Katsutadai: Train Cafe (トレイン カフェ.)

**NOTE** CAFE WILL BE CLOSED FOR GOOD FROM 25 DECEMBER 2016 ONWARDS

Summary: If you ever wanted to enjoy cafe food in a train, here's your answer.

As you may already be aware, there is a subculture of train fanatics in Japan known as densha otaku,

Densha otakus, loosely translated as 'train geek' can be further classified into different sub categories such as tori-tetsu (those that enjoy taking photos of trains), nori-tetsu (those that enjoy riding trains), onkyou-tetsu (those that like the sounds of trains and records them), etc.

In fact, an article on Rocket News 24 suggest there are 32 different types of densha otakus.
Source: http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/04/21/better-know-a-train-nerd-36-different-classifications-for-japans-densha-otaku/

So then, we shouldn't be too surprised that there is a train cafe, catered to those fans.

This cafe in Katsutadai, Chiba, aptly named Train Cafe, is a small chic cafe space within an old unused train.

For those used to the concrete jungles of Tokyo, the location of this cafe seems like it is in the middle of nowhere. For others, the settings of a (train) cafe located in the middle of the woods can be a secret hideaway that stands quietly in the woods, a tranquil and peaceful retreat away from the chaos of the city.

According to Google Maps, it's about a 6 minute hike from Toyo-Katsutadai station, but I swear I walked a lot more than that. Though I admit it might be partly because I am a directional idiot, and got lost of the way...

an actual train in the middle of nowhere

They apparently have got terrace seats outsides, but when I went it was in the dead of winter, so I never thought to check if I could sit outside. 

The interior of the cafe was, for a lack of better word, like the inside of a train. It didn't seem like they did any major refurnishing or renovations to the train.  

There was quite a good selection of drinks, and a decent food menu.  

I got their scones and cream, while my date went for their chocolate cake. 

scones and cake of the day

two scones for 560 yen  

cafe au lait 550yen

Presentation and taste-wise, it was quite simple.

It had a made-at-home feel, and I was quite satisfied with their offerings.  

I had a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon, and I think this is a good cafe to visit even if you are not a train fanatic, just to spend a idyllic cafe time surrounded by nature.

Address: 3-10-11 Katsutadaikita, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba 276-0020
千葉県八千代市勝田台北3-10-11
Phone: 047-486-2228
Hours: Fri - Mon 11:30am - 7pm (last order 6.30pm)
Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Website: http://traincafe.livedoor.biz/