Sakanoshita, Kamakura – A coastal town where the sea breeze soothes the soul and nostalgia lingers in the air.
Famous as the setting for many TV dramas and films, this charming neighborhood holds a special place in the hearts of many. Among them, Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi (The Second to Last Love) remains a beloved classic that brought renewed attention to the unique allure of Sakanoshita.
In this article, we’ll introduce six distinctive cafés in the Sakanoshita area—perfect spots to relax and unwind. As you sip your drink, why not reminisce about scenes from the drama and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that makes this town so special?
5 Recommended Cafés
１．Sakanoshita(サカノシタ）
Sakanoshita – The café known as the inspiration for “Nagakura Café” in the beloved drama Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi.
Formerly called Café Sakanoshita, this well-known spot has recently reopened under new ownership with a refreshed name, while preserving its timeless charm.
Housed in a renovated traditional Japanese home over 90 years old, the café offers a serene blend of vintage Japanese warmth and modern design. Its pancakes and drinks bring comfort and relaxation to all who visit.
Tucked away on a quaint alley lined with other charming cafés in the Sakanoshita area, the atmosphere here feels like stepping into a scene from the drama itself. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a moment of calm during your walk through Kamakura.
Official Website:https://www.instagram.com/sacanosita_2115/
２．café recette（カフェ ルセット）
Café Recette Kamakura – A Café by the Renowned Gourmet Bread Brand “recette”
This elegant café is run by recette, a specialty bakery known for its high-end artisanal bread beloved by fans all across Japan. At Café Recette Kamakura, you can enjoy their signature freshly baked loaves at their very best.
Set in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese house, the space retains a sense of Japanese charm while incorporating modern, refined touches. The furniture, including chairs and tables, features creations by the luxury brand KOMA, reflecting a deep attention to detail.
Their toast offerings bring out the natural flavors of the finest ingredients. One standout is the “Ultimate French Toast”—crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth on the inside, and a favorite among visitors. Paired perfectly with butter or honey, it’s an ideal choice for breakfast or brunch.
Like Sakanoshita, this café is also nestled along a cozy alley lined with charming cafés in the Sakanoshita neighborhood. It’s the perfect spot to drop by and treat yourself to a luxurious moment during your stroll through Kamakura.
Official Website:https://www.cafe-recette.com
３．paso by 27 COFFEE ROASTERS
paso – A Hidden Gem in Sakanoshita by the Popular Shonan Roaster “27 COFFEE ROASTERS”
Nestled in the quiet streets of Sakanoshita, paso is a refined hideaway café operated by 27 COFFEE ROASTERS, a beloved specialty coffee roaster based in Tsujido, Shonan. Here, you can enjoy the deep and nuanced flavors of specialty coffee in a tranquil, thoughtfully designed space.
The café is housed in a renovated 60-year-old traditional Japanese home, blending the warmth of wood with clean, modern aesthetics. Whether seated at the sunlit engawa (veranda) or on the traditional tatami floor, you can savor a peaceful moment away from the bustle.
All coffee beans are roasted in-house, with a focus on carefully selected specialty beans—primarily from Honduras. Expert baristas prepare each cup with care using hand-drip methods. From fragrant black coffee to rich lattes and creamy cappuccinos, there’s something to please every coffee lover.
A small garden adds to the charm, with veranda seating where you can enjoy your coffee while gazing at the greenery. Located along the same quaint alley as Café Recette, this is an ideal stop during a seaside stroll near Yuigahama Beach.
Official Website:https://www.instagram.com/paso_by_27coffeeroasters/
４．Namimachi Bagel （なみまちベーグル）
Namimachi Bagel – A Beloved Handmade Bagel Shop in Sakanoshita, Kamakura
Tucked away in the peaceful streets of Sakanoshita, Namimachi Bagel is a popular bagel café cherished by locals and tourists alike. Their handmade bagels are soft and chewy, offering a gentle, comforting flavor—perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
Each bagel takes four days to make, using carefully selected natural yeast and Hokkaido-grown wheat. The result is a simple, wholesome taste that highlights the quality of the ingredients. With over 20 varieties available, from classic plain and the playful “Butasan” (filled with chocolate cream) to monthly limited-edition flavors, there’s something for everyone. Popular sandwich options include smoked salmon with basil cream cheese, and Kamakura whitebait with Camembert cheese.
For a truly local experience, grab a bagel to go and enjoy it just 30 seconds away on the beach at Yuigahama. The café also has a cozy eat-in area with about 10 seats, plus a pet-friendly terrace—perfect for savoring freshly baked bagels and hearty sandwich sets on the spot.
Located on a side street off Hoshinoi-dori, where other popular spots like Café Sakanoshita and Café Recette are also found, this warm and welcoming café is housed in a charming 100-year-old traditional Japanese home. It’s the perfect stop between seaside strolls.
Official Website:https://namimachi.mystrikingly.com
５．Venus Café（ヴィーナス カフェ）
Facing Route 134 and just steps from the sea, Venus Café is a beloved American-style café with a history dating back to 1955. Known for its unbeatable oceanfront location, the café gained additional fame as the part-time workplace of Noriko Mizutani (played by Naoko Iijima) in the drama Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi, located near the Nagakura family home in the series.
Inside, the warm, woody interior channels the charm of a retro American diner, complete with counter seating, cozy sofas, and a loft area. With sweeping views of Yuigahama Beach through large windows, guests can also enjoy the sea breeze on the pet-friendly terrace during sunny days.
The hearty menu features Texas and Mexican favorites like burgers, tacos, loco moco, and French toast. A wide selection of beers and cocktails makes this spot perfect for a satisfying meal during your Kamakura adventure.
Located just off the quiet alleys of Sakanoshita and along the lively coastal road, Venus Café offers stunning seaside scenery and a nostalgic connection to the beloved drama. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset views—it’s the perfect way to end your day.
Official Website:https://www.venus-cafe.jp
Summary
In the quiet seaside town of Sakanoshita, Kamakura, time seems to move a little more slowly, wrapped in a gentle sense of nostalgia. Scattered throughout its charming streets are unique cafés that offer comfort, inspiration, and moments of calm to those who visit.
As the setting for the beloved drama Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi (The Second to Last Love), this area invites you to rediscover Kamakura through the lens of memory and emotion. By strolling through these familiar scenes and stopping at a favorite café for coffee or sweets, you might just find your own “second-to-last love story.”
Step away from the everyday, and enjoy a quiet moment in a Sakanoshita café—where time, flavor, and feeling blend into something truly special.