aka tombo coffee
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Kintetsu-Nara Station · 6 min walk (Kintetsu Nara Line)
- Hours
- Mon, Wed–Thu 07:00–19:00, Tue 07:00–12:30, Sat–Sun & holidays 07:00–17:00 (closed Fri, but open 07:00–17:00 if Fri is a national holiday)
- Time needed
- 30–60 min
- Best time to go
- Morning before 12:00 for the morning set menu
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Tucked away on the second floor of a building near Mochiidono shopping street, Aka Tombo Coffee is a tranquil oasis run by an exceptionally welcoming local couple. It is highly regarded for its meticulously hand-dripped specialty coffees, homemade cheesecakes, and matcha lattes. Expect a warm, intimate atmosphere with soft jazz playing, making it the perfect peaceful retreat after a busy day of sightseeing in Nara Park.
What Japanese guides note
Japanese sources note that the cafe occupies the second floor of the Y Building above Mochiidono Shopping Street, featuring window-facing bench seating overlooking the arcade. While some general listings portray it as a conventional Japanese drip-coffee shop, it specifically operates as a Melbourne-style espresso bar and a language-exchange venue. Opening at 7:00 AM, it serves as an early breakfast spot before surrounding Naramachi shops open, though hours close early at 12:30 PM on Tuesdays and 5:00 PM on weekends.
Details from local sources
- Melbourne-born designer and owner Chris handcrafted the interior fixtures himself, including a plaster counter inspired by traditional Naramachi storehouse plastering, tables, and shoji screens. [source]
- Casual English conversation with the owner incurs no extra charge beyond the price of food and beverage orders. [source]
- The signature food item is an Australian meat pie prepared with 100% Angus beef sourced from Victoria, Australia. [source]
- Payment can be made using cash, PayPay, or credit cards, but IC transit cards such as ICOCA and Suica are not accepted. [source]
Insider Tip
Locating the entrance can be tricky; look for the small sandwich board sign on the street and head up the narrow stairs to the second floor.
Frequently asked
What style of coffee does aka tombo coffee serve?
The cafe focuses on Melbourne-style espresso beverages, including flat whites, long blacks, and foamy cappuccinos, rather than standard Japanese hand drip. The Australian owner draws directly on Melbourne cafe culture to extract espresso drinks and serve Australian beers alongside bakery goods.
Is there an extra charge to practice English at the cafe?
No extra fee is charged for casual conversation during normal cafe hours. Visitors pay only standard menu prices for drinks and food. However, formal group classes and private lessons held on the second and third floors require advance reservations and designated session fees.
How do you find the cafe along Mochiidono Shopping Street?
The cafe is situated on the second floor of the Y Building along Mochiidono Shopping Street, diagonally opposite the OKest supermarket. A distinctive sign featuring a red dragonfly mark stands at street level beside the stairs leading up to the second floor.
Can I use an IC transit card like Suica or ICOCA here?
No, IC transit cards like ICOCA, Suica, and Pasmo cannot be used here. The shop accepts payment in cash, credit card, or PayPay. Customers should ensure they have one of these accepted payment options ready before placing their order at the counter.
Our Nara walking tours
On the same walk
Photos
