Discover a Hidden Gem in Hayama: mikan-ya
Nestled in the tranquil Morito area of Hayama, mikan-ya is a charming café housed in a beautifully renovated 100-year-old traditional Japanese home.
From the moment you step inside, the warmth of this space captivates you.
The entrance invites you to remove your shoes and step onto wooden floors, leading into a spacious, open-concept kitchen area. Beyond that, you’ll find cozy tatami rooms, a sun-drenched engawa (veranda), and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.
But what truly makes mikan-ya special is its deeper story.
It’s a place where owner mika cherishes the value of community and the connections between generations.
Her dream? To create a space where traditions are honored and passed down, just as she once experienced as a child.
Let’s dive into the heartwarming story of mikan-ya.
Join me as we explore the heartwarming history and charm of Mikan-ya!
The Roots of mikan屋: The House Built by Great-Grandfather
mikan屋 is housed in a traditional Japanese home built over 110 years ago by Mika-san’s great-grandfather.
He was a daring and enterprising man, even venturing into running a butcher shop in Hayama at one point. But perhaps his most ambitious feat was building his own house—with no formal carpentry experience.
Mika-san herself **was born and raised in this very house**, spending her entire childhood here.
“As a child, I didn’t really like this old house. My friends lived in modern homes, and I was the only one stuck in an ancient one. But as I got older, I started to appreciate its charm.”
Though she once moved away from Hayama to experience city life, she returned home when she decided to open her café. Now, she both lives and works here, bringing new life into the house.
However, **living in an old home is not without its challenges.**
“Every time I fix one thing, something else breaks! If I hammer one spot, another part crumbles,” Mika-san laughs. “And since replacement parts are often unavailable, I work with carpenters to slowly restore it.”
She also notes that **winters can be brutally cold, with chilly drafts seeping in through the gaps.**
“But tearing it down would have been a waste. My great-grandfather put so much effort into building this house, and I wanted to preserve it. That’s why I decided to turn it into a café.”
And so, **mikan-ya was born.**
It’s amazing to think that this house was built by someone with no formal training. Seeing how beautifully it has been transformed into a café, I can’t help but feel that Mika-san’s great-grandfather would be incredibly proud of what she has created.
mikan-ya’s Symbol: The Summer Orange Tree Bears Fruit Again After 8 Years!
The name “mikan屋” is a combination of the owner Mika’s name and the summer orange tree that was planted by her father to celebrate her birth.
However, in an odd twist of fate, ever since the café opened, the tree stopped bearing fruit for eight years.
“It was quite a shock at first since I had named the café after it. But the leaves were still green and healthy, so I knew the tree wasn’t dying. I just had to wait.”
Then, this year, something miraculous happened.
“After eight long years, it finally bore fruit again! I was overwhelmed with emotion.”
The summer oranges grown at mikan屋 are used to make homemade marmalade and pound cake served at the café.
The way the tree patiently took its time to bear fruit again deeply resonated with Mika.
Isn’t it such a beautiful story? The tree that had stopped bearing fruit suddenly came back to life! Seeing Mika’s joy as she told this story was truly touching.
A Gentle Cycle of Kindness at mikan-ya
A Monthly “Children’s Cafeteria” – Fostering Community Bonds
Once a month, mikan屋 hosts a special event called the “Children’s Cafeteria.”
The inspiration behind this initiative comes from Mika-san’s own childhood memories.
“In the past, adults in the community naturally helped raise children. But nowadays, such communal spaces have become rare. So, I wanted to create a place where children can gather freely.”
This is how mikan屋’s “Children’s Cafeteria” was born.
Unlike traditional food support programs, this cafeteria is not just for children in need, but rather a place where the whole community can connect.
“Children come here to do homework, play games, or simply chat. I just want them to feel comfortable gathering here naturally.”
However, running a bustling children’s cafeteria while managing a café alone is no easy task.
With over 40 children attending at times, Mika-san simply couldn’t do it all by herself.
That’s when local volunteers stepped in to help.
One of the volunteers, after participating for the first time, said, “I never realized I was so good at interacting with children.”
Not only is the cafeteria beneficial for the children, but it also creates new connections and self-discovery opportunities for the adults in the community.
The program is open to elementary to high school students.
To participate, a reservation from a guardian is required to confirm dietary restrictions and allergies.
“I hope that when these children grow up, they will continue this tradition and pass it on to the next generation.”
This gentle cycle of kindness is what makes mikan屋 so special.
The idea of giving back what you once received as a child is truly beautiful. Mika-san’s efforts are inspiring.
From Idea to Reality – A Tiny Candy Shop with a Big Purpose
The funding for mikan屋’s “Children’s Cafeteria” doesn’t come from café sales—it comes from a tiny candy shop on the premises.
In the garden of mikan屋, there’s a tiny one-mat space turned into a candy shop.
Originally, this space was just a storage shed. But one day, Mika-san was watching TV with her mother when a show about traditional candy shops came on. In that moment, she decided, “Let’s open a candy store here!”
And with her signature determination, the shop became a reality.
One unique rule of the shop is that each child can only buy up to 100 yen worth of candy.
“I love watching the kids carefully calculate their purchases to make sure they stay within 100 yen. It’s such a wholesome moment,” Mika-san shares.
The “100-yen limit” encourages children to practice budgeting while also ensuring an affordable experience for parents.
mikan-ya isn’t just a café; it’s a place where children can gather, learn, and form lasting community bonds.
It’s a space where a warm, gentle cycle of kindness continues to grow.
mikan-ya truly embodies the warmth of the Hayama community.
The Charm and Uniqueness of mikan-ya
A Gentle and Cozy Atmosphere: The Café Menu at mikan-ya
At mikan-ya, you can enjoy nostalgic and heartwarming flavors of Japan. The menu includes comforting selections like rice balls, toast, and citrus-based desserts, bringing a sense of home-cooked warmth.
“People often think of us as a rice ball café, but we actually started with a toast menu,” says Mika-san, the owner. The café’s menu has evolved over time through continuous experimentation.
Now, you can enjoy rice balls, toast, sweets, and even light lunch options throughout the day. The café is open from morning until the late afternoon, making it a great place for breakfast, a relaxing café break, or a casual lunch.
When I asked Mika-san about the most popular item on the menu, she smiled and said, “There isn’t just one best-seller. Every customer has their favorite dish!” It was heartwarming to see how much she values all of her offerings equally.
Handmade Delights: From Rice Balls to Sweet Treats
mikan-ya’s rice balls come in classic flavors like salmon, bonito flakes, and double kombu (tororo kombu + salted kombu), as well as unique options such as soy-braised sakura shrimp and soybeans (¥180). Many customers say they find the combination of sweetness and umami in the sakura shrimp and soybeans irresistibly addictive.
The café is also well known for its citrus-infused sweets. The “Mikan Pound Cake” (¥800) is made using homemade marmalade, giving it a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor that makes it an ideal after-meal treat.
The homemade summer orange parfait is absolutely divine! A must-try if you visit mikan-ya.
Enjoying a Relaxing Time at mikan-ya
One of the charming aspects of mikan-ya is its many regular customers. In particular, the **7:00 AM – 8:00 AM slot is known as the “Regulars’ Hour”**—a nickname given by the customers themselves. Locals gather in front of the café even before it opens, eager to enjoy their morning meal.
**On Saturdays, the café is especially packed with regulars, often reaching full capacity just before opening.**
After 8:00 AM, more visitors from outside Hayama start to arrive, making the café lively and bustling. **During Golden Week, it’s one of the busiest times of the year, with people lining up right as the doors open.**
At peak times, **wait times can reach up to an hour**, yet many guests patiently say, “It’s fine, I’ll wait.” This speaks volumes about the charm of mikan-ya.
**While waiting, customers often spend time browsing the gallery or shopping at the small candy store. The relaxed atmosphere makes the waiting time feel like part of the experience.**
“We just want people to relax and take their time here.” True to Mika-san’s words, mikan-ya offers a warm and peaceful atmosphere where guests can take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Why not escape your busy schedule and experience the soothing ambiance of mikan-ya?
Pet-Friendly! Enjoy the Hayama Breeze on the Terrace
At mikan-ya, guests with pets are welcome to relax in the **terrace and engawa (veranda) seating areas**.
“We’ve installed doors, so it stays warm even in winter,” says Mika-san.
Enjoy a leisurely time with your furry companion while taking in the tranquil atmosphere of Hayama.
Access Information
📍 mikan-ya
- Address: 1223 Horiuchi, Hayama Town, Miura District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
- Business Hours:
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesday & Wednesday
- Access: A 3-5 minute walk from the “Morito Kaigan” Keikyu Bus stop
- Parking: Not available (please use nearby coin parking)
- Instagram & Official Website: https://mikanya.jimdo.com
Summary: Experience the Gentle Time Flowing at mikan-ya
mikan-ya is more than just a traditional Japanese café—it’s a place where the community comes together, where connections are made, and where time flows gently.
Come and experience the warmth and tranquility that Mika-san cherishes so deeply.
Through this interview, I realized that the true charm of mikan-ya is none other than Mika-san herself. Her warm personality and kindness embrace every guest, making this café a truly special place!
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