MATCH E NO IE

758 Sukawa, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1418, Japan
+81 278-64-2481
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop
(142 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Welcome to MATCH E NO IE, a charming cafe nestled in the picturesque town of Minakami, Gunma, Japan. This delightful eatery offers a uniquely curated experience that beautifully marries the essence of local flavors with a cozy atmosphere. As you step inside, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and homemade dishes will immediately engulf you, making it clear that this is not just a place to grab a quick bite, but a sanctuary for food lovers.

The cafe’s menu, although limited, is meticulously crafted with love and a focus on using predominantly local ingredients. This dedication shines through in their standout offerings. One must-try dish is the ham and cheese sandwich, which boasts layers of rich, savory flavors that will tantalize your palate. Pair that with the generously portioned Wa Teishoku set, perfect for satisfying even the most ravenous appetites. And for those who appreciate a good cup of coffee, customer reviews rave about the expertise behind their brews, with many enjoying the Cafe Au Lait that is prepared right before your eyes, adding an element of performance to your coffee experience.

But MATCH E NO IE is not just about the food and drinks; it’s about the experience they create. The owners are known for their warmth and attentiveness, making every visitor feel like a part of the family. Scott Brills, one of the customers, expresses this sentiment perfectly by highlighting the care that goes into each dish. Visitors often find themselves lingering longer than intended, perfectly at ease in this intimate space that encourages relaxation. As Melinda Madden noted, the atmosphere is simply enchanting, especially with the grandeur of a cherry blossom tree framing the cafe during sakura season, adding a magical touch to your visit.

In addition to the café experience, you’ll also discover a delightful surprise in the form of antique kitchenware for sale in the back, turning your visit into a treasure hunt. There’s even a creative corner where you can personalize a matchbox painting, perfect for capturing your unique visit or taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

If your travels take you to Minakami, make MATCH E NO IE a priority on your itinerary. With the combination of exceptional food, friendly service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder this café has garnered glowing reviews from locals and travelers alike. Remember to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak seasons, as this hidden gem tends to fill up quickly, and you won’t want to miss out on what they have to offer!

Accessibility
No wheelchair accessible entrance
No wheelchair accessible parking lot
No wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeout
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves hard liquor
Quick bite
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Romantic
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts Rakuten Pay
Parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed

Friday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

,

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

,

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

142 Reviews
Scott Brills

06 Oct 2025

If you're in the area, eat here. Limited menu, but it's all crafted with love from mostly local ingredients. The chef/owner even makes his own miso! The ham and cheese sandwich is amazing, and the Wa Teishoku set (pictured) is big enough to fill up even the hungriest of eaters. My friends said the coffee was on point as well (I'm not a coffee drinker).

aaron meldahl

20 Sep 2025

Really lovely shop, great set lunch and coffee. It was the summer Obon holiday, so called a few days ahead for reservation. It's not a huge shop, and can fill up. The owners were very nice and attentive. In the back there is antique kitchenware for sale, as well as an area you can make a painting on a matchbox and put in a decorative frame of your choice, but did not have time to do.

Jasper

24 Jul 2025

Awesome place! Great food and drinks, and wonderful friendly staff :) Most of the veges were organic home grown!

Melinda Madden

13 Jun 2025

This is one of the best cafes I've ever been to! They make the coffee from scratch right in front of you! I reccomend the Cafe Au Lait as the guy will mix the coffee and cream with a flair! Plus the resulting foam on top tickles your lips! The whole place was relaxing and decompressed all my stress! There's even a big tree over arching the building that blooms in sakura season.

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