an abundance of fresh, locally sourced vegetables and ingredients.
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Take home handcrafted works by local artisans from the on-site gallery.
Photos
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![The café is located in a historic district once known as "Ichiba-suji."]()
The café is located in a historic district once known as "Ichiba-suji."
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![Signature Kotodama Lunch, highly recommended to reserve as it's limited in quantity.]()
Signature Kotodama Lunch, highly recommended to reserve as it's limited in quantity.
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![Seasonal fruit-filled parfaits and shaved ice are also popular offerings.]()
Seasonal fruit-filled parfaits and shaved ice are also popular offerings.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- caféことだま
- Postal Code
- 634-0111
- Address
- 1223 Oka, Asukamura, Takaichigun, Nara
- Telephone
- 0744-54-4010
- Closed
- Tuesdays, 3rd Wednesday of each month (check for holiday exceptions), with additional irregular closures and seasonal breaks (summer and winter).
- Hours
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10:00am - 4:30pm
Weekends and holidays: 10:00am - 5:00pm - Budget
- 1,000-2,000 yen
- Directions
- A short walk from the "Shimasho" bus stop on the Kame Bus route, departing from Kintetsu Yoshino Line's Asuka Station.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)