Higashikawa Coffee | How Did the "Town of Photography" Become a Hub for Coffee Culture?

Higashikawa Town is located at the foot of Mount Daisetsu, almost in the center of Hokkaido. This small town, with a population of only about 8,000, is now gaining attention as a town of coffee and home roasting.

Why has Higashikawa Town, known as the "Town of Photography," become a hub for coffee culture? Let's unravel the reasons.

The Blessings of Daisetsuzan | Premium Water Transforms Coffee

Higashikawa Town's biggest feature is that it has no public water supply. Every household uses the underground water, which is subsoil water from Daisetsuzan, as their tap water.

This water is natural mineral water, filtered through geological layers over many years from melted snow. It is soft water with few impurities, bringing out the delicate flavors of coffee to their fullest.

It is said that over 60% of coffee's taste is determined by the water. Many people who have made coffee in Higashikawa Town have experienced a surprisingly different taste even with the same beans.

Sensibilities Fostered by the "Town of Photography"

In 1985, Higashikawa Town became the first municipality in Japan to declare itself the "Town of Photography." For nearly 40 years since, it has continued to build a town that values art and culture.

This cultural environment attracts people who love crafts and manufacturing. Furniture workshops, potters, and coffee roasters. Higashikawa Town is a gathering place for people who appreciate carefully crafted items.

The Birth of Taisetsu Coffee

We, Taisetsu Coffee, were also born in Higashikawa Town.

The brand name "Taisetsu" has two meanings. One is Daisetsuzan, the mountain at the foot of which Higashikawa Town is located. The other is the Japanese word "Taisetsu," meaning precious or irreplaceable. We named it with the majestic nature of Hokkaido and the desire to cherish each cup.

Ezo red foxes, long-tailed tits, Ezo deer—the animals depicted on our packaging are all companions living in Hokkaido.

"ROASTER COASTER," located in the central area of Higashikawa Town, is the origin of Taisetsu Coffee. Our coffee journey began in this cafe, filled with the aroma of home-roasted coffee.

Enjoying Coffee in Higashikawa Town

If you have the opportunity to visit Higashikawa Town, please be sure to enjoy coffee at a local cafe. A cup brewed with water from Daisetsuzan is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

And for those who want to enjoy the taste of Higashikawa Town at home, Taisetsu Coffee's online shop delivers carefully selected home-roasted coffee.

From Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido, a heartfelt cup just for you.