Café Dusty Arts

I am known among my friends for two things: first for being an avid reader, and second for drinking tea like it’s going out of style. By extension, I am the first person they go to for café suggestions, because what better place is there to do both of the above? A̶s̶i̶d̶e̶ ̶f̶r̶o̶m̶ ̶h̶o̶m̶e̶,̶ ̶w̶h̶e̶r̶e̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶ ̶d̶o̶ ̶b̶o̶t̶h̶ ̶b̶r̶a̶l̶e̶s̶s̶.̶

Having lived in Hiroshima City for over two years now, I’ve spent many a lazy Sunday afternoon with my back against a cushioned chair, eyes floating across the pages of a book in my lap, steaming mug at the ready. I have come to know a number of the lovely cafés this city has to offer, and I have to say, some of the best are far from Hondori. The fine establishment I am recommending in this article is quite a hike from the city center.

Literally. It’s up a mountain.

Located in Asaminami Ward, north of the downtown area (about 20 minutes by Astram Line), Café Dusty Arts may surprise you at first sight. That’s because the building stands right on the edge of a cliff and looks as though it could teeter forward and topple over at any moment. Do not be alarmed, dear coffee-lovers! It’s as safe and sturdy as your local Tully’s. Once you catch a glimpse of the view this cliffside design affords you, you’ll want to stay for hours.

The entire wall facing away from the cliff is made of glass, granting a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can see cars driving on the highway below, the Astram line weaving its way through the sea of buildings. A truly breathtaking scene made even more magical at night. Bring a book, sit at a table by the window, and you’ll be mesmerized.

The wooden furniture and grey stone floor, paired with the gentle piano music in the background, blend together to create a tasteful, quaint-yet-trendy environment. For those who like to write, it’s the perfect place to open a notebook and let words flow from your fingertips.

It’s also a great place to bring someone you’re trying to impress. There’s a reason why all the tables next to the window are tables for two (wink)! In fact, it appears, though it’s hard to tell from the rest of the café, that there’s a wonderfully cozy corner tucked in the back, complete with a loveseat facing the window. What’s more romantic than that? Bring your date around at the right time, and it could be yours! Or, if your Japanese is 上手, call and make a reservation.

The Menu

For a place that leans this heavily on the slippery slope of aesthetic, the menu is more extensive than you might expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the tea selection, which includes a blend of Earl Grey, Chamomile Citrus, African Nectar, and Ginger Twist. They bring it to you in a pot that is big enough for only one refill of your tiny little teacup. But what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality.

The coffee comes in a larger mug, and while I’ve never been a coffee connoisseur, I thought it was very good. On the menu, you can select not only a blend of coffee but how you’d like it prepared as well. They do French Press, AeroPress, and Hand Drip.

If you want to get your Dusty Arts coffee fix at home, there are jars lining the shelves on one of the walls, filled with coffee beans to choose from. Each is labeled with a flavor profile, country of origin, and price by gram.

There is also a sizable food menu, featuring sandwiches, pasta, and what looks like some pretty good nachos! You could easily do lunch here, spend an afternoon with a friend over a shared plate, but for the full experience, it’s best to come in the early evening. Take in the view while there’s still light, then watch as the sun sets and the sea of sparkling gems below comes alive.

And don’t worry, there’s alcohol.

Recommendations

DRINKS

· Organic Earl Grey Tea — always one of my personal favorites, and they do it well
· Dusty Blend Coffee — again, I’m no coffee connoisseur, but it was good
· Ginger Twist — D E L I G H T F U L

FOOD

Sorry folks, I’ve never actually eaten here. Someone try the nachos for me.

Hours

Weekdays — 11 am-10 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Weekends — 9:30 am-10 pm

Access

By Astram Line: Take the train toward Chorakuji or Koiki-Koen Mae, and get off at Bishamondai Station. If you walk from there it’s 20 minutes, but it’s all uphill. You can take a bus going toward 毘沙門台 (Bishamondai) or サンハイツ(Sun Heights) and get off at 毘沙門台上(Bishamondai-kami) to save 10 minutes of walking.

By Bus: You can catch a bus to毘沙門台 (Bishamondai) or サンハイツ(Sun Heights) from the Bus Center, I believe Platform 5. Again get off at毘沙門台上(Bishamondai-kami) and walk for 10 minutes.

By JR: Not the most convenient method, but if you can take the Kabe Line to Midorii Station, you should be able to catch a bus from there.