I love going to different cafes to hang out, study, and write the occasional blog post. This has been a wonderful way to explore more of Fukuoka, try local foods, and discover cool new places! One of the cafes I visited boasted a HUGE umeshu (plum wine) menu. For those who also enjoy this sweet drink, you know how exciting this is!
Umeshu is made by steeping Japanese plums in alcohol and sugar for at least six months. The result is a thick, almost syrupy liquid, that is fruity, and oh so easy to drink. On the rocks, umeshu is the perfect drink to cool down on a hot day.
Location: Cafe Relair
June 2024: Unfortunately Cafe Relair has permanently closed. 🙁
- Cafe Relair (カフェリレア): 2 Chome-1-25 Matsukadai, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, 813-0004, Japan
- Closest train station: JR Kyusandai-Mae. (8 minute walk)
- There is a tsukemen shop nearby that I also went to. A good place to visit if you like dipping noodles ?
Menu: Umeshu 梅酒
My favorite thing about Cafe Relair is its wide offering of different umeshu! There are traditional flavors as well as interesting and crazy ones too. (Think yogurt, ginger, banana….). The menu is all in Japanese, but I was able to use Google Translate’s camera feature to figure out most of the listed items. I recommend getting a flight (or two) if you are looking to taste a variety of different wines. For ¥700 you can try 3 different flavors!
The cafe also serves lunch meals and desserts. While I only drank the umeshu, these other items also looked good!
*At the time I visited payments were made with cash or PayPay only
Atmosphere
Cafe Relair is bright, open, and accented with touches of wood. When I visited it was never overly crowded so I could leisurely enjoy my drinks and work without feeling rushed. Free wifi is available and there is convenient access to wall outlets. (Very important if you’re looking to do a bit of work on the go).
Final Thoughts
I was so happy to find this little cafe! Since I only got to try a fraction of the umeshu menu, I know I will be visiting again.
On a slightly different note, I’m planning to try to make umeshu myself as Japanese plums are now in season. When I get around to making it, I’ll be sure to share!
Hungry For More? Check out some of my other favorite restaurants I’ve visited in Japan!
- Kappō Yoshida– Fukuoka | Sea bream ochazuke (marinated sashimi over rice with a tea broth)
- Mizutaki Nagano – Fukuoka | Mizutaki (chicken broth hot pot)
- Katsuretsu Tei – Kumamoto | Black pork tonkatsu
- Kobe Beef – Kobe | My first Kobe beef experience! A delicious 9 course meal of the highest grade Kobe Beef
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