Locals who love Takeda and immigrants who are attracted to the area gather here,
A food, souvenir, and lodging complex created through a new project to revitalize an old private house.
Food and products that can only be experienced here will bring new life to Takeda City.

Prologue Aiming for a place where people can meet, gather, and be fulfilled

In April this year, a unique facility renovated from an old private house opened 100 meters from JR Bungo Taketa Station in the center of Taketa City, Oita Prefecture, combining the bakery cafe "Kadopan" (relocated and renovated) and the guest house "Taketa Ekimae Hostel cue.

At first glance, it looks like a long-established store that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of Takeda's castle town, but in fact, it is a hybrid old private house where a "bakery" and a "guesthouse," both of which are operated in different genres and under different management, share the facilities and space. In addition to sharing the kitchen and café space, the two establishments also share a unique space in a single old private house that cannot be found in ordinary bakeries or guesthouses, such as when Mr. and Mrs. Horiba of "Tata Ekimae Hostel cue" open a bar in the café space of "Kadopan" in the evening. This is a very unique facility.
Sometimes there are happy happenings, such as when guests who have come to relieve travel fatigue and locals who have stopped by to buy bread sit around the same table and get to know each other.

The stylish "Kadopan" café space with mosaic-patterned walls. The walls, floor, interior, table sets, etc. are all hand-crafted with the help of themselves and their friends.

This is a shared space between "Kadopan" and "Tatakata Ekimae Hostel cue". Lunch can be served here during the day, and from evening to night, it becomes a common room for hostel guests.

Incidentally, this facility is located in Ogata Town, Oita Prefecture.Kitchen Usda Yama CafeThe owner of "Kadopan" and representative of its flagship store, "Kadopan", Mr. Akira Usuda, and the facility is just a stone's throw away.『Osteria e Bar RecaDThe "Imiruba" project was launched by Takahiko Kuwashima, the representative of "Imiruba" and Takao Horiba and his wife Sakura, who moved to the area as members of the Regional Development Cooperation Volunteers, to breathe new life into the community, The project is a handmade renovation of an old private house, with all parties involved working together as a team.

 

Kadopan/Kadopan Cafe relocated and reopened in front of the station

The artistic and simple design of the past has been replaced by a softer atmosphere created from old wood and handiwork. The soul of "Kitchen Usda," a pioneer of countryside cafes, has been retained, and new limited edition items that match the nostalgic castle town are also available.

Kadopan" is located in Ogata-cho, Bungo-Ono City.Kitchen Usda Yama CafeThe second store of "Imiruba" opened in Takeda City in 2013 and was relocated and renewed in the central city area in front of JR Bungo Taketa Station by the "Imiruba" project at the end of March this year, 2017.

The head office, "Kitchen Usda Yama Cafeis a bakery and café store run by Mr. and Mrs. Usuda, who moved from Tokyo and are pioneers of "country cafes" in the central Kyushu area (Click here to see past reports from Kitchen Usda.), based on the concept of "delicious bread that is safe for the body and produced because of this land," the bread is carefully made with carefully selected ingredients such as domestic wheat, natural salt, homemade natural yeast, cane sugar, spring water, and organic foods, all mainly from Kyushu.
And "Kadopan" also has a "Kadopan" every morning.Kitchen Usda Yama CafeThe aroma of freshly baked bread is delivered to the restaurant, and the aroma of wheat wafts softly through the air.

The previous store was designed to contrast with the main store, Kitchen Usda, and was a contemporary art space with a simple interior. The new store has a nostalgic design with a warm atmosphere created by the history of old houses, old materials, and handiwork.
Of course, the store renovation was handmade by the owner, Mr. Usuda, and his staff.

The table boards are not coated with oil, but rather are left in the natural state of the trees, so that the changes that accumulate over time can be enjoyed as part of the design.

The wallpaper is made of Nepalese paper. The retro texture of the paper, which still has fibers of plants and trees, fits the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Akira Usuda, representative of "Kitchen Usuda Yama Cafe".

When the roof of the old house was stripped off, magnificent beams were revealed, and the imposing style of the house was left as the design. The letters written during the construction of the house at that time can also be seen. The mosaic-patterned walls made of old wood were assembled one by one by hand.

 

Product Introduction Bread from "Kitchen Usda" made of Kyushu ingredients and "Kado-ban" limited edition products

The most attractive feature of "Kitchen Usuda" and "Kado-ban" is the authentic bread made with European methods using organic ingredients and homemade natural yeast grown in Kyushu's nature, based on Mr. Usuda's experience as a boulanger (baker) at a famous restaurant in Tokyo. In addition, all fillings, such as tsubuan (sweet bean paste) and custard, are handmade with a lot of time and effort.
In addition to Kitchen Usda's basic series, "Kado-ban" sells a limited number of old-fashioned delicatessen breads and sweet breads that match the streets of Takeda, the superb pain perdu that was the main offering at the previous store, and sandwiches that can be a light meal or lunch for people working in nearby stores and offices. The shop is located in the center of the city.

*Kitchen Usda's basic bread isPrevious ReportsPlease refer to

Pain au chocolat 260 yen

As you can see from the appearance, the croissant dough is carefully made extremely thin, and the luxurious sweet bread is made with "Valrhona" chocolate, which is said to be one of the finest brands in France.

Soy milk scone 180 yen

Healthy scones made with whole wheat flour, without butter or milk. It is one of the most popular products at Kitchen Usda, as it is safe to eat even for those with dairy product allergies.

Homemade yakisoba bread 200 yen Hot dog 300 yen

Yakisoba bread and old-fashioned hot dogs with a simple taste made with bread and yakisoba noodles made from wheat grown in Kyushu. Limited to Kadopan.

Anbata 200 yen

An excellent collaboration of homemade tsubu-an (sweet bean paste) and fine butter. It goes great with crispy French bread.

Chocolate cornet 180 yen

High quality cornet with original chocolate cream made from the finest French chocolate, wrapped in fluffy dough. Recommended not only as a snack for children, but also as a souvenir for adult tea party.

Based in Bungo Ono City, Tao Organic Kitchen handcrafts products using locally grown seasonal vegetables and carefully selected ingredients.
From left to right: "Shio koji bagna cauda (900 yen)," "Yakuzen raayu (800 yen)," and "Soy hummus (800 yen)

Organic materials used in Kitchen Usda and Kadopan are also sold in the store.

 

Café Menu: Nature's Blessings to Energize Your Body from Cell to Cell

Lunch plate 900 yen (monthly change, drink set)

■Lunch time: 11:00-14:00

Gratin of bamboo shoots and asparagus
Marinated snap peas and fresh onions
Spring Cabbage Soup
Salad with homemade soy milk mayonnaise
Assorted bread

*Content varies depending on availability, etc.

To experience the charm of "Kadopan," we recommend the lunch plate.
The main dish of the day's lunch was bamboo shoots gratin with an original white sauce. Plenty of fresh bamboo shoots from the morning are used, and the rhythm of their crispy texture echoes in the melt-in-your-mouth sauce.

The salad is topped with homemade soy milk mayonnaise for a refreshing aftertaste. This is a nice touch for those who do not like mayonnaise or are allergic to eggs.

Lunch comes with a basket full of assorted recommended breads. You can enjoy many varieties at once.

 

Vegetable curry 800 yen (naan, salad and drink set)

This slightly sweet curry is made with seasonal vegetables in paste form and only spices. It is served with a large naan and is quite hearty.

The luxurious curry with many vegetables infused into it offers a different and profound flavor that is synergistic with the texture, sweetness, and aroma of the naan.

 

Interview with Akira Usuda, Representative of Kitchen Usda Kadopan

Attracted by the nostalgic downtown atmosphere of Takeda City, locals are rediscovering its charms, more people are moving to the area, and a diverse range of people are coming together. The gathering of people provides an opportunity to open a hidden door to something. We want to be a place where something like that can happen.

Q: What made you decide to move from your previous location?

"For some time, my friends and I have often talked about the need for cafes and lodging facilities in the city center so that more people can enjoy the downtown atmosphere that is unique to Takeda City.『Takahiko Kuwashima, the representative of Osteria e Bar RecaD, approached me and the project "Imiruba" was launched.

*For more information about Ymirubathis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)for more information.

I have always regretted that there are so few souvenir stores and cafes in such a good location right next to JR Bungo Taketa Station, and it is a shame that there are empty houses in the area. If there were souvenir shops, restaurants, and inns in front of the station, the charm of Takeda City would be better communicated, and it would be a place where people could meet and gather. When I thought, "What can we do as a bakery? I thought we should move here.

Q: What are the major differences from the previous "Kadopan"?

The previous store was located a bit far from the central city center and had a simple design that was a complete change of atmosphere from Kitchen Usda, as if it were a subtraction. The basic bread was the same, but the main focus was set on the superb pain perdu. However, being in front of a train station, there are many stores and offices around, and the movement of people is different. We designed the shop to match the downtown atmosphere and added more products only available at Kadopan to meet the needs of customers, such as sandwiches that are easy to use for lunch or a light meal.

Q: What new things are you going to try in the future?

Mr. and Mrs. Horiba of the hostel open a bar in the Kado Pang space in the evenings, and we are planning to have a representative of Kado Pang stand at the counter once a month or so to create a different atmosphere. We would also like to increase the menu of breads with plenty of vegetables so that people can feel more of the nature in Takeda.

Thank you for your time.

 

takata ekimae hostel cue

Renovated in the form of an old private house. The hostel has a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have come home. The hostel will be a "cue" for many encounters, trips, and opportunities to become a fan of Takeda.

Address: 560-1, Takeda-cho, Takeda City, Oita Prefecture
Phone: 0974-63-0179
Check-in: 16:00 - 21:30 Out 10:00
URL:http://solairodays.com/

We renovated it with our own hands while retaining the good old aspects of the large corridors, courtyard, and halls that are unique to a 70-year-old large old private house. The first floor hall serves as a "lounge and common room" where travelers can socialize, while the second floor is equipped with capsule dormitories and private rooms that are designed to provide privacy for individuals, and can accommodate up to 15 people. The second floor is equipped with capsule dormitories and private rooms that can accommodate up to 15 people.

The dormitory is equipped with a mixed dormitory for 6 men and women and a women-only dormitory for 4 women, and each bedroom is separated by a curtain. By the way, this is a "Takeda dyed cloth" handmade by the proprietress, Sakura Horiba! The soft texture of nature itself matches the atmosphere of the old private house.

Kitchen, washroom and bathroom are for shared use.

The bedrooms are also equipped with reading lights, electrical outlets, and FreeWi-Fi.

This is the women-only dormitory on the second floor. For women who tend to carry more luggage, one space is larger than the other, and a large three-sided mirror is also provided.

One private room for 2 persons from 9500 yen. The same electrical outlets, reading light, and Wi-Fi are also available. In addition, double rooms are also available. All rooms and common spaces have been renovated for your convenience and comfort.

 

Interview with Sakura Horiba, Proprietress

She and her husband moved to Taketa City as a member of the Regional Development Cooperation Volunteers, after working as an elementary school teacher. I would like to create a hostel where local people and visitors can interact with each other, which is the biggest attraction of Taketa City, and to be an opportunity to increase the number of fans of Taketa.

Q: First of all, how did you come to move to Takeda City?

Before moving to Japan, I was an elementary school teacher in my hometown of Fukuoka, and moved to Kanto when I got married. I love to travel, and while I was a teacher, I traveled to many places, both in Japan and abroad, and chose hostels where I could stay and interact with locals and travelers. After many such opportunities, I began to think, 'I want to expand my world view. Then, I decided to live in the countryside, which I had always envisioned, and upon learning about the "Regional Development Cooperation Corps" program, I turned my attention to my hometown in Kyushu and applied to Taketa City, which is rich in nature, and was hired and moved to Takeda City in August 2014.

Q: How do you feel about moving here?

I enjoy it very much. I think there is a lot to learn in this area on a daily basis, from the self-sufficient lifestyle of cultivating fields in an environment surrounded by great nature to the many opportunities to come into contact with history and traditional culture. Many locals have grown up in this town since they were small children, and the whole town is like a school. School buildings stand side by side, connected by large corridors, and seniors and juniors greet each other with smiles, as if it were a matter of course. People interact with each other on a daily basis, teaching and learning from each other. When I first moved here, I thought I might be able to use some of my teaching experience, but I still have a lot to learn.

Q: When did you start planning to open a guesthouse?

I was a member of the Regional Development Cooperation Volunteers, which had a fixed term of office, but I wanted to continue to do what I could do to help the local community, regardless of the term of office. I also came to think that I would like to open a guesthouse, a place where I could expand my worldview. A guesthouse not only functions as an inn, but also as a place where travelers can interact with each other. It is a place where you can talk about your travels and yourself in the common room or living room, connect with locals, and create many other opportunities. Incidentally, one guesthouse was the place where I met my husband. Like me, I wanted to create a place where many futures would unfold just by staying at that inn. I met Mr. Kuwashima as a member of the Regional Development Cooperation Volunteers, and it matched his strong desire to "create a guesthouse in Taketa City," which triggered Mr. Kuwashima's own U-turn, and the "Imiruba" project was launched, which has continued to this day."

Q: How do you feel about the actual opening?

Although we have only just opened, we have already had guests from all walks of life stop by to stay, including a young man on a round-the-Japan bicycle trip, travelers from abroad, and locals who have enjoyed a meal in Takeda. We often talk with them and have a good time with them. I also feel a sense of fulfillment in my job of "earning money by myself," which I did not understand when I was a teacher. I hope to learn a lot more in the future."

Q: What are your future plans?

We will borrow the kitchen of Kadopan and open the BAR at night and serve breakfast in the morning to guests so that they can also enjoy dinner and breakfast using ingredients from Takeda City and homemade rice," he said. We would like to make this inn a place where many "triggers = cue" will be created for visitors to become Takeda fans and to want to travel.

Thank you for your time!

 

Access

The facility is 100 meters from "JR Takeda Station" (above), crossing the Takeda Bridge (bottom left) in front of the station. There is no parking at the facility. Please use the pay parking lot next to the station (bottom right).

 

MAP

Takeda-cho, Takeda-shi, Oita 878-0012

 

Interview and editorial staff

Model, Report, Editing: Nozomi Nakamoto
Photography and production: VOKE Ltd.