Four sustainable cafes in Japan to do good while having a good time

Cafes in Japan are popular and comprise sleek designs that create an atmosphere that makes each and every customer feel at home. Cafe culture in Japan is quite widespread; even in the smallest country side towns have something to offer its residents and travelers alike. Because these small shops are so popular in Japan, it is no wonder that many of these coffee dispensaries are also incorporating sustainable methods that positively impact or protect the environment. Sustainable cafes are on the rise in Japan, and now is the perfect time to introduce a few from around the country.

Imperfect

The first shop on our list is Imperfect. Imperfect is a cafe that is situated in Shibuya, Tokyo. The cafe’s slogan, “Doing well by doing good”, definitely hits home as the cafe puts forward its best efforts regarding the acknowledgement to various social and environmental issues.

All of their ingredients are given special care to provide both high value to the social and environmental aspects of our world. Imperfect also does its best at supporting those who provide them with ingredients used within the cafe. This includes supporting the work of women in various countries as well as farm training. Imperfect also supports bee environments for pollination too.

The cafe has an assortment of foods and coffee to choose from such as ice cream, roasted nuts, and muffins. If you’re looking for a good place to relax while supporting the environment, Imperfect is the place to go.

Fukuneko-ya

Fukuneko-ya is a workshop and cafe nestled in the mountainous region of Nagano. Visitors lucky enough to travel the distance will not only be immersed in nature, but will have the opportunity to receive some of that countryside hospitality that the hidden regions of Japan is famous for.

 

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While doubling as both a workshop and cafe, Fukuneko-ya provides its customers with fair trade and organic coffee. The cafe also has sweets and muffins for those that are feeling somewhat peckish. Although Fukuneko-ya might seem far away, it is also possible to order a variety of items through the company’s online shop. The shop is packed with an assortment of goods that include domestic tea, soy sauce, and even bagels.

The Fukuneko-ya website is also quite interesting as it also sells organic cotton. Although the shop might feel far away for some, at least it is easy to bring Fukuneko-ya right to your doorstep. For those who might be wondering, the cafe also serves up dishes that are vegan. It’s nice to see that such a small cafe has such a big heart for its customers and the environment.

Purely

Purely, a shop from Kumamoto, has one of the best sustainable cafes that the southern region of Kyushu might have to offer. This is because Purely doesn’t operate only a cafe, but also a shop and restaurant. There isn’t enough that can be said about this family-run shop, which is located within the confines of a traditional Japanese style building that was built more than 140 years ago during the Meiji era.

 

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Purely goes above and beyond to provide fresh veggies, fruits and meats. The shop also focuses on importing goods from the region in which it is located and also promises that their goods are cultivated without harmful pesticides or chemicals. Purely also provides courses in order for individuals to experience the joys of planting their own rice. The shop is also planning to open a production exchange center, which will give locals an incentive to exchange and purchase produce straight from the source.

Purely’s cafe and restaurant also holds a disclaimer for those with allergies, vegans and vegetarians. Fortunately, it is possible for the cafe to create wonderful dishes in accordance with one’s dietary restrictions. Furthermore, a cooking seminar is also available so that it is possible to create your own natural and organic dishes within the confines of your home. If there is a chance to visit Kumamoto, Purely should definitely be one of your first stops.

Alishan

Alishan is a cafe that is located in western Saitama prefecture. It provides organic foods and veggies that are 100% vegetarian.

The story of Alishan begins with a young man named Jack, who worked in the US on research related to environmental pollution. After quitting his job, he traveled the world and soon met his life partner, Faye. After arriving in Japan, both Jack and Faye became involved in their community in Saitama. The couple finally opened up their cafe in 2001, which is still going strong.

 

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Alishan believes that providing organic food is the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle. This shows within the cafe’s food and the store’s products. There are variety of choices at the cafe that include pizza, soup, vegetarian curry and a big bowl of rice for those who need it. Their organic ingredients are a mixture of local and foreign produce. The foreign produce used follows the company’s same philosophy regarding the rejection of harmful pesticide and chemical use.

Moreover, ingredients used follow fair trade policies; Alishan wants to make sure it can not only provide food and items that are healthy. It is also important that farmers are paid their fair share in order to break down the barriers that many conventional companies may ignore. Alishan’s site also displays where many of its ingredients come from. This includes towns in the U.S.AGermany and Pakistan. An online shop is also available for those that might live a little too far away.

Sustainable cafes are on the rise in Japan, but it is also interesting to see how many cafes are not limited to a finite theme. These shops are also helping people learn about sustainable living in a meaningful way. Japan may be slow to incorporate new lifestyles; but when the country does make progress, the precision, love and craftsmanship that is put into Japan’s products is second to none.