St. Pote

Looking for an atmospheric night out? Or a casual lunch with a touch of class? How about a couple of cocktails? For inspired western dining with an impeccable riverside view, St. Pote (pronounced san poté, and written 散歩亭 in Japanese) in Anbo is in a class of its own.

At first glance, you'll be struck by the building, renovated by one of my favorite local architect/builders. The interior is full of light, and provides a welcome escape from the space-saving boxiness of city living. The entrance and terrace have the light, airiness of a lunch cafe, while St. Pote's roots as a jazz bar are obvious in the first floor bar room. Quiet during the day, and often a bit boisterous at night, inside, a small selection of souvenirs and Japanese books and a rotating display of hanging art remind visitors of Yakushima's charm.

The food is about quality, presentation, and taste, although I wouldn't recommend lunch if your stomach feels like a black hole. I often meet the owner out looking for wild vegetables, and the drink list also offers many locally produced tastes. I think most folks who comes here orders a full meal, but when I envision the outdoor area as well as the rotating desert list (yes, you can get a cofee+desert set) and tropical drink list, (I'm looking forward to beer with passion fruit-syrup on my next visit!) I have to recommend St. Pote for its appeal as a cafe and bar as well as a restaurant.

So the next time your partner asks where you'd like to go for a lunch or dinner date: St. Pote, Yakushima.

Oh no! I just realized that for all the times I've eaten here, I've failed to take a photo of the food! lol. Quick, someone send me a photo before I have to head over there for another beautiful meal! Well, St. Pote's website has plenty of photos, but let me warn you not to look on an empty stomach!


Location: Anbo 2364-17 (30.3127,130.6524), on the south side of the little bridge over the Anbo River.
Hours: 11am-2pm (but you can stay until 3pm) and 6pm-11pm (but you can stay until midnight). Closed for lunch on Sundays. Closed for dinner on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.
Website: http://www1.ocn.ne.jp/~st.pote/

*Hours are subject to change, so please call the gallery or check ahead.

Note about Parking: I do not recommend trying to park a car in the little alley where St. Pote is located. Instead, look for community parking. (For example, the pagoda next to the bridge has parking if you take the first left on the other side of the traffic light.) Of course, if you're staying in Anbo, leave the car behind so that you can indulge in the drink menu!