Hello Matsumoto fans, how are you?
It was snowing only two weeks ago but it seems like winter is finally over and the temperatures suddenly changed.

At the end of March we are experiencing warm days and cold evenings, it is hard to decide what to wear if you are going to spend the whole day outside.

Recently, I was walking in the little roads behind Yohashira Shrine, which are filled with little shops.
I noticed this place: the door was open and lo-fi music was coming from inside.

So I decided to go inside!
It’s bar El Centro, sometimes open in the afternoon, occasionally open in the evening.

The first things I noticed, besides the nice relaxing music in the background, were the atmosphere (a bit like in an old movie), and the espresso machine.

The building is 60 years old, and the owner recently renovated it. Before, it used to be a snack bar, so some of the elements are kept intact. Now, it’s a scenic cafe.
There are counter seats and four small tables, or you can seat near the main window.

Besides coffee, drinks like gin and tonic, and hot chocolate, the cafe also serves a daily selection of sweets, including cheese cakes.
It opened in December 2024 so it’s a new opeining.

The bartender said: I am going to make El Centro a great shop, please visit again!

I would recommend going here for a break after visiting Yohashira Shrine!

You can check the schedule on instagram: elcentro_apartment

Address:
4-9-18 Ote, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0874