It’s like living in a pastoral painting — a scenic coffee shop standing alone in the rice fields

▲ A countryside café with an exceptional view.

Reported and photographed by Yujia Yun, reporter in Yamagata

The enchanting rice fields of Taitung’s Brown Highway have become one of eastern Taiwan’s most iconic landscapes. Likewise, in Yamagata Prefecture’s Shōnai region of Japan, the golden swaying rice crops during harvest season almost blanket the land. To enjoy such idyllic rural views, there’s no better place than the café “ギャラリ0?Ε匹０?氚??SUI （翠）” (Gallery SUI), which offers a breathtaking view, along with rice-flour coffee and homemade cakes.

▲ Rural scenery can be enjoyed from inside the café.

Shōnai in Yamagata, with its heavy snowfall in winter, is famed for its Shōnai rice, grown with the meltwater from the snow. Walking through Shōnai, rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see. During the harvest season, the golden, plump ears of rice dance in the wind, creating a blissfully mesmerizing landscape. In Yusawa Town, Shōnai, there’s a café nestled in the rice fields, standing alone as if untouched by time, quietly located in the fields and irresistible to curious visitors.

▲ The rice fields outside the café resemble Brown Highway.

▲ Gallery SUI stands right in the middle of the rice fields.

“Gallery SUI” is run by a Japanese couple who live nearby. The owner had never thought of opening a café until a visitor once admired the expansive view from his home, sparking the idea. Unlike typical cafés that use coffee beans, the owner opts to roast Shōnai rice to make a fragrant and refreshing brown rice coffee, paired with handmade rolled cakes — a delightful combination.

▲ The owner hand-brews brown rice coffee.

▲ Delicious food and beautiful scenery heal the soul.

In addition to coffee and desserts for afternoon tea, “Gallery SUI” also sells Japanese-style porcelain plates, tea sets, and handicrafts. Step outside, and you’ll find endless rice fields lining the straight road, backed by rolling mountain vistas. It’s the perfect place to slow down your journey, breathe in the fresh country air, and recharge amidst such beauty.

▲ Artworks sold in the shop.

▲ Walking through the rural paths feels like living in a painting.

Gallery SUI (翠)
Address: 68-2, Fukurochi, Yoshide, Yusawa, Hautai District, Yamagata
Tel: 0234-72-5757
Business Hours: 11:00–17:00 (Open until 18:00 from May to November)