Alster&Garten

On a ten-minute walk from Hankyu Kobe Line – Mikage Station, you’ll discover the charming cafe, ‘ Alster&Garten .’ Nestled along the bustling Yamate Kansen road, Alster&Garten occupies the split-level basement of a quaint apartment building. Accessible via a set of small stairs at the front of the cafe. The cafe is run by two handsome brothers, one of whom is a famous soccer player for Vissel Kobe, a popular J-League soccer team. These brothers have a German-Japanese heritage. ‘Alster&Garten’ officially opened its doors on November 23, 2022, and its name is derived from Germany’s Alster Lake.

Alster&Garten is a spacious café with a dimly lit, inviting interior. Its ambiance is enhanced by an array of retro furniture pieces, such as leather chesterfield sofas, a Victorian settee, vintage lounge chairs, and more, providing seating for up to fifteen to twenty customers. The remainder of the space is decorated with vintage goods, many plants, dried flowers, and bare bulb pendant lights that contribute to the cozy atmosphere. In the front section, you’ll find the seating area, while in the back, there’s a small glass case filled with various general goods (hand cream, herb tea, aroma and more) and a vintage order counter/kitchen.

The menu boasts an array of coffee options, including drip coffee, cafe latte (starting at 550 yen), oat milk latte, vanilla ice latte, mocha, americano, espresso, and more. Customizations, such as an extra espresso shot, oat milk, or vanilla ice topping, are available for a small additional charge. For those who prefer non-coffee beverages, the café offers a selection of options, including ginger chai latte, various teas, cocoa, soda, and juices.

When it comes to food, there is a diverse range of toasts, such as butter toast, ham and cheese toast, honey cream toast, red bean paste toast, curry toast, and avocado toast. Additionally, they offer acai bowls and an assortment of delicious sweets. Notably, there’s a morning menu available from 08:00 to 11:00, offering sets that include butter toast, cheese toast, or croissants, each accompanied by a salad, egg, sausage, and a beverage.

Alster&Garten is a charming, spacious cafe with a cozy ambiance, a welcoming staff, and an extensive menu. It opens its doors early in the morning, making it an ideal spot for early risers, although it welcomes all. Additionally, the cafe periodically hosts latte art workshops for those interested in honing their latte art skills.