Welcome to Eki Cafe Ohda Retro-Kan

Hello travelers! This is Aikero, writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a truly unique spot in Ohda-machi, Uto City:
Eki Cafe Ohda Retro-Kan (驛カフェ 網田レトロ館)Can you spot the cafe at first glance?
That’s right — Eki Cafe Ohda Retro-Kan is located right inside Ohda Station!
Ohda Station on JR’s Misumi Line is the oldest surviving wooden train station building in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Wanting to use this historic station as a hub for community building, local volunteers formed the “NPO Ohda Club,” which now runs the cafe, sells train tickets, and even watches over local schoolchildren.

Isn’t the “Retro-Kan” name and that lovely sign just charming?There’s plenty of parking right in front of the station.
Grabbing a map and exploring the Ohda area sounds like a wonderful idea too!
JR Ohda Station also hosts special events like this one!

Love trains? Love day trips? Have kids in elementary school or younger?
If that sounds like your family, keep reading!

Date: Sunday, March 31, 2024
Eligible: Elementary-school-aged children and younger, plus their families
How it works:
1. Board or disembark from a JR Misumi Line train at Ohda Station
2. Show your ticket to the station staff and say “Wakuwaku boken ni kita yo!” (“I came on an exciting adventure!”)
3. Receive your special perks

Perks include:
1. A gift from JR Kyushu and Ohda Club
2. A discount at Eki Cafe
* Only valid on the day you ride the JR Misumi Line
* The cafe is generally open weekends and holidays
3. Become an Ohda Expert!
* Groups of 5 or more children
* Advance reservation required

Even if mom and the kids ride the train and dad drives to pick them up, the whole family can still enjoy the perks together.So my daughter and I took the train, while the guys came by car!
The Nagabeta Kaichuu Doro (“undersea road”) was submerged at high tide that day.
If you’re wondering what Nagabeta Kaichuu Doro is, check out our previous article!

Sumiyoshi Coastal Park (Nagabeta Kaichuu Doro) — Sumiyoshi-machi, Uto City — Utility Poles in the Sea?! A Famous Spot Featured in TV Commercials!

Arrived at Ohda Station!
Wait — what’s that?
It’s Paro-kun, the kappa (Japanese water spirit)! Nice to meet you!
Note: he’s not always there.

And just then, beautiful music started drifting through the air!
It was the Ohda All Stars, a local band performing live at the platform.

“We were even featured in a JR Kyushu commercial — just for one second though!” they cheerfully told me with a laugh.

Wondering why they were playing toward the train tracks?
It was the day of the “Music Station” send-off event for the famous A-Train sightseeing express!
They perform about once a month, so we got really lucky!

For event announcements, follow Ohda Retro-Kan’s Instagram!

I snapped a photo of Eki Cafe Ohda Retro-Kan during the train’s stopover.
Open the door and you might find yourself murmuring “Ah, this feels so nostalgic” — the interior is filled with the warm, cozy charm of natural wood.A Showa-era singalong cafe vibe — looks like a fun place to gather!
There are several little corners with local goods for sale.
Here’s a tenugui (traditional Japanese hand towel) with an Uto-themed pattern.
Look closely and you’ll find Uton-Yukinaga-shan, the local mascot, hidden in the design!These are postcards.
Incorporating local landmarks into the design — what a stylish idea!Even Japanese TV personality Degawa-san visited here on his famous travel show!
Some of you might recognize it from the show!
Now let’s check out the menu!
Even the wooden cover has so much character.The menu changes seasonally — that just makes me want to come back every season!
Here’s the dessert menu!
The Navel Orange Pizza — said to be the only one of its kind in Japan — definitely caught my eye!
There’s also a fascinating display about the history of Ohda Station.
And here’s the introduction to Eki Cafe Ohda Retro-Kan and the NPO Ohda Club that runs it.Hot soups on a chilly day are absolutely irresistible!
They offer takeout too, so you can even grab some as a souvenir.
Even the coasters are adorable!

Recommended Menu Items at Eki Cafe Ohda Retro-Kan

I ordered the Omu-Curry (curry with omelet) and the regular Curry!
The curry has a bit of a spicy kick, so kids who don’t like spicy food might prefer something else.
The Omu-Curry comes with steamed white rice.
My daughter ordered the Kyushu Pancakes.
Can you see it? One of them is shaped like a heart!The fluffy, slightly chewy pancakes are subtly sweet and absolutely delicious!“I want some too!” my son said, taking a huge bite!
Spoiler alert: here’s what the event gift looked like!
The clear file folder matches the design of the bag.

Diners at the cafe also received a complimentary pack of Okoshiki Ichiban Nori (premium first-harvest seaweed)!
If you usually travel by car, why not take a leisurely train trip for a change?
Time moves slowly and gently at Eki Cafe Ohda Retro-Kan — the perfect escape from busy daily life.

Families with children should definitely check out the special events too!

Sumiyoshi Coastal Park (Nagabeta Kaichuu Doro) — Sumiyoshi-machi, Uto City — Utility Poles in the Sea?! A Famous Spot Featured in TV Commercials!

 

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