Document 72 Hours

A Cafe Awaits in Omiya

Omiya, a city where the largest train terminal in Saitama Prefecture links between the Tokyo metropolitan area and the suburbs. A step away from its bustling downtown streets is a slightly curious café. The interior is crowded with bizarre antiques, and all 300 menu choices come in massive portions. Open 24 hours a day, the café is visited by fans of its famous pasta; a local businessman with incredible love for Saitama; and even bar workers on their way home in the morning. We spent 3 days in this offbeat café, where people from the suburbs make a stop before going into the city and those coming from the city spend some time to relax.