From a Tobacco Shop to a Coffee Shop

A round, orange sign hangs above the entrance. It blends perfectly with the log-cabin-style wood grain, quietly drawing people in.

A tin “Hot Dogs” sign with a distinctly American feel. The blackboard next to the entrance is lined with the names of coffee beans.

This used to be a tobacco shop run by Mr. Asano’s grandfather. While retaining traces of its past, it was reborn as “selva” in 2017.

It’s not just about nostalgically cherishing the old—it’s about reimagining it through his own sensibilities. I feel that Mr. Asano’s approach is directly reflected in the shop’s atmosphere.

Coffee is an everyday treat

Inside, there’s a counter and a few tables. Bare light bulbs gently illuminate the wooden shelves, and classic jazz plays softly on the TV.

All the coffee served here is specialty grade.

The shop offers several varieties of beans, including washed and natural processing methods, as well as rare varieties like Geisha.

Each cup is carefully brewed, and its aroma and flavor impress even the most seasoned local coffee shop regulars.

Regulars love the 11-stamp coffee ticket (5,500 yen).

“Authentic flavor at an affordable price.” This ticket embodies Mr. Asano’s philosophy.

Another Side: Tea

In fact, selva was originally planned to open as a specialty tea shop. As if to preserve that legacy, the menu still features an extensive selection of teas.

All Darjeeling and Assam teas use high-quality, fair-trade tea leaves.

It’s as simple as pouring hot water over the leaves. Yet each cup is imbued with the story of its origin and the care that went into it.

Hot Dogs, Kept Simple

When you think of selva, you naturally think of the hot dog (¥300). Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.

Despite its simplicity—just a sausage and sauerkraut—it’s a flavor that somehow leaves you wanting more.

The honey cheese toast has an exquisite sweet-and-salty balance. The sandwich features ham and cucumber sandwiched between light, fluffy white bread.

None of these dishes are flashy, but their flavors gently warm you from the inside out.

A little slice of another world in a corner of the town

Amid Fuse’s café culture, “selva” might seem a bit out of place. But it’s precisely because it exists here that it’s so charming.

From grandfather to grandson. Carrying on the legacy of the tobacco shop while building a new everyday life. “selva” embodies both the quietness and the strength of that endeavor.

Just knowing I can go there anytime makes my heart relax. There’s a place like that in this town.