Experience the depth and spirit of inquisitiveness at the long-established『Coffee-an』

Established in 1980, 'Coffee-an' is one of the shops that has led Tokushima's coffee culture. Master Kondo is a light roast enthusiast through and through, and has been serving light roasts since the shop's opening. While light roasts are no longer unusual nowadays, at the time, it was one of the precious few places in Tokushima where you could drink light roast coffee. Drawn by the calm atmosphere characteristic of a long-established shop and the comfortable communication that maintains just the right distance, it is beloved by a wide range of generations from regulars to young people.

The standard blends are centered on medium-dark roasts tailored to the preferences of Tokushima locals. However, what I'd particularly recommend is the light roast coffee that the master loves. Since many aren't listed on the menu, if you ask directly, he'll share recommendation after recommendation. “My top pick is a variety called Geisha—I want people who think coffee is thick and bitter to try it especially. I've been working in this world for many years, and I still can't forget the excitement I felt when I drank Geisha coffee 10 years ago. Rather than selling coffee, I buy and try various types of coffee because I want to enjoy them myself. And because I want to share the coffee that has moved me with everyone, I can't help but recommend them,” he says with a laugh. His passion for coffee is clear.

On this day, I had the [Peru] Geisha. Unusual for a traditional café, they consistently stock about three varieties of Geisha from different origins. Among them, the one he particularly recommends is Panama's Geisha [Esmeralda]. “It's very popular, so if we can get it in stock, we're lucky—but when the shop has it, I definitely want people to try it. The aroma is exceptionally gorgeous, and I'm completely captivated by it,” says Kondo.

A place where people come together and culture emerges 『HACHIO COFFEE』

At the foot of Mount Bizan, a symbol of Tokushima City, is 'HACHIO COFFEE,' a shop that at first glance looks like a private residence. When you open the door, owner Hashimoto greets you. People gather as if drawn by Hashimoto's gentle and cheerful personality, conversing and making this a place where Tokushima's new culture is born. Chairs are arranged around Hashimoto, and it's common to see first-time customers and regulars talking together. “I'm kind of like a snack bar mama.”, he jokingly says.

For beans, they offer medium-dark roast blends and single-origin light roasts. The light roasts in particular are finished so the acidity doesn't stand out too much, resulting in a round, gentle flavor with a sweet aftertaste. 'When you hear "light roast," you might have an image of something sour, but when you compare them, the quality of the acidity is different. There's refreshing acidity like lemon, and acidities with sweet aromas like peach. I think this difference is one of the pleasures of light roast coffee,” says Hashimoto.

The recommendation on this day was [Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Wote Konga Village] (650 yen). It has an approachable, easy-to-drink flavor even for first-time light roast drinkers. It's characterized by a berry-like aroma reminiscent of strawberries, with almost no bitterness. It's a cup you can enjoy like tea.

For sweets, they offer treats sent by Hashimoto's friends. On this day, it was the [Salt Chocolate Soft Cookie] (340 yen) from 'bake shop TAMU.' The rich, moist chocolate aroma pairs perfectly with coffee. The sweets in stock vary by day, so what's available is part of the day's surprise.

“I love going to coffee shops for everything—the coffee, meeting people, all of it." It's the perfect place for people like that.

Bringing specialty coffee to everyday Tokushima life at 'Coffee To'

Finally, we visit a young shop owner bringing a fresh breeze to Tokushima's coffee culture. With glass-framed lattice windows and exposed concrete, it's a coffee stand you can drop by casually. 'To Coffee,' started in 2020 with the desire to 'spread the appeal of specialty coffee to everyday life in Tokushima, where dark roast culture is rooted,' unusually for the prefecture, offers only light roast single-origin beans.

“Even when you simply say "light roast," if the producer, bean variety, or processing method differs—not just the origin—the coffee's flavor is completely different. Comparing drinks and wondering "why does it taste like this?" while thinking about the origin and producers is one of the pleasures of coffee, I think,” says owner Morita. It's not unusual to see multiple beans from the same origin, such as 'Colombia' or 'Honduras,' lined up. When in doubt, it is recommended to order the [Coffee Tasting Comparison] (from 850 yen). When you compare them, you should be able to notice differences in aroma and taste.

The recommendation on this day was [Honduras - Juan Carlos Juárez] (950 yen). The gorgeous aroma, smooth texture, and sweet, lingering aftertaste were enchanting. Apparently, it's a rare bean that doesn't often reach the market.

The sweets to enjoy with coffee are handled by his wife Nishitani. On this day, an [Apple Tart] (450 yen) made with Shinano Rip apples is available. With the desire to use local ingredients as much as possible, they also offer gluten-free sweets made with prefectural rice flour. Beyond seasonal desserts, the lineup varies by day with baked goods and more.
“We want families with children to feel free to drop by,” say the couple, who are in the midst of raising small children themselves. It's a place that makes you want to keep coming back, thinking 'I'm glad there's a coffee shop like this in town.'

Each shop carefully hand-drips your coffee, so chatting with the owner during the drip process is an enjoyable moment. All of the owners say that it's totally okay to talk to them while the coffee is dripping. When you visit the shop, feel free to ask about the beans and/or brewing methods.

At each shop, beans are replaced as they run out, so you can enjoy unique coffee each time you visit. Please try to find your favorite cup of coffee in Tokushima.