When I was in Onomichi, I was caught in a thunderstorm and nearly got hit by lightning. After the main part of the storm passed, I was able to make my way down the mountain and back to the main shopping street of Onomichi. Once I got there I quickly found a cafe and ducked in there for an hour or so. It was a great little cafe and a great place to calm my nerves with a little tea.
Kasen (Cafe and Cake Shop)
This misadventure started off when I was up near Saikokuji. It is one of the highest temples on the mountain side and when lightning struck less than 500 metres from my position, I was freaked out. I was safe inside the temple for a bit and once the storm seemed to pass, I made a run for it down the mountain. I first looked for a cafe nearby but since it was a Thursday, many of the shops were closed. I finally got back to the main shopping street and looked for any cafe that I could enter and thankfully Kasen was right there.
Kasen (Cafe and Cake Shop)
When I entered, it was a nice little cafe/cake shop and the people seemed friendly enough. I sat down and there were just a couple of old ladies (grandmas) there. I took a corner seat and started reading the menu to calm my nerves. I started to read the menu and saw some rooibos tea. I remember hearing a certain southern barbarian talk with her south east barbarian about rooibos tea and I knew I had to try some. I ordered some hot rooibos apple tea and it came out quickly.
Kasen (Cafe and Cake Shop)
While I was there, I started to realize that the cafe was not just a cafe but also a cake shop. They had a lot of homemade cakes on display and even a nice older gentleman went in and ordered a big cake for some sort of event. I tried not to listen in as it was rude, but I often do so when I am alone. It’s hard to shut my ears off.
Rooibos Tea at Kasen
The tea at Kasen was really good and really helped calm my nerves. The rain had started to stop and I was starting to finish my tea when the waitress, a nice older lady, offered to get me more hot water. Since I was on a time limit to try to visit all of the temples sooner than later, I decided it was better to not get more water and just head back out.
Kasen (Cafe and Cake Shop)
I really did like Kasen and wish I had more time to go back and just try the cakes. I will be back again if I go back to Onomichi. If you happen to be in the area, be sure to try it as well.
Rooibos! 😀 Did you like it?
It was really nice. Then again, I was really shaken from earlier when I was almost hit by lightning…
Rooibos has to be really strong: a very deep almost coppery red colour. That cup up there ↑ looks as if it was made for a delicate Japanese constitution. 😉
Yes, I guess that it is a Japanese version, but note that after waiting for the timer, it was that colour. My second cup was deeper in colour for sure. Can’t remember the taste enough but I may be too Japanese now…. …..