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Notes from scenes — the menu, the hours, the neighbourhood, and how people use the place.
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Experience a Perfect Day at scenes, Steps from Kusatsu Station
Located in the niwa+ complex in front of Kusatsu Station in Shiga Prefecture, scenes is an Oceania-style cafe & wine restaurant that offers a special place to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and replenish your mind and body. With Wellness x Happiness as our theme, we provide all our guests with a new culinary experience in a comfortable setting. Let us introduce you to the charm of scenes, designed to enrich every moment of your day, from your morning awakening to your evening relaxation.
From Dawn to Dusk: Crafting My Time for Every Scene
To be a place where you can feel comfortable at any time, we offer a diverse menu tailored to different times of the day: morning, lunch, and dinner. Start your day refreshed, find energy at noon, and unwind in the evening. At scenes, you'll discover the ideal dining experience that fits your daily rhythm and mood.
For example, to kick off a busy day, we recommend our highly-reviewed scenes Big Brekkie. The combination of crispy toast and juicy, savory flavors provides the ideal breakfast experience to satisfy both body and soul. Our beautiful Eggs Benedict with fresh avocado and eggs, and the colorfully delightful Avocado on Toast, are also perfect for creating a luxurious morning. Many people feel that a delicious breakfast leads to a more positive day, and one survey found that about 65% of people agree. At scenes, we offer a menu that delights the mind and body, ensuring you start your day in the best possible mood.
- Morning (until ~11:00 AM): Enjoy a pleasant start to your day with a hearty breakfast, light toast, and aromatic specialty coffee. A well-balanced meal gentle on your awakening body provides energy for the day ahead.
- Lunch (~11:00 AM - ~3:00 PM): Perfect for a fun chat with friends or a focused solo meal. Our balanced menu, including burgers, salads, and pasta, caters to diverse tastes. Recharge for the afternoon in our bright and airy dining space.
- Dinner (from ~5:00 PM): A sophisticated time to unwind with a glass of wine. End your day by relaxing completely in a space where you can savor exquisite dishes and soothe away the day's fatigue. It's the perfect setting for a special evening filled with conversation with loved ones.
Discover an Authentic Oceania Coffee Experience in Shiga
One of the main attractions of scenes is our use of specialty coffee beans from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso. The opportunity to savor this high-quality coffee in Shiga Prefecture is a special experience unique to scenes. In particular, the flat white, a signature of Oceania-style coffee, is a must-try. Its distinctive flavor and texture perfectly replicate the authentic taste right here in Japan.
What is a Flat White? Exploring Its Charm
A flat white is a coffee characterized by its smooth, rich flavor, made by pouring finely steamed milk into espresso. While you can also enjoy the beauty of latte art, it's the silky texture and the perfect balance that lets you truly taste the coffee's flavor that have made it beloved worldwide. In recent years, the international popularity of the flat white has surged, with some reports indicating its appearance on global cafe menus has increased by about 40% in the last five years. With less foam, its dense flavor, where milk and coffee become one, deeply captivates coffee lovers.
- The Allpress Espresso Commitment: We carefully roast carefully selected, high-quality beans and serve them in their best condition. With every sip, you can feel our dedication and the high quality. Our bean selection, which also considers sustainability, aligns perfectly with our wellness philosophy.
- Wine Selection: In the evening, we offer a rich selection of carefully chosen wines to complement your meal. In addition to wines that pair well with Oceania cuisine, our staff can also recommend a bottle to suit your preferences. Enjoy scenes as both a cafe and a wine restaurant, depending on your mood.
- Our Passion in Every Cup: We pay meticulous attention to every detail—from bean selection to extraction and serving—to ensure that each cup is a special experience for you. A cup brewed with heart by our baristas is sure to warm yours.
Enjoy a Quality Moment in a Space Designed for Comfort
scenes is more than just a place to eat. We have meticulously designed our space to ensure that every visitor can truly relax and enjoy their time in comfort. The interior is sophisticated yet warm, inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of Oceania.
Facilities and Services to Meet Diverse Needs
On the second floor, we have an open and airy terrace. On sunny days, you can enjoy a meal or a drink while feeling the pleasant breeze. Dining under the blue sky is a truly exceptional experience. For those who wish to work or study, we offer free Wi-Fi throughout the cafe, and our counter seats are equipped with electrical outlets. This is to meet the convenience modern cafe-goers expect; recent data shows that about 80% of cafe visitors prioritize the availability of Wi-Fi and power outlets. You can have a productive time while comfortably using your digital devices.
- Open-Air Terrace: A pleasant space flooded with natural light for a special time. It's a place where you can refresh while feeling the seasonal breeze.
- Free Wi-Fi Throughout: Enjoy your work or hobbies in comfort. Our high-speed internet connection allows you to work without stress.
- Counter Seats with Outlets: Relax without worrying about your smartphone or laptop battery. Feel secure even during a long stay.
- Families with Children Welcome: We welcome guests with children. Our spacious layout makes it easy to enter with a stroller, making it the perfect place to create wonderful family memories.
- English-Speaking Staff Available: To ensure international guests can visit with peace of mind, we have English-speaking staff on duty. Through multilingual support, we hope to offer the Japanese spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) to more people.
Smart Payment and Ordering for a Seamless Experience
To provide our customers with a smooth and comfortable experience, scenes has adopted cashless payments. We also have a streamlined ordering process designed to be easy for everyone.
We accept cashless methods such as credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments instead of cash. This eliminates the need for handling change, making it hygienic and incredibly smart. You can settle your bill smoothly even during busy times, saving you time. The rate of cashless payments in Japan is increasing annually, reaching about 39% in 2023. This trend is expected to continue, and our system prioritizes customer convenience.
A Smooth and Secure Ordering System
Orders are placed by scanning a QR code on your table with your smartphone to access a dedicated ordering screen. This allows you to browse the menu at your own pace and place your order. The menu includes photos, making it visually easy to choose, and you can also check for allergen information, so you can order with confidence. Of course, if you are not comfortable using a smartphone or have any questions, please feel free to ask our staff. Our experienced team will be happy to take your order verbally and provide careful assistance. We strive to be flexible so that even those unfamiliar with digital devices can use our services without worry.
Your Way to Enjoy scenes: Meeting Your Needs
scenes is a place that fulfills each customer's wish for a place just like this. By anticipating diverse uses and providing the optimal space and service for each guest, we bring Wellness x Happiness into your daily life.
For Example, Use scenes for Occasions Like These
Whether you want to enjoy an Allpress Espresso coffee while reading a book alone, celebrate a reunion with friends over lunch, have a special anniversary dinner, or use it as a workspace on a business trip, scenes will meet your expectations. Part of our charm is our versatility; we are a cafe, a wine bar, a brunch restaurant, and a dessert shop all in one. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more sophisticated, perfect for conversation over wine. We invite you to experience the different faces of scenes.
- For Solo Visitors: Focus on work at a counter seat or enjoy reading with a view by the window. Spend some luxurious time just for yourself.
- With Friends: Enjoy an open conversation on the terrace or gather around a table inside for a delicious meal. A moment filled with smiles and energy.
- With Family: A spacious environment where you can feel at ease even with children, creating memorable dining experiences. Everyone in the family can enjoy our kid-friendly atmosphere.
- For Business Use: Utilize our Wi-Fi and power outlets to work efficiently in a comfortable setting. The perfect spot between appointments or when you need to concentrate.
- For Special Anniversaries: Savor wine and exquisite dishes in a calm atmosphere. We help create a memorable day for you and your loved one.
Under our theme of Wellness x Happiness, we aspire to be a place where our customers feel fulfilled in both mind and body. We sincerely hope that scenes will enrich your daily life.
Practical Steps: Tips for Making the Most of scenes
Whether it's your first time visiting or you're a regular, here are a few tips to make your experience at scenes even more comfortable and enjoyable. Following these steps will help you have a smoother and more fulfilling time with us.
Check Before You Visit! A List for the Full scenes Experience
A little preparation can significantly enhance your experience on the day of your visit. Please use the following checklist.
- Imagine the atmosphere of your desired time slot: The menu and ambiance change significantly between morning, lunch, and dinner. Picturing how you want to spend your time beforehand will lead to a more satisfying experience.
- Prepare for cashless payment: We do not accept cash. Please make sure to have your credit card, e-money, or a QR code payment app (like PayPay, LINE Pay, etc.) ready for a smooth transaction.
- Charge your smartphone: We highly recommend having a full battery for ordering via QR code, using the Wi-Fi, and taking photos of our beautiful space and dishes.
- Communicate your seating preference: Whether you prefer the open terrace, a counter seat with an outlet for focused work, or a table for lively conversation with friends, feel free to let our staff know when you arrive or make a reservation.
- If you're unsure about the menu, ask our staff: When you're curious about a menu item or want recommendations, our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you. Don't hesitate to ask about our delicious flat white or wine pairings.
- Enjoy a stroll through niwa+: scenes is located within the niwa+ complex in front of Kusatsu Station. We recommend exploring the other facilities in niwa+ before or after your visit.
Our restaurant is located in niwa+ in front of Kusatsu Station, offering excellent access from the station. Please feel free to stop by.
Conclusion: Bringing Wellness x Happiness to Your Daily Life
scenes is dedicated to bringing Wellness x Happiness to your daily life here in Kusatsu, Shiga. Our high-quality Allpress Espresso coffee from New Zealand, our carefully crafted menu that evolves from morning to night, and our comfortable, smart-service space are all designed to enrich your mind and body.
From a fulfilling morning to start your day, to a lunch with friends and family, and a dinner to mark a special occasion, scenes warmly welcomes you for any moment. If you're looking for a new culinary experience and a relaxing time in front of Kusatsu Station, we invite you to visit scenes. We sincerely look forward to seeing you.
Articles by scenes
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A cafe for work and meetings by Kusatsu Station
Free Wi-Fi and power at the counter, open 8:00–22:00 all year — for solo work or a meeting.
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Lunch by Kusatsu Station — the lunch & afternoon guide
Lunch from 980 yen (11:00–14:00), then ricotta pancakes in the afternoon.
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Where to get breakfast by Kusatsu Station
From 8:00 with ALLPRESS coffee — a healthy, Oceania-style morning.
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An evening cafe bar by Kusatsu Station — wine & Shiga pairings
From 18:00, wine by the glass with Omi beef and Ibuki salmon.
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What is niwa+ — a guide to the Kusatsu Station complex
A 2-minute walk from Kusatsu Station East Exit, on the former site of Kanou Shoju-an.
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A guide to enjoying scenes in Kusatsu
From morning through dinner & wine — how to spend a day here.
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