This is exactly the kind of place solo travel is made for. You walk in, talk to someone who actually listens, and walk out with something made specifically for you. Nobody rushes you. The staff are knowledgeable and calm. If you speak a little Japanese, bring your vocabulary for how you're feeling: tired, not sleeping well, heavy in the stomach. They'll take it from there.
A building beside Kofu Castle’s stone walls. Fourth floor. The elevator opens onto a room that smells faintly of lavender and something warmer — woodsy, botanical, real.
Cafe de Savon has been running as an online shop since 2007, building a quiet following for herb teas, essential oils, and handmade soap supplies. The physical shop is only open three days a week. That restraint is intentional. This is not a place trying to serve as many people as possible.
The wall of herbs
Against one wall: over 85 varieties of dried herbs in glass jars. Chamomile, rose, peppermint, licorice, nettle, valerian, elderflower — labeled and arranged with care.
You can browse on your own. Or you can talk.
Tell the staff member how you’ve been feeling lately. I haven’t been sleeping well. My stomach has been unsettled. I’ve been tired in a way I can’t quite shake. They’ll listen, ask a few follow-up questions, and begin building a blend for you from whatever’s on those shelves.
This is the difference between buying tea and being given tea.
What to bring home
Your custom blend is the main event. The herbs are sold by weight, combined on the spot. The result travels well — dry, compact, deeply personal. It’s also selected for Kofu City’s furusato nōzei (hometown tax return) program, which tells you something about how seriously the city takes it.
Jojoba oil — both refined and unrefined — is another popular item, long-established in the online shop. Being able to smell both versions before choosing is exactly what the physical store is for.
If you’re interested in making your own soap, the shop carries a comprehensive range of materials and molds. The staff can advise beginners. Workshops are held periodically — check the website if you’re interested.
A note on visiting
The shop is on the fourth floor of a building on a quiet street. There’s an intercom at the entrance — ring it, and someone will let you in.
This is not a casual drop-in spot. It’s better thought of as a small, considered destination: something you plan for, arrive at with a little intention, and leave from with something that was made for you specifically.
Open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 13:00–17:00. Six minutes from JR Kofu Station.
Cafe de Savon
- Address: Maizuru Bldg 4F, 2-5-29 Chuo, Kofu City
- Hours: Wed–Fri, 13:00–17:00
- Access: 6 min walk from JR Kofu Station
- Rakuten shop: Cafe de Savon
- Instagram: @cafe_de_savon
Getting There
By Train (recommended): 6 minutes on foot from JR Kofu Station. Follow the castle walls. By Car: No dedicated parking. Use a nearby coin parking lot. Note: Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday only, 13:00–17:00.