The Munch: A Hidden Coffee Gem in Osaka

Mr. Kanji Tanaka, owner of The Munch

Osaka is full of unexpected treasures, and tucked away in a quiet, residential neighborhood of Yao, one such treasure awaits. The Munch, a specialist coffee shop like no other, may not be the easiest destination to reach. It sits a 13-minute walk from Takayasu Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, surrounded by modest homes and hardly a hint of the trendy buzz you’d expect in central Osaka. Yet, that’s exactly what makes it feel like a hidden discovery—a spot you’re almost surprised to stumble upon in such a serene corner of the city.

The shop is owned by Mr. Kanji Tanaka, a craftsman and connoisseur whose commitment to coffee artistry is evident in every detail of The Munch. Walking inside feels like stepping into a carefully curated gallery where coffee is celebrated as both science and art. And what sets this place apart isn’t just the ambiance but the absolute uniqueness of the coffee experience Tanaka has created here. You won’t find a menu like this in Osaka, Tokyo, or anywhere else, for that matter. The drinks he serves, some aged for decades and prepared with painstaking techniques, have an almost mythical reputation—offering not only extraordinary flavors but also a new way to think about what coffee can be. 

Side view of The Munch

Nestled in a quiet residential area of Yao, The Munch is a true hidden gem, offering a coffee experience that attracts both enthusiasts and the occasional royal. Owner Kanji Tanaka has operated this unique shop since 1981, but what really sets The Munch apart is its aged coffee—a rare, meticulously crafted brew that’s been aged up to 27 years in barrels chilled at minus 3 degrees Celsius. This premium-aged coffee is considered a delicacy, with a spoonful priced at 2,500 yen and a full cup costing an eye-watering 110,000 yen, served on exclusive Meissen porcelain.

The flavor profile is strikingly rich, with notes of sweetness that are almost like a fine dessert wine. Such a distinct offering has piqued global interest, even bringing in visitors from as far as the Middle East. For those less inclined to splurge, The Munch also offers freshly brewed options made with carefully selected beans. It’s a niche destination, but one that coffee aficionados would find worth the journey, blending an old-world dedication to craft with an unorthodox approach to aging that’s rarely seen elsewhere​.

An Encounter with Mr. Tanaka

Stepping into The Munch feels more like entering a personal gallery than a coffee shop, with Mr. Kanji Tanaka himself often at the center of this experience. With every visit, Tanaka passionately shares the intricate stories behind his brewing methods and his journey into the world of coffee. Far from the bustling city center of Osaka, Tanaka’s shop is set up for those seeking something profoundly different. During my visits, he generously shared personal anecdotes—everything from his early days in the business to his inspirations and the accidental discovery of his aging process.

Meissen tableware showcased at The Munch

Each coffee preparation becomes a conversation as Tanaka invites you to slow down and connect. Through stories of his family and background, he offers a look into the rich inner workings that shape his craft. Alongside discussing art and the state of specialty coffee, Tanaka proudly displays his prized Meissen porcelain, lending each tasting a ceremonious feel and deepening the sense of artistry behind his exclusive aged brews​.

Tasting the Aged Coffee

One of the highlights of visiting The Munch is, of course, experiencing Tanaka’s renowned aged coffee. Available in various stages of aging, from days to decades, these coffee brews showcase flavors that are unusually rich and layered. For the true coffee aficionado, there’s the celebrated 27-year-aged brew. Served on Meissen porcelain, the coffee is priced at 110,000 yen—a bold price point that reflects both its rarity and the meticulous care Tanaka has put into developing this unique aging process.

Mr. Kanji Tanaka pours the 27-year-aged coffee into a golden spoon

I tried a smaller serving, a spoonful of the 27-year-aged coffee, to get a taste without the full splurge. Its flavor was surprisingly sweet, reminiscent of an iced dessert wine with earthy undertones that lingered long after each sip. Another option, “The Spartan,” aged only 10 days, offered a different but equally complex experience. This approach to aging coffee is rare in Japan and abroad, making each tasting session feel like a discovery into what aged coffee can become. The Munch’s menu reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what coffee can be, whether you’re trying a 10-day brew or going for the full-aged experience

The Art of Connection: Conversations Over Coffee

Beyond the unique coffee, it’s Mr. Tanaka’s genuine approach to connecting with each visitor that leaves a lasting impression. He engages visitors in conversation, often discussing topics as wide-ranging as coffee culture, world events, or art. During my visits, he shared pieces of his life story and even some of his poetry, showing a personal side that added depth to the experience.

photo of Mr. Kanji Tanaka from his younger years

Tanaka’s openness transforms a coffee tasting into a rare, personal interaction. While sipping the carefully crafted brews, we discussed his inspiration, his dedication to the aging process, and his creative experiments with different coffee varieties. The result is not just a high-end coffee tasting but an experience that feels thoughtful and, above all, very human.

Why The Munch Stands Out in Osaka’s Coffee Scene

The Munch is remarkable not just for its inventive coffee but also for its distinctive position in Osaka’s growing specialty coffee culture. Unlike more accessible or trendy coffee spots in bustling areas like Namba or Umeda, The Munch is off the beaten path, tucked away in Yao—a location that requires effort to reach. Yet, this very exclusivity adds to its allure, drawing those who seek something beyond the usual café experience. Tanaka’s dedication to aging and fermenting coffee is almost unheard of, even in Japan’s increasingly experimental coffee market. This focus on craft and rarity appeals to locals and travelers alike who are in search of coffee experiences that defy conventions.

In a city known for its culinary adventures, The Munch offers a quieter, reflective side of Osaka’s taste culture, where each cup of coffee tells a story of patience, creativity, and meticulous care. It’s a destination for those who appreciate not just coffee, but the artistry and intention behind every brew.

Final Thoughts: Is The Munch Worth the Journey?

For coffee enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, The Munch offers an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Though it’s not the easiest place to reach in Osaka, the combination of Mr. Tanaka’s unique aging process, his storytelling, and the peaceful, suburban setting makes it a worthwhile visit for anyone in search of something exceptional.

Tanaka’s mastery over coffee and his enthusiasm for sharing it create a space that’s more than a café—it's a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every sip feels like a small journey in itself. For those willing to go the extra mile, The Munch is a memorable stop in Osaka’s coffee landscape, offering a taste of something rare and a story you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.