おうちカフエ島じかん
The Sweetest Home Cafe for a Local Lunch
おうちカフエ島じかん (Ouchi Cafe Island Time in a very literal translation) or otherwise known as Shimajikan may perhaps be one of the sweetest, darling places I’ve eaten in my time in Japan. It is simple, local, hearty fare made with local ingredients and cooked by the loveliest husband and wife. When we discovered it, we knew they were popular because they had created a stunning, rustic pavilion in their fields, where you could enjoy lunch, tea and coffee, sweets etc. However a recent typhoon past had destroyed the pavilion and they were currently hoping to rebuild it.
UPDATE 2026: Currently they are only open by appointment only from the hours of 12pm - 6pm. There are irregular holidays. Their website. Apparently you can also stay overnight, as they are a minshuku as well.
NOTE: To find it on Google maps you need to type in the name in Japanese “ Shima-jikan - おうちカフエ島じかん “or try the phone number 09 9786 9341
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Keep An Eye Out For the Sign!
To find “Shima-jikan -おうちカフエ島じかん” keep an eye out for the wooden sign nestled atop their fence surrounded by greenery. You will have to have a car to reach this gem of a restaurant. Since we visited before the time it was appointment only - we simply tried our luck judging by their opening hours listed on Google Maps. We weren’t entirely sure if it was open since we knew of island time schedules and irregular holidays; and if this was the place we would be eating, as we knew of the outdoor area, or even if we were in the right area, at the right property?!
Let me tell you, its a little nerve-wracking to enter a stranger’s personal home garden, yell out ‘sumimasen’ to the open front door and hope that you’re in the right place hahaha!
The Loveliest Tatami Room to Eat Lunch
Luckily we had arrived at the right place, and they were open! We were led into an area of their home they had converted for guests. I adored seeing glimpses of their family history through the portraits hanging on top of the doors in one room, and other little bits and pieces. I especially loved the gorgeous tatami room we were seated in with it’s beautiful scenery painting of cherry blossoms covering its tatami sliding doors and gloriously heavy driftwood low dining table. The photos below don’t give it justice, it’s just magical and feels like you’re in a scene from a Ghibli movie.
The food was delicious, so hearty and tasty, quintessentially local, however I will be blunt, if you’re a picky eater, have dietary requirements, choose not to eat certain produce, this place probably won’t be for you. Everything is made with what they have in stock and is seasonal. It is a local teishoku experience.
However if you’re someone that loves local food, has no dietary restrictions - then I wholeheartedly recommend making the time to visit this adorable husband and wife restaurant!
The menu is simple: an Island Cuisine One Plate Lunch for 1100JPY (what we had) OR Island Cuisine Yaduri Lunch 2200JPY. See on their website.
Remember: Bring Cash (to be safe)
OTHER PLACES TO STAY & THINGS TO DO
Tokunoshima Travel Guide: a unique island of differing, awe-inspiring landscapes
Denpaku Kominka Sea Turtle- a traditional kominka restored and renovated by a private beach in Tokunoshima
Shimatofuya - delicious local restaurant specialising in Amami Tofu dishes
Hotel Denpaku Akakina- a cozy hotel renovated from the former local supermarket in Amami Oshima
TRAVEL FURTHER
Kagoshima Prefecture: renowned for its onsen, wild islands and delicious food
Yakushima Island: Explore the island that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke
Amami Oshima Travel Guide: the largest of the Amami Islands, lush and tropical
