Baristart Coffee Furano
Baristart Coffee: A Taste of Hokkaido’s Dairy Delight
In a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, Baristart Coffee stands out as a haven for coffee enthusiasts and casual diners alike. This spacious venue, which combines a coffee stand with a tourist information center and casual dining options, provides a clean and inviting atmosphere perfect for grabbing a drink or a bite. With hotels situated on the second floor and convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and charging stations, it’s a breeze to enjoy a leisurely visit. The location is particularly accessible, just a few minutes’ walk from the JR station and bus terminal, making it a popular stop for travelers.
The ambiance at Baristart is particularly noteworthy, enhanced by a carefully curated selection of music that contributes to a laid-back vibe. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee while learning about the exquisite milk produced in Hokkaido, a key player in Japan’s coffee culture.
When it comes to crafting the perfect cup of coffee, the choice of beans is paramount. Baristart Coffee prides itself on sourcing high-quality beans from roasters in both Tokyo and Sapporo, ensuring a delightful pairing with the local milk. But what makes this milk so special? Growing up in Hokkaido, the founders were surrounded by a rich dairy tradition, as the region accounts for over 50% of Japan’s milk production. The cool climate and expansive farmlands provide an ideal environment for raising cattle.
From childhood, the founders have been immersed in Hokkaido’s pastoral beauty, witnessing herds of cattle grazing across the landscape. With a lifetime of exposure to Hokkaido’s dairy heritage, they were inspired to share this experience through their coffee. This passion led to the establishment of Baristart Coffee, dedicated to showcasing the uncompromising quality of local milk.
At the helm of this endeavor is Yuuki Takeuchi, the head barista and a self-proclaimed milk connoisseur. Yuuki makes regular trips to local farms, deepening his understanding of the dairy industry and selecting the finest milk for the café. Through these visits, he has learned about the intricate processes involved in milk production, from sterilization to milking techniques, all thanks to the guidance of local farmers.
The milk served at Baristart is sourced from various breeds of cows, including Jersey, Holstein, and Guernsey. While Holsteins—famed for their distinctive black-and-white patterns—comprise the majority of cows in Japan, Jersey cows are a rarer find in Hokkaido. With only about 800 Jersey cows in the region, their rich, creamy milk, packed with butterfat and protein, is perfect for creating high-quality dairy products.
In June 2015, Baristart opened its first café in Odori, featuring two types of milk, including pasteurized Jersey milk, and two carefully selected coffee blends: a vibrant Arabica with floral notes and a robust, full-bodied Robusta. Due to increasing demand, new locations have since opened across Hokkaido, yet the commitment to visiting farms and nurturing relationships with local producers remains a core value. Occasionally, they feature rare guest milks, like Guernsey milk, known for its scarcity.
The name “Baristart” is a clever fusion of “barista” and “start,” reflecting the café’s mission to cultivate budding baristas. The team at Baristart sees their role as more than just creating delicious coffee with intricate latte art; they engage in meaningful conversations with both producers and customers to maintain the highest standards of quality.
As staff share their passion for coffee with locals and tourists alike, they strive to make coffee an integral part of their customers’ daily lives, just as it is in their own.
For inquiries, patrons can reach out via the provided contact details, noting that responses may vary, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Address: 1F Concierge Furano, 2-27 Motomachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0031
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Instagram: @baristartcoffee_furano
- Website: Baristart Coffee