Venture through a residential area in Otofuke, a town near Obihiro, and you'll find Cafe Jorro, marked by its retro red roof. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023, Cafe Jorro is a renowned cafe in the Tokachi region, born from the renovation of a 60-year-old house nestled in a grove. The name "Jorro" (watering can) comes from the owner's desire to "plant trees and water them" so that the squirrels might one day return to the now-gone woods behind the cafe.

Upon entering the cafe, your eyes are drawn to a collection of retro cameras, watering can figurines, and antique-style furniture. Each piece is charming and creates a warm, comforting atmosphere. The owner, Mr. Nakayama, is an avid traveler who has journeyed to places like India. It's a joy to browse the books that hint at his love for travel, and simply gazing out the window at the scenery is a soothing experience.

Charming furniture collected bit by bit through various connections. It's hard to decide where to sit.

From single seats to tables for four, the cafe accommodates any occasion.

While it's a wonderful place for a chat with friends or a date, visiting alone is also highly recommended. Surrounded by vintage furniture and artisan cutlery, listening to relaxing music, you'll find that spending time alone feels like a luxury. It makes you think, "This is the kind of moment I've been looking for."

The bookshelf at the entrance is filled with intriguing titles.

And don't underestimate the food. The cafe's specialty is its three types of soup curry. You can enjoy a refreshing tomato-based Red Curry, a rich squid ink-flavored Black Curry, and a White Curry made with milk from Tokachi. You can choose between rice and naan, and also select your portion size and spice level. Mr. Nakayama, a long-time curry lover, has created an original curry that is a fusion of various influences. His skills from working at soba and curry restaurants, along with his travel experiences in places like India, are evident in every bite.

"Black Curry (Black Shrimp & Vegetable)" for 1,300 yen. Spice level 1 is a perfect medium-hot.

The Black Curry is a deeply flavorful dish made with a dashi stock of kombu and bonito, clearly reflecting his experience working at a soba shop. Though the soup is light, the flavor is rich and aromatic. Red, Black, or White—which of the three curries will be your favorite? Come and find out.

Have you ever been to a place where the lunch is great but the desserts are disappointing, or the sweets are amazing but the coffee is just so-so? At Cafe Jorro, there's no such imbalance—everything is delicious! Enjoying an original chai after your curry is a special treat. The coffee is made with beans from Sapporo's renowned "Morihico," and you can also buy the beans to take home.

"Masala Chai" for 650 yen. The mug by artist Shiori Shimizu makes it taste even better.

A charming "Cappuccino" for 650 yen, served in a watering can-themed mug.

The original "Jorro Blend" coffee beans are also available for takeout.

If you have room for more, how about some pancakes? The batter is made to order, so it takes a little time, but the fresh-off-the-griddle taste is worth the wait. Made with Kitanokaori wheat from Shoji Farm in Otofuke, the pancakes have a chewy texture and a wonderfully rich wheat flavor.

There are three types of pancakes: "Whipped Butter & Maple Syrup" for 1,050 yen, "Chocolate Sauce & Fresh Cream" for 1,150 yen, and "Hokkaido Vanilla Ice Cream & Maple Syrup" for 1,150 yen. If you're visiting for a 3 PM snack, be sure to give these pancakes a try.

※All prices include tax.

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