FAQ

Q. Are you open today?

A. The "Today" bar at the top of our top page shows what we are offering that day. If we switch to bean and takeout sales only (for example, when one of us is unwell) or open the café from 12:00, we post it there by around 8:00 a.m.

Q. When are your temporary closures and longer breaks?

A. Closures decided in advance, such as for travel, are listed under "Upcoming closures" in "Opening days & location" on our top page, and in the news section. Sudden closures are announced in the "Today" bar by around 8:00 a.m. on the day.

Q. Can I reserve a table or a menu item?

A. We're sorry, but we do not take reservations. We seat guests in the order they arrive. (We also cannot hold café menu items for you.)

Q. Is there parking for cars or bicycles?

A. We have no parking of our own. Please use one of the coin-operated parking lots nearby. For bicycles, we have permission to use the space along the wall next to Inakaya Shoji, just north of the shop.

Q. How do I get here from the nearest station?

A. It is a 7-minute walk from Exit 4 of Showacho Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. (Google Maps)

Q. Can you help me in English?

A. Our staff are not fluent in English, but we do our best with simple English, pointing, and translation apps. Guests from overseas visit us too, so please feel free to come.

Q. Why is café seating limited to two adults per group?

A. We want you to enjoy the atmosphere of our small nagaya row house, built over 90 years ago (in 1930, Showa 5), and the quiet time itself. To give each guest a relaxed space, we seat groups of up to two adults.

Q. Is smoking allowed?

A. No. The whole shop is non-smoking, including e-cigarettes. Smoking on the street in front of the shop is also prohibited by Osaka City ordinance.

Q. May I take photos?

A. Photos and videos are fine, but please respect the privacy of other guests.

Q. What payment methods do you accept?

A. In addition to cash, we accept credit cards, e-money and QR code payments. For the full list of brands, please see Shop Info & Access.

Q. What is the seating like?

A. We have 14 seats: table seats near the entrance, counter and booth seats further in, and sofa seats beyond the glass door. You are welcome to relax on your own too. Café seating is limited to two adults per group.

Q. Can I bring my children?

A. We do not turn away children based on age. However, because of the nature of our shop, it may be hard for both children and parents to feel comfortable. We would be grateful if you could use the Q&A below to decide.

Q. What is the atmosphere like inside?

A. As a "hideaway for grown-ups," many of our guests read or simply spend time quietly. So that everyone can have a peaceful time, we ask that conversations be kept to a soft voice.

Q. Do you have high chairs or a diaper-changing area?

A. We're sorry, but we do not have high chairs, children's tableware, or a diaper-changing area.

Q. Do you have a children's menu?

A. We're sorry, but both our food and drinks are made for adults, and we do not have a children's menu.

Q. Can I come in with a stroller?

A. Yes, but depending on how full we are, you may not be able to bring it inside as it is. Thank you for understanding.

Q. What do you care about most with your coffee beans?

A. We only use high-quality specialty coffee beans, and we roast them right in front of you after you order. By giving you the freshest beans, we hope you can enjoy their special aroma and flavor at home, too. (About our coffee beans)

Q. I've seen "Showacho Blend" at other shops. Is it a Usagi to Boku product?

A. "Showacho Blend®" is our original blend name, registered as a trademark by Usagi to Boku. Some of our wholesale partners use our beans and sell them officially under the name "Showacho Blend®." However, in recent years we have seen the same name used by businesses that have nothing to do with us. To avoid confusion, please check the seller before you buy, to make sure the beans were roasted by Usagi to Boku. Trademark registration: No. 6930442

Q. Why are your baked goods made at welfare facilities?

A. Through connections from our previous jobs, we buy delicious baked goods made by people at facilities for people with disabilities. We hope that your purchase also supports the people who make them.

Q. Do you offer vegan or allergy-friendly options?

A. We have few items made without dairy or eggs, so in many cases we cannot meet these requests. Thank you for understanding. Please let us know if there is anything you cannot eat.

Q. What values does the shop hold?

A. Yes. What matters most to us is offering a time and space where you can quietly be with yourself. We believe this time should be offered equally to every guest, regardless of age, gender, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity (we are an LGBTQ+ friendly shop). Usagi to Boku hopes to remain a safe, inclusive "safe space" where everyone can be themselves.

Q. What kind of place is Showacho in Abeno?

A. Showacho is a town that feels both nostalgic and new, with old-fashioned shopping streets mixed with independent shops in renovated nagaya row houses. Local events such as "Showa na Machi no Buy Local" at Nagaike Park are held here, and we think it is an area that both locals and visitors from farther away can enjoy.

Q. What is a "nagaya"?

A. A traditional Japanese row house, with several homes joined in a line. Our shop is a renovated nagaya built over 90 years ago (in 1930, Showa 5). In this charming space, which keeps the original beams and pillars, you can enjoy a moment away from everyday life.

Q. What do you value in your connection with the community?

A. Yes. As members of the Showacho community in Abeno, we support the "Buy Local" movement (Showa na Machi no Buy Local), which encourages residents to discover and use good local shops to keep the area lively. By sharing local recommendations on our blog and working with nearby shops, we hope to carry the charm of this town into the future. We also help with cat rescue work together with local volunteers.

Q. Do you serve breakfast?

A. Yes. Our Morning Sets are served until 11:00. Choose a toast set or similar and pair it with a drink of your choice (with salad and yogurt). They are available for dining in on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Morning Sets are not available on Thursday, when we only sell over the counter, or on Friday, when café seating opens at 12:00.

Q. Do you make latte art?

A. Yes. We make latte art on the hot Caffè Latte and on Boku's Milk Coffee. There is no latte art on the Café au Lait. If you have a design in mind, just let us know when you order. For two guests, we can also draw a different design for each of you.

Q. Can I come in with a wheelchair?

A. Yes. Some parts of the aisle are narrow, but you can stay in your wheelchair at your table. The sliding door at the entrance gives an opening of 77 cm. There is a gutter about 5 cm wide (8 cm deep) in front of the entrance, so our staff will help you when you arrive. Please just let us know. Our restroom is not wheelchair accessible (the nearest multipurpose restroom is in front of the south ticket gate of Showacho Station). If you use medical equipment or an electric wheelchair, we can lend you a power strip.

Q. Can I bring my pet?

A. For hygiene reasons, and to keep the shop quiet, we ask that you do not bring pets. If you are out on a walk, please use our takeout.

Q. Can I bring an assistance dog (service dog, guide dog, or hearing dog)?

A. Yes, of course. Please feel free to visit.

Q. I am deaf or hard of hearing. Can I order?

A. Yes, please don't worry. The owner can communicate in simple Japanese Sign Language and fingerspelling. We also have a writing board for communication, so please just ask.

Q. I am blind or have low vision. Can I understand the menu?

A. You can zoom in on our menu website on your smartphone, or our staff will explain the menu carefully in person. We are very sorry, but we do not have a Braille menu, and the restroom has no Braille signage.

Q. I am sensitive to noise.

A. The sound level in the shop is about 60 dB, and about 50 dB at the back. Please ask us about seating. We can also adjust the background music volume and give you disposable earplugs.

Q. Can anyone use the restroom?

A. Yes. We have one all-gender restroom that anyone can use, regardless of gender.

Q. What can I take out?

A. Coffee beans, baked goods from the counter, drinks, and gift sets are available for takeout. Cakes and light meals are not available for takeout. (Please also use our online shop.)

Q. Is there Wi-Fi or power outlets?

A. We have free Wi-Fi for guests (SSID: _usaboku_guest). There are no power outlets, but we can lend you a portable battery. Please just ask.

Q. What is the music playing in the shop?

A. The background music in the shop is original music made to suit our atmosphere. You can also listen to it on music streaming services. For details, please see our Music page.

Q. Are you hiring?

A. We are very sorry, but we value "the two of us giving careful attention to every guest we can see," and we have worked this way since we opened. For this reason, we have no plans to hire staff, including part-time staff. Thank you for understanding.