Introducing Lio COFFEE

Hello travelers! This is Aikero, a writer for Sarukuma.

Today we’re heading to Mukaemachi in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City to visit
Lio COFFEE.Lio COFFEE just opened on November 15, 2024.
It’s actually the second location of Tenjo Tetsudo, the popular cafe in Misumi-machi, Uki City, famous for its railway dioramas!

Tenjo Tetsudo in Misumi-machi, Uki City: A Cafe with Fun Railway Dioramas Where Time Just Flies By

Which means…?
Of course, there’s a diorama here too!

The diorama on display when I visited (created in the 1-2 weeks before opening) depicts a railway scene featuring the Kuma River flowing through Hitoyoshi.
The owner mentioned it casually, but the piece carries heartfelt wishes for Hitoyoshi’s recovery from past disasters.
And of course, the train running through it is the iconic SL Hitoyoshi steam locomotive!A retro, charming townscape unfolds before your eyes.
And the scene will keep evolving as more figures and details are added over time!
Maybe these are folks heading home from a hot spring?Two trains passing each other!
One of the joys of these dioramas is that everyone notices and enjoys different details ♫Someone setting up a tent!
I spotted this little detail when I looked closely.
See if you can find it too! (*^^)v
Oh look!
This cute blue figure is probably the first thing kids will spot!
It’s truly a diorama that delights both adults and children.
The cafe is located near the Mukaemachi intersection.
There’s no dedicated parking, but several coin-operated parking lots are available nearby.

Quick access tips:
Just 3 minutes by car from Kumamoto Station, a 20-minute walk, or only 10 seconds on foot from Geihou bus stop!

The original Tenjo Tetsudo in Misumi-machi is also just a short walk from Misumi Station.
The owner shared, “We hope visitors will enjoy a train journey and then come experience our dioramas.” The location makes it easy for travelers from outside Kumamoto Prefecture too.
The interior features a stylish contrast of concrete and natural wood.
The diorama takes center stage in the middle of the cafe.
*Please note: photographing the diorama is reserved for cafe customers only.There were other customers, so I didn’t photograph them, but the cafe has table seating on both sides as well as counter seats.
You can gaze at the diorama from a side table, or sit at the counter and chat with the staff (who are professional baristas and roasters).
Orders are placed in advance at the register.
Eager to see the diorama? Order at the counter first, then settle into your favorite seat ♪

Here’s the full menu at Lio COFFEE.
*One drink per person required.

〈Coffee〉
・Hand Drip (Hot/Iced) — 520 yen
・Drip Coffee Takeout (Hot/Iced) with Biscuit — 520 yen
・Americano (Hot/Iced) — 500 yen
・Cafe Latte (Hot/Iced) — 550 yen

〈Tea〉
・Earl Grey (Hot only) — 550 yen
・Matcha Latte (Hot/Iced) — 550 yen

〈Other〉
・Juice (Apple/Mango) — 480 yen
・Milk (Hot/Iced) — 450 yenAs mentioned earlier, the staff are experienced baristas and roasters who’ve honed their craft at coffee shops.
So you get not just amazing dioramas, but seriously good coffee too!
With juice options available, this is a fantastic spot to bring the kids ♫
・Cheesecake — 520 yen
・Tiramisu Pudding — 680 yen
・Canele — 380 yen

And there are sweets too! ♡

Lio COFFEE Recommended Menu

I’d been dying to try the cheesecake ever since reading our writer Sashimi-san’s report on Tenjo Tetsudo!
So I ordered the cheesecake along with a hot hand drip coffee.
Coffee time while watching the diorama come to life.
Listening to the SL Hitoyoshi chug along, just letting your mind go blank for a while.
If you’re someone who lives a busy life, this is exactly the kind of moment you need.

The coffee had very little acidity and was incredibly smooth and easy to drink!
Since I’d skipped lunch, the cheesecake disappeared in seconds! Haha

The mellow, creamy cheese was absolutely delicious ♫Lio COFFEE stays open until 8:00 PM!
It’s a wonderful spot to unwind after work or school (^^)/

The owner mentioned plans to eventually loan dioramas to libraries, daycare centers, train stations, and shopping centers.
I’m not particularly into trains myself, but something about a diorama just makes me stare in fascination!I had wonderful conversations with the owner and his mother during my visit!
Thanks to connections made through customers visiting Tenjo Tetsudo, history-themed dioramas may soon appear in even more locations.

By the way, the original Tenjo Tetsudo in Misumi-machi reportedly has the most spectacular diorama display. (I haven’t been there yet myself! (>_<))
It’s near Misumi Station, so why not skip the car and take the charmingly retro JR Misumi Line for a fun family day out? ♫

A diorama-themed cafe is still a rare gem!
Gather the whole family and come see for yourselves~ (●＾o＾●)

Tenjo Tetsudo in Misumi-machi, Uki City: A Cafe with Fun Railway Dioramas Where Time Just Flies By

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Frequently Asked Questions

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