Speaking of Nagoya, many people may have the impression that it is a city with a deep-rooted coffee shop culture. During the period from 1955 to 1975, when the number of coffee shops increased rapidly, Nagoya's coffee shop culture developed its own unique charm. For local people, coffee shops are still an indispensable part of daily life.

Among them, "Cafe Bonbon" located in the shopping district of Nagoya City is a place where nostalgia and deliciousness coexist, as if you have traveled back in time. Since its establishment in 1949 (Showa 24), Cafe Bonbon has been loved by locals for over 70 years as one of Nagoya's most well-established coffee shops.

As Nagoya's new cafe culture flourishes, Café Bonbon is gaining attention as a place loved by new generations while preserving its history and traditions. It has also become a place visited by many tourists and young people in search of its old-fashioned atmosphere and delicious food.

Its appeal is its luxurious appearance, familiar and gentle taste, and affordable price.

All of the 30 to 40 types of cakes are handmade from scratch by artisans in the basement of the cafe building. The cakes are carefully made but are also reasonably priced, which is a great point. The cakes have a luxurious appearance but a gentle taste with just one bite, and they attract not only locals but also many tourists from all over the country. Since they are all handmade, it is extremely difficult to find all the types at once. We were given a special sneak peek at the recommended time to have all the cakes in stock. If you want to choose from a wide variety, coming around 2pm may be the best time to choose from the widest selection.

Kawaii designs that have captivated the hearts of many people throughout the ages

Cafe Bonbon's logo of a cute bear is a memorable one. They also have various collaboration products, so even if you don't live in Nagoya, you may have seen the mark at least once. The logo of this cafe, beloved by many people, was hand-drawn by the mother of the current third-generation owner, Hiroi Iwama, when he was in the third grade of elementary school. It is fascinating to see the pure illustration drawn by a child and how it was made into a logo.

Currently, the beloved logo remains as it was back then and is still used as the symbol of Cafe Bonbon. Working with the young staff to come up with ideas, the cafe is working hard to create a brand that is still recognized by many people. Cafe Bonbon original goods are also sold in the store, and the wonderful designs make great souvenirs.

A place that connects with the local community and is a popular tourist spot among young people

Café Bonbon has been loved by the locals for a long time. The warm interactions with the regulars are a sight you can only see at a coffee shop. The daughter of the owner, Mr. Iwama, is currently a junior high school student. When she was in kindergarten, she would have tea with the regulars and they loved her very much. Even after retirement, he continues to exchange New Year's cards with customers who have been coming to the cafe for a long time because his workplace is nearby, and he cherishes the loose connections he has made with people that were born here.

While it is loved by locals, it also gained attention nationwide after it collaborated with a general store to commemorate its 70th anniversary. Currently, many collaborative products have been created, and Café Bonbon's fans are increasing both in Japan and overseas.

The interior decoration has been preserved to be exactly as it was back then, making it a popular tourist spot for young people who want to enjoy a retro atmosphere. Café Bonbon is a place where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere and a wide variety of delicious cakes, and it continues to add color to the daily lives of people living in Nagoya today.

Store name: Western confectionery and cafe Bonbon

電話番号：052-931-0442

Address: 2-1-22 Izumi, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0001

Access: 5 minutes on foot from Takaoka Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Sakuradori Line

Official website: http://cake-bonbon.com/ 

Official SNS: https://www.instagram.com/bonbon1949_nagoya 

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.