Kamakura is not only fascinating in terms of its rich history, it also boasts an eclectic array of cafes, restaurants and bakeries. These outlets provide food from traditional Japanese cuisine to Italian pizza and provide the weary hiker with a good rest.
One of these rest stops is the Maruyama Coffee Cafe looking onto the famous Wakamiya Oji road. A short walk (7 minutes) from Kamakura Station, Maruyama makes for a perfect beginning or end-of-a-day of sightseeing. I personally went there in a haze before embarking on a long walk around the city.
Maruyama Coffee is a Japanese company whose humble beginnings date back to 1990, followed by its first cafe in Karuizawa in 2003. Since then it has expanded rapidly, while keeping to its principle and unique charm. The company has cafes in Nagano, Risonare, Kamakura, Nishi-Azabu, Oyamadai and Tokyo.
If you are a coffee geek, or just really love trying new and exotic coffee flavours, Maruyama is the place for you. Famous for its habit of searching for the best and rarest beans, the choice of flavours available is impressive. The cafe is a far cry from your standard Starbucks, you will not find a cinnamon orange latte here.
Maruyama is one of those places where they really care about coffee and barista skills. All the staff are trained to the highest level and are professionals. As five year winners of the Japanese Barista Championship and having achieved success at the World Barista Championships under their belts, the staff are skilled and have an almost unnerving dedication to good service.
The interior is clean and modern, using metal and wood to a minimalist end, while still, somehow, gives one a very cosy feeling. After a French press of speciality coffee, you may even leave with a bag of beans for home.
