FAQ
Before your visit to Gujo Hachiman
We have gathered the questions we are most often asked before a visit, sorted by category. Please choose the topic you are interested in. For anything not covered here, feel free to contact us.
01Visiting
Do you take reservations?+
We do not take reservations. As a takeout-only stand, please feel free to drop by without one. You may wait briefly when it is busy.
What are your opening hours and regular holidays?+
We are open Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are our regular holidays.
Is it okay to come with children?+
Yes, we warmly welcome families. You can relax and enjoy your time while gazing at the river. For stroller use, please consult with us depending on how busy we are that day.
Can groups use the shop?+
Since it is takeout, we can serve groups of any size. For larger groups, letting us know in advance via Instagram DM helps us prepare. (We are not reservation-based.)
What payment methods can I use?+
We accept cash payment. Availability of cashless payment may change, so please check at the shop.
Is there a time limit on how long I can stay?+
There is no particular time limit. As we are takeout-only, please take your time and enjoy a stroll along the river after your purchase.
Are you open on rainy days?+
Yes, we are open. As we are a takeout-only stand, please feel free to drop by even on rainy days.
Can I use the space for private bookings or photo shoots?+
We can discuss it depending on the details. Please first let us know your request through our Instagram DM.
02Menu & Coffee
What kind of coffee beans do you use?+
We use fair-trade, organic beans grown with care, completely free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. We value not only the flavor but also the background of who grew them and how.
What are the characteristics of your coffee's flavor?+
A gentle flavor in which refreshing acidity and moderate bitterness harmonize, with a bright, pleasant aroma spreading out. All of our beans are roasted in-house.
What is house roasting (jika-baisen)?+
It means roasting the raw green beans ourselves, in-house. Its appeal is that it draws out the beans' natural character, aroma, and delicate flavor.
Do you have decaf?+
Yes, we always have decaf coffee available. Those who wish to limit caffeine can enjoy it with peace of mind.
What is cold-brew coffee like?+
It is coffee slowly extracted over time using delicious water and beans. With little bitterness and a clean, easy-to-drink taste, it is perfect for a summer stroll through Gujo Hachiman.
Do you serve espresso?+
We do have an espresso machine, but we do not currently serve espresso-based drinks. We mainly offer coffee brewed from our house-roasted beans, such as cold brew.
Can I switch to milk or soy milk?+
We may be able to accommodate it. As it depends on the day's stock, please feel free to ask us at the shop.
Do you have drinks other than coffee?+
We sometimes prepare seasonal drinks and more. For details, please see the in-store menu of the day.
Do you have sweets or desserts?+
We have sweets at the shop that pair well with coffee. In summer, you can also enjoy rich soft serve and shaved ice made from natural ice.
Can you accommodate allergies?+
If you let us know in advance, we will accommodate you as much as possible. Please feel free to consult our staff.
How should I choose the recommendation of the day?+
Our friendly owner will suggest recommendations to suit your taste. Please choose while enjoying a chat about coffee.
03Cafe & Seating
Can I enjoy my drink while looking at the river?+
With your takeout coffee in hand, you can enjoy the scenery while strolling along the Yoshida River. A cup enjoyed to the sound of the clear stream is truly special.
Do you have any seating?+
We are a takeout-only coffee stand and do not have dedicated seating. Please enjoy your ordered drinks as takeout.
Do you have indoor seats?+
We are takeout-only and have no dedicated seating, indoors or outdoors. Please enjoy your drink while strolling along the river.
Do you have Wi-Fi or power outlets?+
Please check the availability of facilities at the shop. It is a space where you can relax while enjoying the riverside scenery.
Can I bring my pet?+
Pets are welcome on a takeout basis. When enjoying your drink along the river, we ask for your consideration toward other customers.
Can I take photos?+
Photography for personal enjoyment is welcome. Please share a lovely shot with #coffee_sakaba. We ask that you take care not to capture other customers in your photos.
Is the cafe barrier-free / accessible?+
We are located within the old townscape of Gujo Hachiman, so there may be steps and the like. If you have any difficulty, please let us know, and we will help as much as we can.
What kind of atmosphere does the shop have?+
We are a small coffee stand with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. You can unwind in nature while enjoying a chat about coffee with our friendly owner.
04Takeout coffee & online bean shop
Can I get takeout?+
Yes, takeout is available. It is perfect company for a riverside stroll. Cold-brew coffee is also popular as a takeout drink.
Do you have an online shop?+
Yes, we have an online shop called “slowslowslow.” You can enjoy our coffee at home as well.
Where can I buy your coffee beans?+
You can purchase them at the shop or through our online shop. We deliver completely pesticide-free, fair-trade beans to your home.
Can you ship nationwide?+
We deliver nationwide through our online shop. Those far away can enjoy our coffee too.
Can I use your products as gifts?+
They make wonderful gifts as well. Please take a look at our online shop, or contact us if you have any requests.
Do you carry drip bags?+
The products we carry vary by season. Please check the latest lineup at our online shop or at the shop.
How should I store the beans, and what is the recommended way to brew them?+
Store the beans away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight, and enjoy them as soon as possible. We also share brewing tips in our cafe column.
Can I consult about bulk or wholesale orders?+
Please consult us via Instagram DM. We will guide you according to your needs.
05Gujo Hachiman sightseeing, cafe & access
Where is the shop located?+
We are located at 865-1 Honmachi, Hachiman-cho, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, within the historic townscape of Gujo Hachiman, right beside the Yoshida River.
Do you have parking?+
We do not have a dedicated parking lot. Please use a nearby coin parking and walk to us through the townscape.
How do I get there by public transport?+
We are in the center of Gujo Hachiman. From the nearest station or bus stop, you can walk to us while enjoying a stroll through the castle town.
Can I enjoy it together with sightseeing in Gujo Hachiman?+
Yes. Please stop by as a rest spot along with a stroll through the castle town and the scenery of the Yoshida River.
Does it get crowded during the Gujo Odori dance season?+
During the Gujo Odori season the whole town gets very lively. We recommend coming early and allowing plenty of time.
Are there sights nearby that I can stop by?+
There are sights dotted around that are enjoyable on foot, such as the Yoshida River, the old townscape, and spring-water spots. Please enjoy a cup between your wanderings.
Can I use it as a rest stop while sightseeing with children?+
It is perfect for a break while gazing at the river. Please feel free to drop by during a family stroll.
What areas do you serve, and who would you like to visit?+
Our shop is in Gujo City. Of course it is for those sightseeing in Gujo Hachiman, but through our online shop we also deliver to those far away.
06Experiences & Seasons
What is the “Gujo Cold-Brew Coffee Town Walk” experience?+
It is an experience of walking through the townscape of Gujo Hachiman with a cup of cold-brew coffee in a cute bottle in hand. Together with coffee from fair-trade, organic beans, you can fully enjoy the townscape and the river.
How do I book the town walk experience?+
Please feel free to contact us via Instagram DM (@coffee_sakaba). Availability varies by season.
Do you have summer-only menu items?+
In summer we offer rich soft serve (including the hidden-menu affogato soft serve) and fluffy shaved ice made from natural ice. They are perfect for cooling off by the river.
What is the affogato soft serve?+
It is a hidden-menu treat of soft serve topped with coffee. The combination of rich soft serve and slightly bitter coffee is exquisite.
What flavors of shaved ice do you offer?+
We offer flavors such as strawberry, mango, and café au lait. With the fluffy texture of natural ice, sharing one between two by the river is also a lovely idea.
What do you recommend in winter and the cold season?+
Take a relaxing break with a warm house-roasted coffee. A cup enjoyed in the crisp, clear air offers a flavor unique to the cold season.
Where can I find the latest information?+
We share seasonal menus and event information on Instagram (@coffee_sakaba) and in the “News” section of this website.
Do you run campaigns such as sticker giveaways?+
In the past, we have given out Gujo Odori stickers to those who followed us on Instagram. We will announce our latest initiatives at the shop and on social media.