[Special] Capturing Ota City’s Essence: A Journey with Film and Compact Digital Cameras Embracing Nostalgia in Time-Honored Coffee Havens

Biwako exudes a captivating retro ambiance, enticing you to step back in time. *Captured with a film camera.
The plumall Umeyashiki Shopping Street unfolds its allure, extending from Umeyashiki Station towards Toho University Omori Medical Center. Nestled along this bustling thoroughfare is Coffee Biwako, a favored destination adorned with an expansive food menu that inevitably draws crowds, particularly during the bustling lunchtime hours.


The charming flowers adorning the shop are sourced from a local farmer in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, the hometown of Mrs. Yoshioka, one of the owners.
The softly illuminated furnishings exude a unique atmosphere, characteristic of objects that have gracefully matured over the years. Every piece has been meticulously polished, a testament to the dedicated preservation of its rich history. Managing the establishment are the second-generation owners, Mr. and Mrs. Yoshioka.


Indulge in the delectable Classic Napolitan, featuring perfectly blended tomato sauce and accompanied by a mini salad (770 yen). *Captured with a film camera.
Notably, the shop’s celebrated dish, “Mukashinagarano Napolitan (Classic Napolitan),” garnered high praise from a renowned Napolitan enthusiast who consumed a remarkable 2,000 servings. This acclaim has attracted patrons from across the nation, with some enthusiasts making a beeline to Biwako directly from Haneda Airport.


The name Umeyashiki harks back to an Edo-period rest house surrounded by hundreds of plum (ume) trees.
The shop’s name, Biwako, pays homage to its roots – the founder’s (the current owner’s father) training at a pickled vegetable store named “Biwako” in Shiga Prefecture. Given permission to adopt the name, the shop initially opened as a food store specializing in pickles and dried goods. During this era, Umeyashiki bore the scars of war so intensely that it was left almost in ruins, with the few remaining structures offering a bleak landscape that allowed for a clear view of the Ministry Lines (formerly Japanese National Railways, now JR) in the distance.


In early spring, the blossoms of plum trees grace Ota City Seiseki Kamata Umeyashiki Park. *Captured with a film camera.
As Japan underwent recovery, Umeyashiki transformed, marking the passage of time for the shop as well. Anticipating the rise of supermarkets, the store’s predecessor recognized that a food store would not stand a chance. Consequently, they pivoted to a coffee specialty shop, inspired by the popular establishments in Ginza, a transition that endures to this day.




Indulge in the Combination Pizza (950 yen) featuring a crispy, thin crust, making it effortlessly enjoyable from the first bite to the last.
While some menu items have retained their original charm since the shop’s inception, Biwako has adapted to customer preferences by introducing new dishes, responding to requests for vegetables, and incorporating seasonal delights like strawberries and plums. This diversity is a key reason behind Biwako’s popularity, offering an extensive food menu that entices patrons to explore something new every day.


The vibrant Blue Hawaii Float (600 yen) is a social media favorite. Also featured: Iced coffee (420 yen). *Captured with a film camera.
The drink menu mirrors this richness. The iced coffee, crafted with flannel drip for a fuller flavor, maintains the authentic taste from the shop’s early days. Pair it with milk as rich and satisfying as the coffee itself.


Experience the vibrant energy of the shopping district from the comfort of your window seat!
The couple, long-standing owners of this establishment, stewards of this area for an extended period, aspire to preserve the essence of this shopping district, keeping it perpetually unchanged. Coffee Biwako traces its origins to Shiga, a town of Omi merchants renowned for their “sambo yoshi” concept, embodying values that are “good for the seller, good for the buyer, and good for society.” The revered spirit of “customers first” continues to thrive at this distinguished establishment.


*Captured with a film camera.

The shop name’s vintage typeface and the stained-glass style signage evoke a retro charm that’s just begging to be captured in photos!
Coffee House Rouen, situated near JR Omori Station, is under the ownership of Mr. Takamasa Miyazawa, a second-generation proprietor of this charming coffee establishment. Once known as “Omori’s busiest entertainment district,” this neighborhood boasted four movie theaters lining up in front of the shop, creating a lively atmosphere that drew crowds daily. As we made our way towards Rouen, the history of cinema in Ota City lingered in our thoughts.


The shop boasts a spacious and inviting interior. The photo showcases the cozy seats on the second floor.
Sofas, tables, and downlights exude a warm and welcoming ambiance, as if the entire coffee shop is saying, “Please make yourself at home.”


From the counter, the owner keeps a watchful eye over the entire establishment.
While initially offering a menu that included spaghetti and fruit punch when it first opened, the predecessor changed course around 1974, declaring, “I want to turn this place into a coffee specialty shop.”


The neatly arranged utensils and cups tell a tale of history. *The photo on the left was captured with a film camera.
During that transformative period, the current owner, Mr. Miyazawa, relocated from Sugamo to Omori. Surrounded by movie theaters and a nearby shopping district with an arch, he marveled at the urbanity even as a child. A short stroll eastward revealed the sea and the airport, while the Sanno area on the opposite side of the station led to the culturally infused Magome Bunshimura (Magome Writers’ Village). “The charm of Ota City lies in its multifaceted nature. It has always been a comfortable place to live,” he expressed with delight.




Discover the secret flavor of mustard butter in Mixed Sandwiches (700 yen).
Recently, Mr. Miyazawa has felt a sense of regret, wishing he had engaged in more conversations with his suddenly departed predecessor. Although he gleaned valuable insights into drinks and management while standing at the counter with his predecessor, there wasn’t ample time to understand his “thoughts.” For instance, the origin of their original tea, named Rose of Versailles, remains a mystery, with Mr. Miyazawa offering only conjectures when asked about its nomenclature.


Indulge in the delightful Coffee Jelly crowned with a rose-shaped cream (600 yen).
Nevertheless, the spirit of the shop transcends time, residing fondly in the hearts of patrons. A woman, who once lived in Omori two decades ago, journeyed to Rouen with her small child, remarking, “I stayed at a hotel in Kamata because I really wanted to visit Rouen upon my temporary return from Australia.” Another individual, who had a part-time job as a student at Rouen, sought advice at the shop, saying, “I’ve reached retirement age and plan to start a coffee shop akin to Rouen as my second life.” It remains a renowned establishment that maintains its connection with those who have had a relationship with Omori at various points in their lives.


Witness the art of Café Au Lait (600 yen) as milk and coffee come together in a captivating performance right before your eyes!

A throwback to 1976: Rouen’s advertisement in a local town magazine.
A place that evokes nostalgia for the older generation and introduces novelty to the younger one, the owner’s generation serves as a bridge, connecting them through the enduring appearance of the shop and the timeless taste of its coffee. Even if the essence defies expression in words, these unique and irreplaceable elements will be passed down in the hearts of customers for generations to come.


*Captured with a film camera.

We hope you enjoyed this retro coffee shop special. In this series, we’ll persist in uncovering the allure of Ota City through the lens of a film camera and old compact digital camera.

There are many more attractive places in Ota City. Try finding your own place that you can recommend Ota City for. If you find your favorite, please make sure to post on SNS. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #uniqueota!

Ota City promotion website “Unique Ota” delivers information about the appeal of Ota City with the keywords “a town where you can encounter unique locations unlike anywhere else, which can only be found in Ota City.”

We encourage you to dig deep to find the contents you are interested in. Check back soon for the next edition!