On a Saturday about a
year and a half ago, we had just finished working out at Kawara Sports. It was midday, and we were ready to replenish
our burned energy. It was then that we first noticed Genki no Ki just across the street.
A tiny little white
structure, Genki no Ki looks as quaint as a cottage tucked away in a
forest. We walked in to inquire after the
menu. The lovely lady who owns and runs
the place greeted us-in English! Right
away she asked us to call her Ahchan-her actual name is Atsuko.
On that first visit,
Ahchan draw us a little map of other places to visit in Ogawa Machi. She told us about organic farmers markets,
organic restaurants, bakeries, a delicatessen meat shop, and a craft micro
brewery. Our world opened! We were thrilled to have this new guidance
about our town.
Ahchan and her sweet
mother are the amazing cooks and bakers at Genki no Ki-an organic café and
coffee shop. They also carry a variety
of Fair Trade items for sale as well as local organic produce and small grocery
items.
For the past year, our
favorite Saturday routine has been to get in a good long workout and then walk
across the street for a healthy organic lunch at Genki no Ki. Lunch is a set menu of the day. It is always good. 99% of the time, we order the drink and
dessert set to go with lunch. All of the
coffees and teas are delicious.
Almost every time we go,
something wonderful happens. We have met
dozens of friendly, interesting people in this tiny café-most of whom speak
some English! We have been pleasantly
surprised numerous times with the friends we have made at Genki no Ki.
If you find yourself in
Ogawa around noon, this is a fantastic place for lunch and a cup of tea or
coffee. If you are looking for a
relaxing way to spend your afternoon after eating lunch, the onsen Kawara no Yu
is just across the street.
Things to know about Genki no Ki:
The opening hours are
midday only: 11 am to 3 pm. It is a lunch place.
It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Lunch with coffee and dessert runs about 1000 yen-about ten USD.
Lunch with coffee and dessert runs about 1000 yen-about ten USD.
Avoid going for a late
lunch-lunch sells out quickly!
View Genki no Ki in a larger map
Actually, Genki no Ki is no longer located at the location on the map. It has recently changed locations to an Organic Restarant called "Bell Cafe" (ベルカフェ) which is a 5 minute walk from Ogawamachi Station (Saitama). It rotates different restaurant owners throughout the week and weekend. Genki no Ki is here once a week, and is definitely worth a visit.
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