Welcome to 'scenes' in Front of Kusatsu Station: A Place to Nourish Your Body and Soul

A new place of relaxation has been born in a corner of the 'niwa+' complex in front of Kusatsu Station, Shiga Prefecture. Its name is 'scenes.' In a location once loved by many, we welcome you to our Oceania-style café and wine restaurant. With our theme of 'Wellness x Happiness,' we aim to offer more than just a meal—we provide a rich experience and space that satisfies both mind and body.

Our greatest appeal is that you can visit us at any time of day—from morning to lunch, teatime, and dinner—to suit your own personal 'scene.' Our Flat White, made with specialty coffee beans from New Zealand's 'Allpress Espresso,' is a rare treat in Shiga Prefecture and a must-try for coffee lovers. Of course, it's not just about coffee; our other specialty, 'wine,' also brings a new splash of color to your daily life.

You might wonder, 'Wine at a café?' But at scenes, we want you to enjoy wine as casually and freely as you would a cup of coffee. In this column, we'll introduce food and wine pairing tips that highlight our café's charm and encourage you to visit and experience it for yourself.

The Daily Life at 'scenes': An Interweaving of Café and Wine Charm

'I want to relax at a café, but also unwind with a nice glass of wine at night.' 'I'd like to indulge a little during the day.' 'scenes' caters to these diverse needs. We are not just a café, nor just a wine bar. By fusing these two elements, we offer new discoveries and joys in your daily life. From a morning perfect for starting your day, to a lively lunch, a relaxing afternoon teatime, and a dinner to cap off the evening, we deliver a 'Wellness x Happiness' experience through menus tailored to each scene and wine suggestions to accompany them.

Our convenient location, just a 3-minute walk from the east exit of Kusatsu Station, is another reason why it's easy to stop by. Situated within the 'niwa+' complex, you can visit us while shopping or waiting for a train. We offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets at our counter seats, allowing you to spend time comfortably while doing some work or reading. We also have an open terrace on the second floor, perfect for enjoying a meal or a glass of wine with a pleasant breeze on a sunny day. We welcome guests with young children, so the whole family can relax and enjoy their time with us.

To ensure smooth service, we only accept cashless payments. We use a system where you can order from your smartphone using a QR code at your table, but our staff is also happy to take your order verbally if you prefer, so please don't hesitate to ask. We are proud to have received high praise in customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, particularly for the deliciousness of our coffee and hamburgers, and the thoughtfulness of our staff.

• A 3-minute walk from Kusatsu Station's East Exit: Excellent access makes it easy to stop by for both everyday visits and special occasions.
• Free Wi-Fi & Counter Seats with Power Outlets: Spend your time as you wish, whether working, reading, or relaxing.
• Cashless & QR Code Ordering: Enjoy a smart and seamless experience (verbal orders also welcome).

Discover a New World of Wine, Oceania-Style

Our 'Oceania style' concept at 'scenes' adds a unique flavor to how you enjoy food and wine. The culinary culture of Oceania, including New Zealand and Australia, is characterized by healthy, creative dishes that make the most of fresh ingredients. This region is also known as one of the world's leading wine producers. At our establishment, these two elements merge beautifully to offer customers an unprecedented dining experience.

The Marriage of Healthy Cuisine and Light Wines

The appeal of Oceania cuisine lies in its ability to be both healthy and satisfying, highlighting the natural flavors of its ingredients. For example, our popular 'Avocado on Toast' for breakfast and lunch is an exquisite dish that perfectly balances the creaminess of fresh avocado with the fragrance of toasted bread. Lighter, flavorful dishes like this pair wonderfully with equally light-bodied wines.

• White Wine: Fresh and aromatic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris are an excellent match for dishes with avocado or seafood. Why not spend a pleasant afternoon in Kusatsu with a refreshing glass of white wine?
• Rosé Wine: Versatile enough to pair with both meat and fish, rosé wine allows you to enjoy pairings with a variety of menu items. It's especially wonderful with slightly spicy dishes or those seasoned with herbs.

Furthermore, our coffee from New Zealand's 'Allpress Espresso,' especially the Flat White, is known for its rich flavor and smooth texture. In Oceania, where coffee culture is deeply rooted, both coffee and wine are enjoyed naturally as part of a daily lifestyle. The coffee and wine we serve at 'scenes' are a true reflection of this culture.

Starting Your Day with Wine: Morning & Brunch

You might think, 'Wine in the morning?' but this is quite common in the West. Enjoying a light sparkling wine or Prosecco during weekend brunch is a small luxury and a wonderful custom that adds a touch of glamour to the start of your day. A hearty plate like our 'scenes Big Brekkie' pairs surprisingly well with a fresh-tasting sparkling wine, making for a richer and more elegant breakfast experience.

Even on a busy weekday, wake up a little earlier and have breakfast at 'scenes' in front of Kusatsu Station. For example, pairing our Avocado on Toast (¥1078) with a glass of crisp wine can help you start your day in a special, different way. Enjoying a sweet dessert wine with your favorite sweet treat (like our Honey Lemon Cheesecake Tea or Tiramisu Latte) during our afternoon café time is another sophisticated indulgence.

A Guide to Wine Pairings for Every Scene

At 'scenes,' we suggest wine pairings to nourish your body and soul for every moment of the day—morning, noon, and night. Wine reveals different facets depending on the time of day, the food it's paired with, and your mood. Here, we'll introduce how to choose the right wine for specific scenes.

Morning: A Rich Day Starting with the First Sip

1. For a Luxurious Weekend Morning
   We recommend a light sparkling wine or champagne with our brunch menu items like the 'scenes Big Brekkie,' fresh vegetable salads, or Eggs Benedict. The crisp bubbles blend into the fresh morning air, creating a pleasant awakening. You'll feel as if you're spending time at an overseas resort, enjoying an extraordinary experience.
2. With Fruits and Yogurt
   A low-alcohol, lightly sparkling wine or a slightly sweet white wine pairs beautifully with fresh fruits and yogurt. This combination is gentle on the stomach and refreshing for both body and mind.

Noon: A Light Glass to Brighten Your Lunchtime

1. With Avocado on Toast or a Salad Lunch
   A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling is perfect for our healthy lunch options. It enhances the flavors of the food and refreshes your palate. Enjoying a glass of white wine on our open terrace during lunchtime in Kusatsu is an exceptional experience.
2. With Hamburgers or Sandwiches
   For richer dishes like hamburgers and sandwiches, a light red wine (such as Pinot Noir) or a rosé makes for a surprisingly good match. The umami of the meat and the fruitiness of the wine complement each other, enhancing your lunch satisfaction.
3. With Coffee
   Of course, our specialty coffees, including the Flat White (¥583), are also perfect companions for lunch. A cup enjoyed after your meal while savoring the moment will energize you for the afternoon.

Night: Blissful Pairings to Elevate Your Dinner

1. Paired with Authentic Dinner Cuisine
   Dinner at 'scenes' features authentic dishes prepared by our talented chef. Enjoy the marriage of flavors by pairing meat dishes with robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, and fish dishes with full-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay or Viognier. Our staff will be happy to recommend the perfect bottle based on your preferences and meal.
2. With Cheese or Appetizers
   Enjoying various wines by the glass as an apéritif or with light snacks is another great option. Discovering your favorite flavors by comparing several wines is one of the great joys of wine tasting.
3. Dessert Wine After Your Meal
   A sweet dessert wine is the perfect way to conclude your dinner. Paired with one of our desserts, it will soothe away the day's fatigue and provide a moment of pure bliss.

Perfect for Wine Newcomers! How to Enjoy 'scenes' with Confidence

If you feel like 'I like wine, but there are so many types I don't know how to choose,' or 'I'm a bit hesitant to order wine at a café,' don't worry. At 'scenes,' we've created an environment where even wine novices can enjoy wine casually and confidently.

Our Staff is Here to Help

Our staff, praised in reviews for being 'very thoughtful,' is here to fully support you in choosing a wine. Please don't hesitate to ask us anything, such as 'What kind of wine do you like?' 'What's your mood today?' or 'What wine goes well with this dish?' Our knowledgeable staff will carefully recommend the perfect wine based on your preferences and meal. We also have English-speaking staff available, so international guests can feel at ease.

Try Casually with Our Wide Selection of Wines by the Glass

Ordering a full bottle of wine can feel intimidating for some. At 'scenes,' we offer a wide variety of wines by the glass. This allows you to sample small amounts of different varietals and regions, or pair multiple wines with your dishes, letting you explore the world of wine in a flexible and enjoyable way.

• Start by choosing a type that suits your mood for the day from our selection of white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines.
• If you're unsure, asking for the Recommended Glass of the Day is always a good choice.
• Consult with our staff about pairings with our dishes to find your perfect match.

Smart and Simple with Cashless Payments

We are a cashless-only establishment. You can pay smoothly using your preferred method, whether it's a credit card, various forms of e-money, or QR code payment. With no need to handle small change, your experience is seamless, leaving you more time to enjoy your conversation over a glass of wine.

Your Own Time with Wi-Fi and Power Outlets

With free Wi-Fi and power outlets at our counter seats, 'scenes' is also the perfect place for those who want to savor a glass of wine alone. Enjoying a drink while working on your laptop or reading a book is a true adult luxury. You can escape the hustle and bustle and slowly indulge in your own personal 'scene'.

Achieve a Wellness Lifestyle with Food and Wine at 'scenes'

Located conveniently in front of Kusatsu Station in Shiga, 'scenes' offers a pleasant space and a high-quality dining experience that lets you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life. Under the theme of 'Wellness x Happiness,' we pursue a new kind of food and space that nourishes both mind and body. Here, you can fully enjoy our specialty coffee from New Zealand's 'Allpress Espresso' alongside a carefully selected range of wines.

Whether you're looking for a café in Kusatsu, want to enjoy lunch in front of the station, or wish to unwind with a glass of wine at night, 'scenes' is sure to bring you new discoveries and satisfaction. From morning to dinner, we support your journey toward your own 'Wellness x Happiness' by helping you combine coffee, wine, and delicious food to suit the time of day and your mood. We welcome guests with children, and with English-speaking staff available, everyone can enjoy their visit with peace of mind.

We invite you to visit 'scenes' and try the new dining experience woven from café culture and wine. Spend a moment in our comfortable space where your body and soul can be nourished. We look forward to welcoming you.