Cobato Parlour

Cobato Parlour is located in central Wakayama City, around a 10-minute walk from JR Wakayama Station. It is accessible by car via the city’s main roads, but the café has no dedicated parking, so visitors need to use a nearby paid parking lot. The café opened on 23 May 2022 as the first Wakayama location of BATON Group, which also operates cafés and bakeries (Cobato836, Second Banana and Cafe Tokiona) in Osaka.

The café occupies a renovated two-storey building that previously housed a fabric shop called Ogawa. The building was saved from potential demolition and renovated for its new use, with its original character preserved through retro details, including tiles and traditional-style fittings. Its nostalgic exterior, vintage signage and carefully selected interior furnishings give the space a distinctive Taishō-era-inspired atmosphere. The upstairs seating area features windows overlooking the surrounding streets, while a small outdoor seating area in the square provides another place to relax.

The menu includes coffee, bagel paninis made with bread from the group's sister bakery, sandwiches, brunch plates, homemade baked sweets and freshly prepared crêpes. One of its main attractions is the classical pudding, a firm, old-fashioned custard pudding served with caramel sauce and a cherry on top. The café also offers colourful drinks such as melon cream soda, making it a good destination for both a light meal and a traditional Japanese café-style dessert.

With its carefully renovated historic building, nostalgic interiors and appealing selection of café classics, Cobato Parlour is a charming stop for anyone who appreciates characterful spaces as much as good food.