A Morning at Kato Coffee: Nagoya’s Popular Café for Ogura Toast and Hand-Drip Coffee

22/09/2025

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Contents

My Morning Experience at Kato Coffee in Nagoya

On my recent morning walk in Nagoya, I finally made my way to Kato Coffee (加藤珈琲店), a coffee shop I had been curious about for a while. It’s one of the most popular kissaten in the city, located only about five minutes on foot from Hisaya Odori Station.

I’d heard their Morning Set is famous, so I decided to get there early. The shop opens at 8 a.m. on weekdays, but when I arrived at 7:30, there were already four people ahead of me. Honestly, I felt a little surprised—people were this eager for coffee so early in the morning? Still, the atmosphere in line was calm, and I found myself getting more excited as the opening time got closer.

Even though it wasn’t quite 8 yet, the staff kindly let us in about 10 minutes early. That small gesture really warmed me—it showed how considerate they are. I later read online that even Haruki Murakami might have visited this café once. I don’t know if it’s true, but sitting inside, it was easy to imagine a writer finding inspiration in such a peaceful space.

I ordered the Morning Set with Ogura Toast (just 660 yen), and it was exactly as I had hoped. The thick slice of rye bread was topped with a smooth layer of sweet red bean paste and melting butter. When I took my first bite, I felt that perfect balance of sweet and salty—it was simple, but so satisfying.

For my drink, I chose their hand-dripped blend coffee. I watched the staff carefully pour hot water over the grounds, and the aroma filled the room. When I finally sipped it, the taste was rich and deep, full-bodied but not overwhelming. It felt like the kind of coffee you want to take slowly, enjoying each sip.

Inside, the shop had a refined, cozy atmosphere with classical music playing quietly in the background. I noticed they also sell their coffee beans, and I caught myself thinking that next time I might bring some home.

I stayed until about 8:30, just enjoying the moment. But when I left, I was shocked—there was already a line of nearly 20 people waiting outside. I understood right away why they were willing to wait.

For me, Kato Coffee wasn’t just about breakfast—it felt like experiencing a piece of Nagoya’s café culture. If you’re staying near Sakae, I think it’s worth waking up early for. I know I’ll be back again, next time maybe with a bag of their beans in hand.

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I’ve compiled a list of Nagoya’s places that I’ve personally visited. Is Nagoya boring? Not at all! While it has developed as an industrial city, it also hides interesting places full of history and culture. Use this guide to explore Nagoya and discover its hidden gems.