About Haikei

Let me say this upfront — when it comes to Nankan, I get passionate.
Hello, I’m Gachako, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m introducing a brand-new spot that opened on November 11th in Kokonoe, Nankan-machi, Tamana District:
Yamachiku Factory Shop “Haikei”.

Haikei is run by Yamachiku Co., Ltd., a Nankan-based company that has crafted bamboo chopsticks — and only bamboo chopsticks — for 60 years.
Facing the challenges of population decline and an aging society, they created this stylish destination to revitalize the area.

Coming by car is recommended.
You can park on the asphalt area next to the shop.

Don’t miss the giant chopstick sculpture out front, set at a delightfully clever angle — perfect for photo ops.
Kids love peeking through the gap between the chopsticks and running circles around them — it’s a hit with little ones.

On sunny days, you can enjoy the café’s offerings out on the terrace.

Inside, comfortable bench seating welcomes families with kids, and the restroom even comes equipped with a baby chair. Many of the staff are parents themselves, and that thoughtful, family-first attention to detail shows throughout the carefully designed space.

True to its name — “Haikei” means “Dear…” in Japanese, the way you’d open a heartfelt letter — the shop’s concept is “a letter”.
It’s a place where you can choose gifts the way you’d write a letter to someone you love.

Try your hand at the bean-pinching chopstick challenge —

or check out “Chopsticks Made for Natto” — a creative product designed by Yamachiku’s young employees.

You’ll also find products from SOUKI, a trusted sock brand from Koryo Town in Nara Prefecture.
(I have a pair of their leg warmers — they’re incredibly warm!)

And don’t miss the farm-to-jar peanut butter from Bocchi, a peanut brand based in Asahi City, Chiba Prefecture.

The shop is curated with passionate factory brands from across Japan, all perfect for gifting.
It’s a wonderful place to find wedding or baby shower presents with real meaning.

Recommended Menu at Haikei (as of September 2025)

The lunch menu has been refreshed and reservations are no longer required!Tonjiru (Pork & Vegetable Miso Soup) Lunch Set — 800 yen.

This hearty tonjiru is loaded with generously cut local vegetables and luxurious slices of Nankan-age (Nankan’s famous deep-fried tofu).

The Nankan rice is cooked over an open gas flame for incredible flavor — first savor it plain, then crack open a fresh “Maechan Egg” and enjoy classic tamago-kake-gohan (egg over rice).

(Trust me — Nankan rice is so good, you absolutely must try the first bite plain. No exceptions!)

And now, the sweets menu —

From the front: Somen Maker’s Sweet Treat (450 yen) and Kurobo Tiramisu (550 yen).

The Somen Maker’s Sweet Treat features “Nankan Somen” fushi-men — the curled noodle ends from Nankan’s premium handmade somen, a local specialty.
It’s a stylish reinvention of “arekake,” a traditional Nankan dessert.
Rich kuromitsu (black sugar syrup), sweet anko (red bean paste), nutty kinako (roasted soybean flour), and the signature chewy texture of fushi-men come together — all enjoyed with chopsticks, of course.

The tiramisu uses “Kurobo,” a beloved Kyushu sweet made by Hashimoto Seika in Nankan.
Kurobo is a nostalgic Japanese treat — flour and egg dough coated in black sugar syrup.
Here it’s transformed into a decidedly Italian-style tiramisu with mascarpone cheese!
And because this is a chopstick café, you eat it with — you guessed it — chopsticks.

The Kurobo tiramisu is genuinely addictive.
The crunchy Kurobo soaks up the cheese — it’s absolutely delicious!
And it pairs beautifully with coffee.

Come visit Nankan’s hottest new spot, “Haikei”!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.