Apparently, the slope right in front is called Chopin Hill. (That's probably what the owner calls it.) The building was so grand that I felt intimidated and couldn't bring myself to go in... It also seems to provide opportunities for young pianists to perform. Keep up the good work. If I get another chance, I'll stop by for a coffee.

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2024.08.16 On the way home from my great-uncle's funeral. My mother suggested having coffee before heading home, something like a post-funeral meal, so we stopped at 『ショパン』, a long-established coffee shop said to have been in Onoji for over twenty years. The only thing on ショパン's menu is the owner's handmade blend coffee (税込500円). It's a mild, easy-to-drink blend with little acidity, but I was surprised that this was the sole menu item. There is also only one blend, apparently not a changing daily selection. I don't know the details, but apparently they do have tea for people who absolutely cannot drink coffee. Why do customers make their way to a shop with only one coffee, and why is tea specifically provided for them? The answer seems to lie in ショパン's other identity. In a sense, it's also a live music venue. With a grand piano sitting majestically inside, ショパン apparently hosts frequent concerts on weekends, mainly featuring piano. Since I, Kitani, know nothing about that field, even hearing who comes to perform meant nothing to me, but apparently some fairly distinguished musicians play here. Perhaps music is the main offering and coffee is the extra...? When there is a piano performance or similar event, the price is 税込2,500円, including blend coffee. The owner is very chatty and personable. He says he's 83, but seems full of energy. He's extremely active, planning events combining bamboo shoots and music in spring, and coffee and firefly viewing in early summer. Life is fifty years... With that fiftieth birthday coming next year, I, Kitani, have been wondering whether to change my way of life a little. Just as I was imagining how it might be fun to support his activities with some physical work, he dropped a piece of information perfectly aimed at me. He said, “K from ＴＭＮ... (not the one who was Kitani's senior at university) is a friend and lives nearby, so he comes over fairly often.” What? Sir, who exactly are you!? My time at ショパン today passed pleasantly while I was still trying to take it all in. The owner's blend coffee was delicious, and the place is basically within my walking range. When it gets a little cooler, I'll start visiting now and then, partly to work out my plans for changing my way of life...(⁠*⁠´⁠ω⁠｀⁠*⁠)

This is PIANO CAFE & GALLERY CHOPIN, a lovely Western-style building in the satoyama of Onoji-juku. They seem to hold mini concerts frequently. I stopped for a break during a satoyama walk (iced coffee ￥500-). It was fun chatting with the friendly owner. Thanks!

Established 15 years ago. I'd long been curious about this red building that suddenly appears in the mountains, so I visited with someone knowledgeable about classical music. The interior includes a Taisho-era radio, European classical-style sofa seating, and a large dining set, catering to a variety of needs. Apparently, they receive bookings from musicians active in Germany, and the schedule is packed. They say the piano is tuned countless times in 1 year. The food and drink menu consists only of coffee. Parking is available.

A place where you can listen to live piano performances. There are many regulars, but the artist owner warmly welcomed me even as a first-time visitor. The drawback is the rough, mountain-road-like access; on the way home I ran over something like a nail and got a flat tire (probably just me).