Address: Japan, 〒506-0011 Gifu, Takayama, Honmachi, 2 Chome−５２ There’s something quietly magical about starting your day at Don Coffee . It’s not the kind of café that chases trends or reinvents itself for social media. Instead, it feels like a place that has simply… stayed the same —and that’s exactly what makes it special. First Impressions: Stuck in Time (In the Best Way) Walking into Don Coffee is like opening the door to the past. The moment you step inside, you feel it: Dim, warm lighting that softens everything Dark wooden furniture worn in just the right way Walls that seem to carry decades of quiet conversations Nothing here is polished or modern—and that’s the charm. It’s not staged nostalgia; it feels authentic, almost untouched by time. Like the café has been sitting here for years, watching the world outside change while it stays exactly as it is. It gives off that unmistakable “Showa-era kissaten” vibe— a place where time slows down the second you sit. The Breakfast Set: ...
Address: 56-2 Aioimachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0014, Japan We arrived at Takayama at 6 pm and head out for dinner to Menya Shirakawa Annex around 7pm and were pleasantly surprised— no queue at all , which already felt like a small win. Service was quick and efficient, and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming. Bonus points for having an English menu , which makes ordering easy for non-Japanese diners. Menya Shirakawa serves Takayama ramen , a regional style from Gifu Prefecture. Unlike the heavier tonkotsu ramen many of us are used to, Takayama ramen features: A soy sauce-based broth built on chicken stock Enhanced with fish (bonito) and vegetables, simmered for hours A darker, almost black-looking soup with deep umami flavour Curly noodles designed to absorb the broth well Toppings like flame-grilled chashu and a generous amount of spring onions, which are a specialty of the region It’s a style that leans more towards clean, layered flavours rather than richness. What We ...