Local community members in Ishikawacho wanted to create a place where all could gather to plan events and resolve problematic issues in the neighborhood. At the same time, they wanted a space for casual communication, mingling and relaxation. Their solution was Market Terrace Cafe–a combination community center, cafe, and marketplace. Of course, non-residents are welcome!
Opened in March of 2017, the first floor mainly operates as a cafe serving many types of coffee and tea (¥350~¥450) along with beer, whiskey, wine, shochu (Japanese spirits) and cocktails (all alcoholic drinks ¥550~). Though there are adult beverages on the menu, the atmosphere isn’t that of a bar–it’s family friendly.
On the food menu is pasta, curry, stew, french toast, cake and a mix of baked goods. ¥1000 is about the maximum you’ll pay for any of the dishes. Set up in front of the shop is a small produce stand selling vegetables grown in the prefecture. There are also handicrafts made by local residents on display inside the cafe. These, too, are available for purchase.
The cafe sits about thirty people total. In pleasant weather, tables are put out in front on the wide sidewalk which faces a canal. As you might imagine, the nicer the weather, the more popular the outside seating becomes. Free wi-fi is available, so bring your laptop if you need to finish up some work or simply want to browse the net.
In order to give visitors a true feeling of the neighborhood, new apartment-style guesthouses, some with shared interactive space, have been set up nearby. The cafe acts as “front desk” and restaurant for the lodging facilities. There are a variety of room types for 40 people in total. Using the guesthouses as your base, you can rent a bike and get around town with ease. Ishikawacho Station is also a short walk away if cycling isn’t for you. After staying a few nights you’ll begin to feel like a genuine member of the community.
