The gentle curves and slopes from the Hakodate City Tram stop "Horaicho" to "Aoyagicho" are an essential part of introducing Hakodate. This nostalgic area is called "Romance Hill." With the open sky, tram, and road surface overlapping in three layers, this is a popular photo spot in Hakodate.

In the western Hakodate district, areas such as Aoyagicho and Yachigashira have a stronger residential feel than areas such as Motomachi and Suehirocho. However, there are many old houses and buildings, and many historical sites. In particular, Aoyagicho is the starting point of Romance Hill, and in recent years it has become a hidden popular spot for local residents, with new shops opening there.

Cafe Frieden is located right in front of the Aoyagicho tram stop, and is a casual hideaway where you can take a break while watching the trams go by.

From Yakumo to Hakodate. Searching for the perfect place, we arrived at Aoyagicho

The owner of the cafe is Ryo Kazuchi, an illustrator from Hakodate City. Cafe Frieden began its journey in 2020 as a challenge shop in Yakumo Town. Wanting to fulfill his long-held dream of opening a cafe in the western district, Kazuchi visited his hometown of Hakodate many times while living in Yakumo Town, searching for the ideal space. In 2022, Cafe Frieden moved to its current location, finally joining the ranks of cafes in the western district.

However, from the time of the opening of the store in Yakumo-cho, the COVID-19 pandemic was upon us. Was there any problem with relocating the store in the middle of that? When asked, Kazuto replied, "We have been running a small business ever since. We have other jobs during the week, but in order to make our dream come true, we decided to open a coffee shop only on weekends." Simply put, a small business is a side job. It's a very modern way of starting a business.

Colorful non-alcoholic cocktails, each with its own story

The main menu consists of colorful non-alcoholic cocktails, all priced at an easy-to-understand 600 yen each. They were apparently created with motifs from stories, novels, movies, etc., but Wato and her husband confided with a laugh, "Anyone who knows what we were imagining when they see the menu names will know right away."

Some of the drinks on the menu can be topped with ice cream and enjoyed as a cream soda. If you place this non-alcoholic cocktail in front of the large window overlooking the tram, the sunlight will shine on your hands, making them colorful. The vivid gradations, reminiscent of the colorful marbles you saw as a child, bring back bittersweet memories, creating a slightly retro and artistic time.

Adding a touch of warmth through art to a store filled with dreams

Another area worth noting is the space next to the counter. Here, Wadou's original watercolor and colored pencil illustrations and merchandise are on display. There are illustrations based on the drinks at the bar, as well as works that have been exhibited at solo exhibitions, making the corner feel like a gallery. The hand-drawn illustrations, which he has been drawing since his student days, combine with the atmosphere of Romancezaka to give the bar a slightly retro feel.

There will also be baked goods from KUU, whose labels were designed by Wadou. The maker is a friend of the couple, and has been delivering the goods since the Yakumo days. The fragrant, soft and sweet sweets add a warm essence to your time in the shop that is different from art.

The streetcars seen from the wide open windows, the non-alcoholic cocktails, the illustrations, and the atmosphere of the shop... everything will create an artistic atmosphere for your time in Hakodate. After the Yakumocho period, Kazuto-san achieved his long-held dream. If you look out over the city through the colorful drinks filled with dreams, you may notice a different view of Hakodate.

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Cafe Frieden
Address: 21 Aoyagicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: 1 minute walk from Hakodate City Tram "Aoyagicho"
Social Media: https://twitter.com/freedenhakodate
*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.