Matsubara Coffee

MATSUBARA COFFEE is a specialty coffee roastery and takeaway-focused coffee shop in Hamaotsu, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. It opened in winter 2022. The café is located near Lake Biwa in the quieter area around the local marina. There is no dedicated customer parking nearby, so visitors arriving by car should check nearby parking options before visiting.

The shop occupies part of a family-run rental boat facility, known as Matsubara Yusen, which has been operated by the family since the grandfather’s generation. Rather than building a conventional café, the owners renovated the existing boat-landing facility to create a coffee shop and roasting space. The interior has a minimalist, open layout with large windows overlooking the lake, while repurposed boat parts, including an old steering wheel and wooden boards, add character. Outside, a small marina and moored boats connect the café directly to its lakeside setting.

Coffee is the main focus, with beans sourced from selected producers and roasted on-site using a German PROBAT roasting machine. Customers can choose from light, medium and dark roasts, including blends and single-origin coffees, prepared to highlight each bean’s individual characteristics. The shop also has a dedicated pastry workshop run by co-owner Shoko Matsubara, an experienced pastry chef. Its baked goods include muffins and scones, sometimes served with cream cheese or seasonal fruit jam. The main attraction is the combination of carefully roasted specialty coffee and views across Lake Biwa from the large windows and lakeside terrace.

MATSUBARA COFFEE stands out for its carefully prepared coffee, handmade baked goods and peaceful lakeside setting.