Starting to feel like your café adventures are getting a bit same-old?

The hottest cafes on social media are always crowded and all pretty much the same. Want to find something a little more “just for you”? Switch Coffee in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, is the answer. Beloved by locals, this cafe is also seeing an increase in visitors from outside the prefecture. Surrounded by the aroma of coffee, the carefully selected sweets and the relaxing atmosphere were truly an experience that felt like flipping a switch in my mind.

In this article, I’ll introduce in detail the charms and recommended points of “Switch Coffee NEUTRAL” that I felt after visiting it myself. If you’re looking to do some cafe-hopping in Yamagata Prefecture, be sure to check this out.

What kind of shop is “Switch Coffee”?

“Switch Coffee NEUTRAL,” located in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a popular cafe known for its carefully selected coffee and comfortable atmosphere. Their coffee, carefully brewed to match the season and the characteristics of the beans, boasts a rich aroma and a refreshing aftertaste.

As the name “NEUTRAL” suggests, the restaurant has a laid back atmosphere where anyone can feel free to drop in.
It’s perfect for spending some quiet time alone, or with friends or family.

Additionally, Switch Coffee has three stores in Yamagata Prefecture, including Switch Coffee NEUTRAL, which we will introduce here and offers eat-in options, as well as Switch Coffee BEANS and Switch Coffee Sports (Tendo City), which are take-out only.

What is the “attention to detail” that “Switch Coffee” places so much importance on when it comes to coffee?

“Switch Coffee” is a cafe that serves specialty coffee made with meticulous attention to detail, from roasting to brewing. As the name suggests, the cafe aims to provide visitors with a relaxing and refreshing experience.

The key points that Switch Coffee values ​​when it comes to coffee are as follows:

– We use carefully selected green beans and offer a wide range of roasts, from light to dark.
– Two types of blended coffee to suit your on- and off-duty moods.
– Each store offers a different menu.

They also sell fresh roasted beans, so you can enjoy the taste of “Switch Coffee” at home. “Switch Coffee NEUTRAL” also regularly holds classes on how to brew hand-drip coffee. If you’re interested in hand-drip coffee, be sure to give it a try! Enjoy your coffee with these tempting cafe sweets from “Switch Coffee”!

“Switch Coffee” is renowned for its sweets that pair perfectly with coffee. Their seasonal lineup of new creations is uncompromising in both appearance and flavor.

Here are some of the sweets you can enjoy at “Switch Coffee.”

・French Toast (An exquisite balance of savory flavor and vanilla ice cream)
・Suicchi Baked Cheesecake (Suicchi’s classic, rich cheese confection)
・Seasonal Fruit Crepes (Gentle, authentic crepes topped with fresh fruit from Higashine, the fruit kingdom)
・Rice Flour Chiffon Cake (A sophisticated, mildly sweet treat)

They all look so delicious, it’s hard to choose! In addition to the above, there are many other new sweets introduced each season, so you might find something different every time you visit.

“Sweet Shaved Ice” is especially popular as a special summer dessert! The strawberry and peach flavors are luxurious, topped with homemade syrup and fruit pulp. Of the various flavors available, my personal favorite is the coffee flavor. Its rich flavor and fluffy texture are exquisite, rivaling the quality of shaved ice from specialty shops.

Some items are available for takeout, making them a great souvenir.

A stylish space where you can relax and unwind

The interior of Switch Coffee is a natural space where the warmth of wood and greenery blend together. The atmosphere is like being transported to a picture book, and just visiting is soothing.

Spread out before your eyes is the greenery of Omoriyama and the openness of Asobia Land. The scenery of Yamagata, surrounded by nature, will soothe your soul. The natural light streaming in through the windows is comfortable, making it the perfect place to spend some relaxing time.

There is both indoor and outdoor table seating, so you can choose the seating that suits the occasion and the season.
The restaurant is located along National Route 48, so it is easily accessible by car and is perfect for stopping by during a short break at work or while sightseeing.

“I feel at ease when I come here” – The people who create that atmosphere.

The appeal of “Switch Coffee” goes beyond its specialty coffee and comfortable space. The warm personalities of the owners and the friendly service of the staff create a tranquil atmosphere unique to Yamagata. This cafe is filled with kindness, gently warming the hearts of its visitors.

The owner is kind enough to share his coffee knowledge with you, his wife is passionate about developing sweets, and the staff are kind enough to value interacting with locals. Even if you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll be greeted like a regular, and it’s an appealing cafe that will make you want to come back!

Summary

“Switch Coffee” is a shop where you can enjoy a variety of sweets along with carefully selected coffee. The atmosphere of the shop and the personality of the staff are wonderful, making it the perfect cafe for when you want to take a break.
In the midst of busy daily life, it’s time to stop for a moment and reset yourself. If you want to experience that luxury, why not try visiting “Switch Coffee”?

Click here for store information on Switch Coffee NEUTRAL