I visited Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA in mid-February 2025. It was just the beginning of the plum blossom season.
Plum blossoms tend to bloom earlier these days… The 200-year-old plum tree was already about 70% in bloom!!
The enchantment of Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA
A 200-year-old plum tree and a lush garden
The vigor of the 200-year-old tree in the garden of Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA and the atmosphere it creates are truly impressive.
Bathed in the soft light streaming in through the large, shiny windows, we gazed out the window at the plum petals falling from the large tree. It was a relaxing, luxurious and soothing plum blossom viewing time.
After dinner, we took a short walk in the garden. Fatsia and fruit-bearing yuzu trees came naturally into my view. The wintersweet trees still had their cute flowers.
Among them were several large hydrangeas that had lost their leaves. We can’t wait for them to grow lush green leaves and bloom in June with their vibrant flowers.
There are also other plum trees, some of which are just about to bloom. They’ll make us enjoy the plum blossom viewing a little longer.
Terrace seating overlooking the garden and little bamboo forest
Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA has one table on the terrace. You can enjoy the view of the bamboo forest and the garden at the same time.
On the day, a customer with a cute little child and a dog was enjoying themselves✨
Someone was just tending to the bamboo forest. I have heard from many people that it is very hard to manage a bamboo forest and maintain the scenery. I am grateful for this.
I think it will be a wonderful space in the summer with sunlight filtering through the bamboo trees.
Delicious sweets in a cozy space
It is still cold and dry in February. When I entered the cafe, the soft, warm air welcomed me…
Then I noticed that a convection stove had been installed.
That’s one of the reasons I love Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA.
And…these are what I had!
- Mashed chestnuts with whipped cream
- A scone with Homemade marmalade
- A cup of coffee
Everything was delicious and I was able to spend a luxurious coffee time relaxing both my body and mind.
I was especially happy to be able to enjoy the mashed chestnuts with whipped cream, which I had wanted to have for a long time! It went in perfect harmony with the carefully brewed coffee… Also, the homemade marmalade and cream that came with the scone were exquisite.
They also have a light meal menu, so you can have lunch here if you like.
Some of the popular menu items at Cafe SAWA
- Set of coffee or tea and scones (with fresh cream and seasonal homemade jam)
- Toast set with choice of filling
- Keema curry
- Shiratama oshiruko
- Mashed chestnuts with whipped cream
- Today’s cake
The history of Nagareyama and the Japanese seasonal atmosphere
When you enter the entrance first you’ll find cute hanging dolls and a beautiful Hina doll on display, which were so impressive.
It reminded me, “That’s right, Hinamatsuri is coming up soon! lol”
On the right is a 130-year-old storehouse. The beams supporting the storehouse are thick and impressive! It is an open space that can be visited, so if you take a peek inside, you’ll feel like you’re on an adventure in its history.
The storehouse, including the bamboo forest, can be rented for use. Concerts and other events are also held here. For more information, please contact Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA directly.
They were selling plum-dyed handkerchiefs dyed with plum branches from 200-year-old trees. The unique light texture is lovely, isn’t it?
Take a break during or after walking along the Tone Canal
Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA is located along the Tone Canal, a three-minute walk from Unga Station.
If you stop by for lunch or a cup of coffee while you’re out for a walk, your happiness level is sure to skyrocket for the day!
Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA information
Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA information
431 Higashifukai, Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture, 270-0101
080-5425-8713
Business hours: 10:00~16:00
Closed on Mondays
Parking: 3 spaces (The gate is narrow, so it is best to avoid coming in large vehicles)
3 minutes walk from Unga Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line
Summary
Thank you for reading to the end.
I hope this article will convey the enchantment of Gallery Heizaemon & Cafe SAWA. And it would be great if it could inspire you to go and check it out.
At TSUNAGU Nagareyama, we hope to play a part as a hub between Nagareyama and those who live in or near Nagareyama, as well as those who are interested in Nagareyama. If you would like to add or correct any information, please contact us via the inquiry form.
