Located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Cafe Room Baton is a charming cafe where visitors can experience a nostalgic yet stylish Showa-modern ambiance. We had the opportunity to speak with the owner and learn more about what makes this place special.
A Nostalgic Restaurant-Style Kissaten
Cafe Room Baton is nestled inside the Hirosaki Civic Hall, one of the architectural masterpieces by Kunio Maekawa in Hirosaki.
"At Cafe Room Baton, guests can appreciate the architectural value of Hirosaki Civic Hall, part of Kunio Maekawa’s collection of buildings in the city. While maintaining the solid, timeless charm of the Showa era, we incorporate modern approaches in our interior design and menu to offer customers a fresh experience."
With its classic restaurant-style atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa period, the cafe provides a relaxing space to enjoy a delicious meal. Be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself.
The Return of the Master’s Napolitan
We asked the owner to recommend some of the cafe’s most popular dishes, starting with the highly acclaimed Napolitan (¥1,265 including tax).
This Napolitan is made from a unique original recipe, showcasing the owner’s dedication and creativity:
"I was never a fan of traditional Napolitan with a strong tomato acidity. So, I created a version where the tartness of tomatoes and ketchup is softened, allowing the umami of vegetables and the sweetness of bacon to shine through. It all started as a dish I made for friends, and eventually, I decided to put it on the menu."
Before opening Cafe Room Baton, the owner ran a different restaurant where this Napolitan became a cult favorite. Many fans from the previous establishment still seek it out, and new customers keep coming back for more. Once you try it, you might just become a Napolitan enthusiast too!
A Demi-Glace Sauce Perfected Over the Years
Another must-try item is the demi-glace sauce dishes, which took years to perfect.
"My inspiration came from a Western-style restaurant in Kobe that I frequented as a student. That restaurant is no longer around, but I could never forget the taste of their beef stew. Relying on my memory, I spent years refining my own demi-glace sauce recipe. My first dish featuring it was Hayashi Rice, and as my staff’s skills improved over the next three years, we were finally able to introduce our signature Beef Cheek Stew—a dish that has since delighted many customers."
- Hayashi Rice (¥1,540 including tax) offers a luxurious harmony of beef umami, rich demi-glace sauce, and the natural sweetness and aroma of vegetables.
- Beef Cheek Stew (¥1,650 including tax) delivers a deep, nostalgic flavor, with tender slow-cooked beef cheek that perfectly melds with the rich, velvety demi-glace sauce.
Both dishes highlight the dedication and passion poured into the creation of the cafe’s demi-glace sauce. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor these exceptional flavors.
A Dessert Inspired by Stained Glass
Perched on the mezzanine floor of Hirosaki Civic Hall, Cafe Room Baton offers a stunning view of stained glass artwork from its open space. The stained glass piece, titled "The Blue Time", was created by Nui Sano, a Western-style painter from Hirosaki.
Inspired by this artwork, the cafe crafted a special dessert: "Five-Color Jelly Punch - The Blue Time" (¥715 including tax). This refreshing dessert features colorful fruit jelly floating in soda, evoking the vibrant summer landscapes of Tsugaru. As you enjoy this delightful treat, take in the stained glass view and immerse yourself in the artistic beauty of Hirosaki.
Specialty Single-Origin Coffee
The roots of Cafe Room Baton trace back to a coffee and tea specialty shop, and today, that legacy continues.
"Since this place originally started as a coffee shop, coffee remains our signature menu item! Nowadays, coffee preferences are diverse—some seek fruity notes, while others desire deep, rich flavors. Much like wine, coffee is now evaluated based on traceability and roasting styles unique to its origin.
We always keep over 20 varieties of green coffee beans in stock, ensuring freshly roasted coffee for our customers. Recently, we've introduced selections like Colombian coffee with peach-like aromas and the trending Geisha coffee, brewed to perfection using the AeroPress."
The coffee menu changes every one to four weeks, offering customers new flavors to discover regularly. There are even coffee cocktails blended with soda and fruit juice—be sure to give them a try!
A Place to Create Warm Memories
To conclude, we asked the owner about their vision for the future of Cafe Room Baton:
"We aim to grow as a cherished community space, strengthening collaborations with local events and providing customers with exciting new experiences. Our goal is to offer both locals and tourists a warm and welcoming place to enjoy their time."
With its alluring Showa-retro atmosphere and carefully curated menu, Cafe Room Baton continues to attract visitors from near and far.
As a side note, the cafe is actively developing new menu items, each infused with the owner’s signature creativity and dedication. Stay updated on their latest offerings by following their Instagram!
Stay tuned for more features on unique establishments in Hirosaki.
Cafe Room Baton
- Location: 1-6 Shimoshirogane
-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356 - Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Every 3rd Monday (or the following day if it falls on a public holiday)
- Phone: 0172-88-8928
- Official Website: Hirosaki Civic Hall - Cafe Baton
- Instagram: @cafe_baton