#Japan #Kobe #Prologue Café #Kobe Coffee #Showa Retro

Meriken-dori Prologue: A Nostalgic Café Returns to Kobe

Kobe's Minato Motomachi is about to welcome back a cherished establishment that encapsulates the essence of the Showa era. On January 24, 2026, Meriken-dori Prologue will open its doors, continuing the legacy of the beloved café Prologue, which closed its doors in September last year, leaving behind a trove of memories.

A Legacy of Warmth and Memories

The story of Prologue is intertwined with countless memories for the people of Kobe. A creation of Nichibei Coffee Co., a venerable company with a century-long history of coffee roasting and wholesaling, the café has long stood as a backdrop for everyday gatherings and conversations. With the café closing last year, the community expressed an earnest longing for its return. Understanding the cultural value of such a space, Nichibei Coffee has committed to reviving this nostalgic café experience as a direct corporate store.

Preserving the Charm while Adding a New Touch

While Meriken-dori Prologue will honor the aesthetics and ambiance of the original café, it will incorporate subtle new elements to enhance the experience. Visitors can expect the same vintage warmth that patrons loved, along with a hint of Kobe's distinctive flair. The recognizable blue tent marking the café remains unchanged, securing its place in the hearts of the locals as “the café with the blue tent.” The interior will blend traditional table seating with comfortable sofa areas, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.

Coffee: The Heart of the Experience

One of the café's main focuses will be its signature blend coffee, made from the same beans beloved during Prologue's heyday. These beans are roasted meticulously at the main roasting facility, overseen by roasters who infuse their passion for coffee into each batch. The quality and legacy of the Prologue experience continue through every cup served, which tells a story of the café’s rich history and the people it has touched over the years.

Introducing Signature Dishes

The “White Pancake” Sensation

Among the delightful offerings will be the Meriken-dori White Pancakes, a fluffy soufflé pancake topped with a generous serving of a uniquely crafted white cream infused with rich coffee flavors. This dish promises to surprise diners with its delectable taste and aroma. There will also be a variation featuring red pancakes, enticing both longtime fans and newcomers. This dish is crafted by a pastry chef who brings a wealth of experience from a well-known Kobe confectionery, offering a new twist to the beloved retro café menu.

Comforting Retro Morning and Lunch Menus

The café will delight patrons with its classic breakfast from 8 AM to 11 AM, featuring nostalgic morning options like Koppe-pan with coffee or tea. The lunch service from 11 AM to 2 PM will promise heartwarming classics that offer a taste of the past while ensuring satisfaction for hungry patrons, including robust set meals that epitomize the standard café fare.

A Place to Experience Community and Culture

Meriken-dori Prologue isn’t just about coffee and food; it’s about recreating a space where community thrives. It's a locale where stories are shared, memories are rekindled, and new ones are made in the embrace of a warm ambiance that faithfully captures the essence of Kobe’s café culture.

Join Us at Meriken-dori Prologue

Located at 3-6-14 Sakaemachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, the café can be easily reached by a short walk from both Motomachi Station and Meriken-machi Station. This establishment, seating 46 guests, will be open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM (last order at 5:30 PM) and is poised to welcome you into a world where time-honored nostalgia and modern café culture beautifully intertwine.

With the 100th anniversary of Nichibei Coffee approaching in 2032, the reopening of Meriken-dori Prologue represents both a tribute to the past and a commitment to the future of café culture in Kobe. Come and experience the revival of this historic café and the rich stories it continues to nurture, from its heart to yours.