01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Step into the precincts of Akagi Shrine and you will find Akagi cafe, an airy space flanked on the west by tall glass windows looking out onto the leafy shrine grounds. Though set within a traditional Shinto sanctuary, the kitchen is led by an Italian cuisine chef, drawing a steady crowd at lunchtime for pasta plates and simmered savoury dishes. A standout favorite is the hamburg steak braised in tomato cream: the rich, velvety sauce comes paired with penne, accompanied by salad and a drink for a deeply satisfying meal.
The cafe and dessert offerings reflect the distinct character of the setting. Often ordered as a refreshing pause after paying respects at the shrine, the specialty Omiki gelato delivers a gentle aroma of sake balanced by a clean, light sweetness. Diners can also pick according to mood from Japanese and Western sweets, including Akagi Hime Megumi no Amazake—an original sweet fermented rice drink offered in plain or apple flavours—anmitsu served with fragrant hojicha roasted green tea, and toasted anko butter sandwiches that play sweet red bean paste against crisp, savory butter.
From late afternoon into dinner, the menu shifts toward authentic à la carte plates such as Gunma-produced prosciutto, assorted antipasti, and squid-ink tagliolini, which can be enjoyed at an unhurried pace alongside biodynamic natural wines and regional Italian selections. Situated just moments on foot from Exit 1b of Kagurazaka Station, the cafe accepts credit cards, transit IC cards, and various QR-code payment options, making it an easy, welcoming stop whether for a mid-walk lunch or a quiet evening meal.
