A SWEET Way To Beat The Heat 😉

Minimalist, modern seating inside CALDA Affogato Café in Nakazakicho with soft lighting and a potted plant by the wall.
A cozy, air-conditioned escape from the summer heat—perfect for sipping affogato and unwinding in style.

 

It’s hot out—so what better way to spend time than indoors at a cozy, air-conditioned café? Whether you’re cooling off, indulging in a dessert, or just catching up with friends, café hopping in Nakazakicho is one of the best ways to enjoy your summer days in Osaka.

My very first blog post was all about the charming “nooks and crannies” of Nakazakicho. So, it’s a full-circle moment to now share even more wonderful cafés I’ve discovered in this artsy little neighborhood.

The Nooks and Crannies of Nakazakicho

If you know me, you know I love eating and café hopping—haha! I’m always on the lookout for Instagram-worthy cafés with aesthetic decor, unique themes, and (most importantly) delicious food.

So here it is—my updated list of 7 highly recommended cafés in Nakazakicho!

5 Wonderful Cafes

Ham and cheese croissant, pain au chocolat, and iced coffee served at PATHFINDER café in Nakazakicho
Brunch goals unlocked. PATHFINDER serves up flaky croissants and cold drinks that totally hit the spot.

1)Nakazaki Cafe

I actually did a mini photo shoot outside this café once—LOL! It’s the kind of spot where you’ll often see photographers on photo walking tours and creatives hanging around, especially since there’s an art gallery nearby that features photography exhibits.

The café itself is charming, with cool decor and a chill vibe—perfect for catching up with friends or relaxing on your own. The food is yummy, the location is artsy, and the ambiance just feels so… Nakazakicho. A great stop for those wanting a relaxed Osaka café experience with a touch of culture.

2) Cafe Seukon

I honestly can’t recommend this place enough! My friend suggested we meet here for a casual catch-up, and I’m so glad she did. The food? Adorable and tasty. The decor? Stunning. And yes, the vibe? Absolutely Instagram-worthy.

Between the K-pop music, the cute plating, and the vibrant design, this café is a total 10/10. Whether you’re here to study, hang out, or take that perfect shot for your feed, Café Soya in Nakazakicho is a must-visit. Trust me—you’ll love it.

3)Café Y aka The Toast Lady

This cozy little morning café is run by an elderly woman, and I believe she manages it all by herself. So of course, I had to include it and show some support. It’s right across from the station—super convenient for a quick bite or a coffee stop before heading out for the day.

The place is small, warm, and welcoming. If you’re into local, hidden-gem-style cafés in Osaka, this is one to check out.

4)CALDA AFFOGATO CAFE

Cute illustrated sticker of a matcha affogato cup from CALDA Affogato Café on a black tabletop.
Even their stickers are adorable—grab one as a tiny souvenir from your sweet stop in Nakazakicho.

 

If you’re looking for a chilled-out café right by the station, CALDA AFFOGATO CAFE is calling your name. Tucked under the shade, this café offers a variety of delicious drinks—coffee lovers and matcha fans alike will be happy here.

Oh, and did I mention the snacks? They’re not just yummy—they’re adorable. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or more into affogatos, this café is a great choice for relaxing in Nakazakicho after a long day of exploring.

Mug topped with whipped cream and cherry, and a chocolate scone with whipped cream and cherry on a plate
It’s giving retro dessert café vibes. Hana Café ID is perfect for that indulgent afternoon treat.

5)PATH FINDER XNOBU

CALDA Affogato topped with thick cream and dusted cocoa in a branded cup with a decorative flower.
This affogato isn’t just delicious—it’s practically a work of art. CALDA’s signature treat is a must-try.

 

Let’s be honest—this one was kind of a backup plan. My friend and I had tried two other cafés that were either closed or only offering takeout. PATHFINDER was our third try, and I’m glad we didn’t give up!

The croissants here are solid, and the café has a minimalist vibe that’s great for hanging out or getting a little work done. It’s not the flashiest, but it’s reliable, clean, and has good food—can’t ask for more.

6)Hana Cafe id

I haven’t been here yet, but it’s definitely on my list. One glance at this place and you’ll understand why. As someone who loves flowers (and dressing up), I just know this café will be my vibe.

The treats look delicious and beautifully presented. It seems like you can even take a flower or two home after your meal! If you’re a floral aesthetic lover or a photographer, Hana Café ID is your dream café in Nakazakicho.

7)Utena Cafe

This hidden gem literally lives in one of Nakazakicho’s nooks and crannies. I stumbled upon it during a photo shoot, and it instantly caught my eye. It’s a tiny little café—but don’t let its size fool you.

It’s always packed, and after visiting twice now, I can confirm it’s for good reason. If you’re after a cozy Osaka café with an intimate vibe, Utena Café is a great find. Definitely worth the wait or return visit.

Happy Cafeing!

Assorted pastries including croissant, pain au chocolat, cheese bagel, and pain aux raisins behind a glass display.
Simple but satisfying—PATHFINDER’s pastry shelf has just what you need to power through a café-hopping day.

 

When in doubt, café it out! Café hopping in Nakazakicho is such a fun, low-pressure way to spend your time in Osaka. Whether you’re solo exploring, catching up with friends, or hunting for aesthetic spots for your Instagram, this area has a little bit of everything.

I genuinely enjoyed visiting each of the cafés above—but the beauty of Nakazakicho is that there’s always something new to discover. So if you’re ever in the area, just wander around and see what surprises are waiting for you.

Until next time, stay cool, sip something sweet, and live your best café life in Osaka.

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