【Cool down at the stream】Iced coffee drive at Yozawagawa in Akiruno City, Tokyo.

On hot days, after considering how to feel cool, I decided to go to a stream along a forest road deep in the mountains to cool off. I took out iced coffee from a café along the way and enjoyed it by the river, it had a different flavor than usual.

When it comes to cool places, a mountain stream in the depths of the mountains comes to mind.

For me, a place where both body and mind can feel refreshed is typically amidst a stream surrounded by lush trees. There is a sense of openness that cannot be experienced in air-conditioned homes or facilities, and one can feel the coolness not only through touch but also visually. This time, I drove towards Akiruno City in Tokyo.

Right next to Musashi-Ikusha Station, to VANCOUVER COFFEE Espresso.

My old Jimny has low insulation and the air conditioning doesn't work very well, so I get very thirsty. There was a café that always caught my attention on the way, so I stopped here to buy an iced coffee.

The interior of the shop is very stylish, and the aroma of roasted coffee fills the air. From the counter seats, you can enjoy a view of the river, creating an excellent atmosphere. Even though it was a weekday, a few groups of what seemed to be tourists were seen visiting.

As I enjoyed the atmosphere inside the shop, my iced coffee for 690 yen was ready. Please note that payment is cashless only. I received my coffee and set off towards my destination.

VANCOUVER COFFEE Espresso
192 Tokura, Akiruno City, Tokyo
Business hours / Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

To the Yozawa River in Akiruno City

I often visited Akiruno City in search of nature, but the Yozawa River, my destination, is located off the national road, so I always passed it by. After researching online, it seemed that the atmosphere of the stream and forest road would be nice, so I chose it as my destination this time.

As I continued along the narrow road, eyeing the BBQ area and fishing pond, I saw a "road closed" sign. It appears that beyond this point is a forest road that cars cannot pass. I parked the car and went down to the river.

The sunlight is遮られ, and the cool air is流れていて, making it very pleasant. I'll enjoy the iced coffee I bought earlier while looking at the river. It's strange that when tasted with the clear air, it feels even more aromatic and delicious.

Every time I walk along the forest road, I feel a curiosity like "What lies ahead?" Although I'm not specifically looking for anything, I am compelled by the urge to walk to a place that seems like the end. Someday, I want to walk towards the endpoint or traverse the forest road in a Jimny!

I impulsively drove my car to the stream, and it's surprisingly comfortable; I liked how easy it is. When I'm tired of writing, I want to head to the stream again with a coffee in hand.

Interview and text by Kazuma Tanaka.

Search Vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle on Amazon