Hama-Jikan (濱時間)

Hama-Jikan 

Close to the sando (pathway) to Yagumo Jinja in the Nango area of Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, is Hama-Jikan (濱時間), a renovated kominka (traditional Japanese house) now used as a rental villa, cafe, shop, and rental space.

The site covers approximately 160 tsubo, or about 529 square meters. The buildings were constructed and expanded at different times, beginning with a residence built in the early Showa period (1926–1989). Later additions included a façade inspired by traditional townhouses in Kyoto and Kanazawa, as well as a kitchen that was used for preparing bento.

The business behind Hama-Jikan has a longer history, however. It began as a local shop called "Hamadaya," mainly selling dried foods during the Meiji period (1868–1912). It later entered the bento business in the Showa period, eventually becoming one of Chigasaki's best-known bento shops.

The renovation project took about two years of planning and another year of construction. Completed in the spring of 2018, the project was carried out with the cooperation of a local architectural design company and construction firm in Chigasaki.

The former catering kitchen had become dark and somewhat industrial over the years. During the renovation, part of the structure was removed and the ceiling was opened up, transforming the former kitchen area into an open courtyard.

The former residence has been renovated into a kominka rental villa for one group of up to five people per day.

Next to the rental villa is a small cafe with around 30 seats. The menu includes dishes such as hayashi rice, pasta, and desserts, along with seasonal specials. The cafe is also open to visitors who are not staying at the villa.

Ordered:

Fruit Cream Anmitsu (フルーツクリームあんみつ)

Next to the cafe, on the same floor, is a shop offering a variety of items, including Japanese tableware, fabrics, antiques, and food products.

The second floor contains two Japanese-style rooms, each measuring eight tatami mats. The spacious tatami area is available for a variety of purposes, including classes, meetings, yoga, and other gatherings. More recently, the space was used to film a scene for a TV program aired on NHK's educational channel.

Normal operating hours (cafe & store):
Thursday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last order for food: 4:00 PM, last order for drinks: 5:00 PM)

Acceptable payment methods:
Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, PayPay