Meikyoku Kissa (Classical Music Café) Toki no Kairo | Review by 王小鈞

王小鈞’s Profile Page

Meikyoku Kissa (Classical Music Café) Toki no Kairo

A tranquil café for classical music and home-roasted specialty coffee.

22 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Mt. Washuzan, besides enjoying the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge, there’s also a very special place called Toki no Kairo. It’s relatively difficult to get to, but that’s exactly what makes it feel like you’ve made a special trip to come here.

The café has an outdoor seating area, but if you visit, I really recommend sitting inside! The moment you open the door, it feels like a completely different world. The interior has a very distinctive design, with classical music playing gently in the background. The entire space has a vintage, mysterious, and peaceful atmosphere that makes you naturally slow down and take in everything around you.

At the entrance, there’s a notice saying that talking is not allowed inside. I thought it was unusual when I first saw it, but after sitting down, I came to appreciate the thought behind it. Sitting quietly with a drink while listening to classical music and doing nothing at all is enjoyable in its own way. If you like unique travel destinations with character and a story, I highly recommend visiting Toki no Kairo and experiencing it for yourself.

Other Reviews by 王小鈞

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

Of the 12 castles in japan with a remaining castle keep to this day, Bichu Matsuyama is the only mountain castle. A two-layered castle keep, a two-storied tower and part of the earthen wall are still left. You can tour inside the castle keep with a room set aside in case of a siege and a big hall with an open hearth.
- Okayama
- Tourist Attractions
22 Sep 2026 See More

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, is a mountain castle that truly feels “difficult to capture.” It is also one of Japan’s remaining original castle keeps and is listed among Japan’s 100 Famous Castles. In fall and winter, a sea of clouds often forms, creating a dreamlike “castle in the sky” view.

This time, I took on the challenge of walking from Bitchu-Takahashi Station all the way to the castle ruins. Starting at the trailhead, most of the route after that was an unpaved mountain trail covered with dirt and rocks. It really wasn’t as easy as I had imagined. I kept climbing and panting while watching my step, and when I finally reached the top, I truly felt a sense of accomplishment:

“I finally made it up here!” Looking down from the castle ruins, the mountainside really is quite steep. Just imagining people in the past trying to attack this place makes you realize how impressive the castle’s defenses must have been.

Of course, if you don’t want to take on the full hiking challenge, you can take a bus from the station and then walk a shorter distance up the mountain, skipping the difficult sections and making the trip much easier! The climb was a little tiring, but when I saw the castle keep and the layers of mountains in front of me, I still felt—this difficult journey was worth it.
Mizushima Observatory

One of Okayama Prefecture’s leading observation spots, overlooking the coastal industrial zone of Mizushima Kombinat, where more than 200 business sites and factories stand side by side. It is especially known as a place to enjoy factory night views and is ranked highly in night view rankings across Japan. By day, you can take in an open view of the calm Seto Inland Sea and the industrial zone, while at night, a romantic panoramic view unfolds as the lights of the kombinat sparkle.
- Okayama
- Observatories
22 Sep 2026 See More

Standing on the observation deck, you can see the endless expanse of the Mizushima industrial zone right before your eyes.

During the day, you can clearly see the industrial area, smokestacks, and the entire cityscape. Although it lacks the dazzling lights of nighttime, it has a different kind of expansive beauty.

I heard that this place is truly breathtaking after dark. As the sun slowly sets and the factory lights come on one by one, the entire Mizushima industrial zone seems to light up. Its captivating “industrial night view” is said to be so beautiful that it is unforgettable once you see it.

Unfortunately, I visited during the day this time and didn't get to see the famous night view in person, but that gave me even more reason to say, “Next time, I definitely have to come back at night.”
Nagi Museum of Contemporary Art

Opened in 1994, the Nagi Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Nagi, Katsuta District, Okayama Prefecture-a town known for its harmonious coexistence of nature and art.
- Okayama
- Museums
22 Sep 2026 See More

If you think an art museum is a place where you quietly appreciate paintings one by one, the Nagi Museum of Contemporary Art may offer a completely different experience.

Known as a pioneer of Japan's “immersive art museums,” it feels less like a traditional museum and more like a series of independent art spaces, each with a completely different style.

Each exhibition area has its own distinctive features, with architecture, light and shadow, space, and artwork blending together. Much of the time, rather than “standing outside and looking at art,” you actually step inside the work itself.

I really like this way of visiting an art museum. It doesn't feel too distant, and you don't need to know much about art theory. Even if you simply take in the atmosphere created by the space and the artwork, you can still find your own way to enjoy it.