Shirankedo

If you’re seeking a café offering genuine Kansai-style hospitality, look no further than “Shirankedo” instagram.com/shirankedo_est2021/ . Situated just a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Itami station, this café sits in a quiet neighborhood beside an old barbershop. Shirankedo opened it’s doors in 2021 and is managed by a very friendly and amusing elderly man who used to be a former salaryman for 30 years before venturing into becoming a barista as well with some help of his lovely daughter Myaco who is a famous youtuber running ultra marathons (100 km marathon in 2023). The expression “Shirankedo” meaning “I don’t know” or “I suppose” was originally used as a dialect in the Kansai region. When someone asks you a question, you answer the question, but if you are not very confident or sure about your answer, you can make your answer more ambiguous by adding “I don’t know” at the end of the sentence. Over the past few years “Shirankedo” has gotten a more comedic connotation and especially for people who speak Japanese, visiting Shirankedo will be able to experience the true meaning of the word.

Shirankedo sits the ground floor of a maisonette type building, distinguished by its blue tile-covered exterior has an entrance positioned centrally beneath a hanging noren. Upon stepping inside, you’ll be welcomed by a colorful eclectic interior adorned from top to bottom with an wide variety of decorations, especially the shirankedo logo can be found almost anywhere. The seating arrangement features small stools and tables complemented by comfortable leather chairs.

At Shirankedo, the menu boasts an extensive selection of beverages and food items, ranging from classic choices like drip coffee, espresso, americano, and various lattes—including café latte (600), houjicha latte, matcha latte—to more unique options such as the golden latte infused with turmeric and the black latte made from charcoal. Soft drinks like cocoa, sodas, and cola are also available. On the food menu, you’ll find delectable treats like donuts, pudding, cakes, as well as savory options like hotdogs and doria. Of course, the highlight is the signature Shirankedo friends cookies, available in three delightful variations “shirankedo, shirankedona chan and full body.

Shirankedo has a super friendly owner that loves a chat, offers delicious coffee and sweets in a relaxing atmosphere, making it a great place for a nice coffee break.