Sabo Tojibito

令和7年度　伴走型小規模事業者支援推進事業　別府商工会議所

I take off my shoes at the entrance and turn the corner of the hallway.

Before me, I see a nostalgic Japanese-style room, a veranda, and a small garden just beyond.

It feels like stepping back in time.

The traditional house where Tojibito is located was once the “house of friendship” between Mamoru Shigemitsu, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Shiro Miyamoto, the founder of Toyoken restaurant.

Driven by the conviction that this building must be preserved for future generations, the current owner, Mr. Shigemitsu (no relation to the former Minister), contemplated how to best utilize the space after gaining ownership of the long abandoned house.

He considered turning it into a luxury inn, among other ideas, but ultimately decided that a cafe was the best way to introduce the house to as many people as possible.

Drawing on his love of cafe hopping and the connections he forged while cleaning local hot spring baths during his university days, he took the plunge and opened this shop.

He admits that the endeavor is a real challenge.

Nevertheless, his gaze is warm and filled with hope for the future as he dedicates his life to protecting this building and passing it on to the next generation.

With a menu featuring delicious coffee, Japanese sweets like zenzai, and even a tea ceremony experience he learned from his grandmother, I find this wonderful Japanese-style cafe easy to recommend to any international guest.

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