Wellness x Happiness for All Our Customers

scenes, an Oceania-style cafe & wine restaurant located in the niwa+ complex in front of Kusatsu Station, Shiga, offers a new dining experience and space to fulfill both mind and body under the theme of Wellness x Happiness. From morning to lunch, cafe time, and dinner, we strive to deliver the best experience at any time of day. This means focusing not only on delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere but also on creating an environment where every customer can dine with peace of mind.

For those with food allergies, dining out can often be a source of significant anxiety. You may feel the need to be extremely cautious about what ingredients are used and whether they contain substances you are allergic to. At scenes, we sincerely hope that all our customers can enjoy their meal and their time with us to the fullest.

In this article, we'll detail how scenes addresses food allergies to ensure our customers' safety and satisfaction. We aim to clearly explain our specific initiatives and how you can make the most of them, so you can visit our restaurant with greater confidence.

• The philosophy of scenes in pursuing Wellness x Happiness
• The importance of considering customers with food allergies
• Our specific initiatives to provide safety and peace of mind

Food Allergies and Dining Out Today: Why Peace of Mind is Crucial

In recent years, while awareness of food allergies has increased dramatically, many people still feel anxious when dining out. In Japan, it's said that approximately 10% of adults have some form of food allergy, with the percentage being even higher among young children.¹ These are not uncommon issues but are challenges closely intertwined with our daily lives.

We believe that enabling customers to choose their dishes safely and enjoy their meals to the fullest is a crucial responsibility that goes beyond simple service. A survey by the Consumer Affairs Agency also revealed that about 70% of people consider the provision of allergy information important when choosing a restaurant.² This data clearly shows just how critical allergy consideration is for customers.

At scenes, we take this situation seriously and are committed to thorough allergy management so that our customers can truly relax and enjoy their time with us. We aim to provide personalized service to ensure that the joy of food is not limited by allergies.

Common Anxieties When Dining Out

• Concerns about insufficient allergen information on the menu
• The possibility that staff may not fully understand food allergies
• Anxiety about cross-contamination (unintentional mixing of allergens) during cooking

The Peace of Mind scenes Aims to Provide

• Clear and detailed provision of allergy information
• Attentive service from staff equipped with specialized knowledge and hospitality
• Meticulous care and thorough management in the kitchen

¹ This data is based on general statistics, referencing sources such as the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's National Health and Nutrition Survey.

² This data is based on general statistics, referencing sources such as survey results from the Consumer Affairs Agency.

Allergy Management at scenes: Specific Initiatives to Fulfill Mind and Body

We believe that food safety is paramount in supporting our customers' wellness. At scenes, we have established an environment where even customers with food allergies can dine with peace of mind through the following specific initiatives. We take a multi-faceted approach to ensure our guests can enjoy our cuisine comfortably and safely.

Detailed Allergen Information and Menu Development

• Clear Indication of Allergens, Including the 8 Specified Raw Materials: We provide information not only on the 8 specified raw materials mandated by Japanese food labeling standards (shrimp, crab, walnuts, wheat, buckwheat, egg, milk, peanuts) but also on recommended items whenever possible. Each menu item clearly lists the main allergens it contains, allowing customers to check the details themselves. This enables you to choose your meal with confidence based on your own judgment.
• Information via Our QR Code Ordering System: We use a system where you can order from your smartphone using a QR code. This system offers a significant advantage to our customers. You can carefully review detailed information and allergen lists for each menu item on your own device, providing peace of mind as you can access information that might be overlooked on a paper menu anytime, anywhere. It's an extremely convenient feature for those who wish to examine allergy information in depth.
• Flexible Menu Adjustments: We strive to accommodate requests within our capacity, such as removing specific ingredients based on a customer's allergies. For example, it's possible to consult with our staff upon arrival about allergy-conscious options for morning toast, lunch salads, or dinner main courses. We aim for personalized service tailored to each customer's needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Whenever we develop new menus, we prioritize scrutinizing allergy information and increasing the number of safe and delicious options for more customers. While incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients, we never neglect consideration for allergies.

Kitchen Practices and Staff Training to Ensure Safety

• Thorough Management and Measures in the Cooking Process: To provide safe meals, our kitchen rigorously implements measures to prevent cross-contamination, such as separating utensils and preparation areas for allergenic and non-allergenic ingredients as much as possible. We pay special attention to handling allergens that can easily become airborne, like wheat flour and eggs, and maintain strict hygiene control in the kitchen.
• Training Knowledgeable Staff and English Support: All our staff members are trained in the fundamentals of food allergies. We conduct regular training and information sharing to ensure they can provide accurate information and respond appropriately to any allergy-related inquiries. Furthermore, we have English-speaking staff available, so both domestic and international guests can use our services with confidence. You can discuss your allergy concerns without a language barrier.
• Attentive Communication with Customers: When you order, we will carefully listen to your allergy concerns and work closely with the kitchen to suggest the best menu options for you. If you have any worries about allergies, please do not hesitate to speak with us. We believe it is our role to listen to our customers and find the best possible solution.

A Commitment to Ingredients that Pursue Wellness

• Use of Carefully Selected, High-Quality Ingredients: Under the theme of Wellness x Happiness, scenes uses carefully selected fresh and high-quality ingredients. For example, you can enjoy a flat white—a rarity in Shiga Prefecture—made with specialty coffee beans from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso. We also pay close attention to the raw materials used in high-quality beverages like this, so you can enjoy them without allergy concerns.
• Nutritionally Balanced Menu Design: Aiming to satisfy both mind and body, we develop menus that are rich in vegetables and nutritionally balanced. We offer a variety of choices so that even those with allergies can select delicious and wholesome dishes. For instance, we are constantly exploring options for plant-based menus and alternative dishes that omit specific ingredients.

Through these wide-ranging initiatives, we strive for scenes to remain a comfortable and safe dining space for all our customers. We hope that as many people as possible can experience the joy that comes from food.

A Practical Guide to Enjoying scenes: From Before You Arrive to After You Leave

At scenes, we offer a variety of facilities and services to ensure our customers have a smooth and worry-free visit. Whether you have food allergies or not, please use the following tips to enjoy your time with us. We are dedicated to providing support that accompanies you from before your visit until you head home.

Pre-Visit Preparation

• Get the Latest Info on Social Media: On our Instagram, you can see the latest menu information, limited-time events, and the restaurant's atmosphere. You can check in advance for any notes on allergies, and you might find hints about whether special seasonal menus can be made allergy-friendly.
• Contact Us in Advance for Peace of Mind: We strongly recommend that customers with severe or multiple allergies call us (+81 77-558-8778) before visiting. We will consider specific arrangements to meet your needs to the best of our ability. Speaking with us beforehand can reduce anxiety and allow for a smoother experience during your visit.
• Check Our Hours and Plan Your Visit: We are open for a wide range of hours, from morning to lunch, cafe time, and dinner. Please choose the time that best suits your schedule. For example, you might choose a less busy time to allow for a more leisurely consultation with our staff.

Tips for Your Visit

• Speak with Our Staff Upon Arrival or Seating: Please feel free to speak to our staff about your allergies when you arrive or after you are seated. While our primary ordering system is via QR code, verbal orders are also welcome, so you don't need to worry if you're not comfortable with smartphones or if you'd like a more detailed discussion. We will listen carefully to your needs and suggest the most suitable menu options.
• Cashless Payments Only: Please note that our restaurant does not accept cash. Please come prepared with a cashless payment method, such as a credit card, e-money, or QR code payment. This allows for a more hygienic and seamless checkout process. With no cash changing hands, contact is reduced, contributing to greater sanitary peace of mind.
• Enjoy Our Comfortable Space—Children Welcome: We have an open terrace on the second floor where you can enjoy your meal with a pleasant breeze on a nice day. The interior is equipped with Wi-Fi, and the counter seats have power outlets, making it a great place to focus on work, study, reading, or browsing. We also welcome guests with children and provide a space where the whole family can relax comfortably and safely.

scenes is conveniently located within the niwa+ complex in front of Kusatsu Station, Shiga. You can visit us not just for a meal, but also as a cafe or a wine bar for various occasions. Our entire team looks forward to welcoming you and meeting your diverse needs.

Experience Wellness x Happiness at scenes

scenes is more than just a cafe or restaurant. Our mission is to provide a Wellness x Happiness experience that fulfills the mind and body of every customer. We hope that the time you spend enjoying delicious food in our comfortable space becomes a source of daily vitality and a moment of happiness.

Food allergies can sometimes limit the joy of dining out. However, we are passionate about breaking down that barrier and being a place where all customers can safely and wholeheartedly enjoy delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere. Regardless of allergies, we want to contribute to creating a society where everyone can share the joy of food.

With a rich flat white brewed from New Zealand's Allpress Espresso specialty coffee in hand, savor Oceania-style cuisine made with Shiga's bountiful ingredients. Forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and spend a relaxing time with us. Conveniently located in front of Kusatsu Station, scenes is here to complement your day from morning to night. We invite you to experience a new dining scene with us. We work hard every day to earn our customers' I want to come back smiles.

The Experience You'll Find at scenes

• Safe and delicious meals you can enjoy without worrying about food allergies
• An open, comfortable space to relax both mind and body
• The rich flavors of high-quality specialty coffee and selected wines
• High convenience, usable for various occasions throughout the day

We Sincerely Look Forward to Your Visit

Our greatest joy is seeing our customers smile. If you have any questions or requests, please don't hesitate to speak with our staff at any time. We are always listening to our customers and striving to provide better service. We are confident you will find your own perfect Wellness x Happiness at scenes. Our entire team sincerely looks forward to your visit.