Translated with the help of ChatGPT.
The original Japanese article is here >> 姫路城近くのVeganカフェ [ cafe コトナキ ] | 姫路
Just a short turn off Otemae Street, which extends from Himeji Station.
Cafe Kotonaki opened in July 2025.
They offer lunch menus, sweets, and drinks that change regularly.
The menu is vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed both in the café and for takeout.
Great Location with Easy Access from Himeji Castle
The owner of Kotonaki previously worked at Teeda Café, a long-loved spot in Himeji, where they were in charge of the entire menu including meals and sweets.
Teeda was known for offering healthy and vegan options, which were still rare in Himeji at the time. It gained a strong following even before relocating.
In June 2024, Teeda reopened on Nozato Kaido but decided not to focus on vegan offerings in the new location. So, drawing on Teeda’s recipes, Kotonaki was opened near Himeji Castle — a popular spot among tourists — as a café centered on vegan cuisine.
Vegan-Friendly Lunch & Café Menu
Most of Kotonaki’s menu is vegan, with only a few exceptions.
The menu isn’t fixed, and items like the lunch sets and muffin flavors rotate regularly.
As of July 2025, the menu includes:
Lunch: Taco Rice Set Meal, Vegan Karaage Set Meal
Sweets: Daily Muffins (Caramel Nut, Coffee Cardamom), Vegan Gateau Chocolat, Cheesecake (contains dairy | Earl Grey, Coffee), Vegan Coffee Jelly
Drinks: Several options available
Vegetables are sourced from local farms in Ichikawa and surrounding areas. The rice is from Yumesaki, Himeji, flour is domestically produced, and seasonings are carefully selected for quality.
Explore the Unique Shops of “Himeji 68 Banchi”
Kotonaki is located just seconds off Otemae Street, which leads to Himeji Castle.
This neighborhood is home to many unique independent shops, making it a fun area to explore.
🔴 Right across from Kotonaki is 🟢 KUUHAKUCOFFEE_HIMEJI, where you can enjoy siphon coffee. You’re welcome to bring Kotonaki’s muffins there!
Likewise, you can bring KUUHAKU coffee to Kotonaki — a delightful partnership.
🟠 Spice Suehiro (Spice Curry)
🔵 Obake Press (Printmaking experiences and sales)
🟣 Aigrette (Natural Wine & Neo-Bistro)
🟡 Nakazaki Coffee Roaster Honmachi (Coffee Beans & Drip Coffee)
🟤 Vert (Soft Serve & Sweets)
There are many more hidden gems around the area.
The Karoyashikiato Park, just a short walk away, is also a great place to take a relaxing break while exploring the surroundings.
A Café for All — Across Backgrounds, Beliefs, and Borders
The café’s name “Kotonaki” comes from the Japanese phrase “kotonaki wo eru” — meaning to avoid problems or troubles and bring peace.
It’s a hopeful wish that no matter the situation, “things will work out” — or already have.
Having just opened, the café is still in its early stages, but they plan to eventually switch from monthly to weekly rotating muffins and lunches. They’re also considering offering gluten-free treats and nationwide online muffin sales.
With its convenient location near Himeji Castle and English-speaking staff, Kotonaki is sure to be a favorite among both local and international visitors.
Whether avoiding animal products for personal beliefs, allergies, or simply mood, everyone is welcome here.
Rather than being a strictly vegan café, Kotonaki aims to be a place where locals and tourists alike — regardless of reasons or backgrounds — can gather, eat, and smile together without having to compromise.
Cafe Kotonaki – Details
Address:
2F North Room, Himekojou Building, 68 Honmachi, Himeji City
5 counter seats, and 2 semi-private tables (2 seats each)
Reservations and private bookings available
Opening Hours:
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last Order: 6:30 PM)
Closed on Wednesdays
* For temporary closures, check the official Kotonaki Instagram
Parking/Bike Parking:
None available
* Coin parking lots and public underground parking are nearby
Official Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cafe_kotonaki/