Japan has no shortage of beautiful cafes and cakes. In Saga City, near the local government office, is Musenkan Cafe(Japanese) – a small cafe with a variety of desserts, teas and light meals.
Musenkan Cafe is located south of Saga Station, around 20 minutes on foot or a 5 minute bus ride. Off from the main street, this is one of Saga’s hidden treasures. A popular spot for tea and sweets, especially for women, it can be busy on weekends but weekdays are usually quiet. It is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00. It is designed like a British tearoom, with beautiful decor, dishes and cutlery.
The food at the Cafe is homemade and many of the dishes are made from scratch when you order. Though this can take a little time, they are made with great care and taste great. One of their specialities is scones, something not so common in Japanese cafes. They are served with homemade jam and cream and can be bought in a set with a cup of tea. A variety of other sweet foods are also available, such as French toast served with syrup and cream, and also a selection of parfaits. At the counter, there is a display window of cakes. Some of these vary by season and with the various options you are spoilt for choice. These are also available in their lunch and afternoon tea sets. When you order, the shop assistant brings a plate of all the cakes available for you to choose one. If you order their cake plate, the cake is served with a scoop of ice cream.
Musenkan Cafe also has a wide selection of teas available, served in beautiful tea cups. As well as a selection of teas from China and India, there are flavoured teas like caramel and strawberry. Coffee and hot chocolate are on the menu, as well as Viennese coffee which is topped with delicious whipped cream. Cold drinks like iced tea, perriers and fruit juice are also available. Along with their sweet dishes and drinks, you can also have a savoury meal. You can try their quiche, another unusual dish for Japanese cafes, or their pitta bread sandwich filled with tomato, cheese and ham.
As well as picking and choosing from the menu, there are also set options available at certain times. Their Lunch Tea is available from 11:00 to 14:00 and includes a savoury option like quiche or sandwiches, a drink and cake; all of which you can choose freely and it all costs only 1080yen. From 14:00 to 17:00 their Afternoon Tea is available. Served on a tier cake stand, this includes two scones, your choice of croissant or toasted sandwich, a cake from the counter display and your choice of drink. This costs 1620 yen.
Though it may seem strange to recommend a western style cafe during a visit to Japan, Musenkan Cafe gives you the chance to try a Japanese take on food from another country. Visiting on a weekday gives you a peaceful space to treat yourself to something sweet or a light lunch with a bit of indulgence. The care and effort put into the food here ensures a lovely treat!
Photo by: Humanite Saga
