Welcome to Nantetsu Cafe

Hello, travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m introducing a delightful spot in Takamori Town, Aso District:
[Nantetsu Cafe].
\Opened July 2024/
Located right next to the beautifully renovated Takamori Station (the station building and surrounding area were renewed last year), this cafe-meets-community-hub welcomes both tourists and locals alike. There’s parking too, so it’s easy to reach by car!

Speaking of Takamori Station — this is the home of the Franky statue, one of Kumamoto’s famous One Piece statues! Many fans have already made the pilgrimage. The Sunny-Go Train (running on weekends and holidays only) is also parked here, so there’s plenty to see.

[Takamori Station] The long-awaited 6th One Piece statue in Kumamoto is here! (Takamori, Aso District)

You can walk over from Takamori Station under a covered walkway — convenient even in rainy weather.
Right in front of the grass plaza, you’ll see signs guiding you to either the Takamori Station parking lot or the community facility parking lot — easy to find!
Both lots are free of charge (^^)/
Inside, the high ceiling creates a wonderfully open and airy atmosphere.
The counter seats offer lovely views!
But my personal favorite? The terrace seats!
With views of the Sunny-Go Train, the Franky statue, and the iconic Aso scenery, it’s truly a front-row seat to everything Takamori has to offer (^^)/
Between the One Piece statues, the Sunny-Go Train, and the trolley train, this area is a paradise for families with kids.
Inside the cafe, there’s even a shoes-off play area!
A whole library of picture books awaits — a wonderful little corner where children can lose themselves in stories.
At the center I noticed Blue Bee and Pico’s Courage — and yes, it’s by the director of the [Yo Shomei Aso Plateau Picture Book Museum] in Kayo, Minamiaso Village! I’ve visited that museum myself, and it really feels like stepping inside a storybook. It’s about 30 minutes from Nantetsu Cafe, so consider adding it to your itinerary (^^)/

[Yo Shomei Aso Plateau Picture Book Museum] Step into a storybook world — a photogenic nature spot! (Kayo, Minamiaso Village, Aso District)

There are also picture books featuring the Aso region — perfect for a quiet story-time moment with your child.
Train lovers, take note — they have toy trains too!
And here’s a heartwarming detail: these toys actually belong to a local elementary school student in Takamori, who lends them out so visiting kids can enjoy them too.
Please supervise your children while they play, and treat the toys with care (^^)
Inside the facility you’ll find access info for Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine and the Sunny-Go Train schedule on display.
Starting in April, the new “Toro-Tuk” — a tuk-tuk styled to look like Aso’s beloved trolley train — also began operating. So much to see and do!
Use Nantetsu Cafe as your base camp for exploring Takamori Town.
And now, finally — the menu at Nantetsu Cafe!

・Hot Coffee — 300 yen
・Iced Coffee — 400 yen
・Cafe Latte — 500 yen

・Cocoa — 500 yen
・Calpis Milk — 500 yen
・Matcha Latte — 450 yen

・Banana Smoothie — 500 yen
・Choco-Banana Smoothie — 600 yen

・Hot Sandwich
Ham & Cheese — 350 yen
Tomato & Cheese — 400 yen

・Napolitan Pasta — 600 yen
・Chicken Nuggets — 300 yen

In addition to coffee-shop drinks, there’s a light food menu too.
Kid-friendly juices and smoothies are also available — a thoughtful touch for families!
The lattes, cocoa, Calpis milk, smoothies, and soups all use Dai-Aso Milk, the famous local milk from the Aso region!

You’ll see rows of cartons stocked at room temperature — these are long-life milk, designed for shelf storage. But don’t worry: no preservatives are used.

The difference comes from the sterilization temperature, packaging, and production method — all completely safe and great-tasting milk.
It’s also perfect for travel and emergency stockpiles.
Baked sweets and popcorn are available too.
Why not pair them with a drink (^^)/

You’ll also find treats from [Kissa Tenoha-an], a charming retro coffee house just a 3-minute walk from Takamori Station!

[Kissa Tenoha-an, Takamori, Aso District] A retro coffee house serving surprisingly delicious Akaushi beef burgers! Their ancient-rice ohagi is a hit too!

Recommended Items at Nantetsu Cafe

Why not snap a photo with the Sunny-Go Train in the background?
Find your favorite spot and enjoy a fun photo session!
The cafe latte has that wonderfully rich, creamy flavor thanks to Dai-Aso Milk (*’ω’*)

I just sat with my drink, gazing out at the scenery, and felt completely relaxed.
It’s also a welcoming spot for solo travelers — no awkwardness here.

I drove out from Kumamoto City, and it made the perfect drive-stop along the way!

About Nantetsu Cafe

The cafe was previously managed by Takamori Town itself, but it’s now operated by the [Takamori Tourism Promotion Organization], located right next to Takamori Station.
During my visit, I had a chance to chat with a member of the Takamori Town Local Revitalization Cooperator team.

Aikero

With the One Piece statue here, I imagine most of your customers are tourists?

We do see plenty of tourists, but since we’re open until 7:00 PM, lots of local high school students drop by too.
I personally hoped this place would become a hangout spot for local students, so it makes me really happy!

Nantetsu Cafe Staff

Aikero

It’s wonderful that you can drop by straight from the station, and that there’s a place where friends can gather!

By the way, what brought you to join the Takamori Town Cooperator program?

I’m originally from Oita Prefecture. The natural beauty here reminded me so much of my hometown — when I decided to leave, Takamori Town felt like the right place. I love the slightly nostalgic, peaceful small-town atmosphere too!
Back home, we have a coastline that’s listed among Japan’s Top 100 Sunsets, but here you can watch the sun setting between the mountains — it’s absolutely stunning.

Nantetsu Cafe Staff

Aikero

That makes sense! Takamori really does have a different, calmer charm compared to Minamiaso — it has this lovely nostalgic feeling.
The scenery is gorgeous, and the sunsets sound amazing!
I took my child on the trolley train once, and it was so much fun. We’ll definitely be back!

From One Piece statues to trolley trains and the cool-even-in-summer Takamori Yusui (Spring Water) Tunnel Park, Takamori Town is bursting with family-friendly attractions.
With the warmer seasons coming up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a scenic Aso drive and explore everything Takamori has to offer (^^)/

[Takamori Station] The long-awaited 6th One Piece statue in Kumamoto is here! (Takamori, Aso District)

[Yo Shomei Aso Plateau Picture Book Museum] Step into a storybook world — a photogenic nature spot! (Kayo, Minamiaso Village, Aso District)

[Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park] Spring water inside a tunnel?! Takamori’s water source! (Takamori, Aso District)

[Tsukimawari Park] A park with breathtaking panoramic views! (Takamori, Aso District)

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before your visit.