Hanshi Coffee

The history of coffee in Hirosaki goes back about 150 years. At that time, the bakufu government ordered Hirosaki warriors (or hanshi) north toward Ezo (now Hokkaido) for security. Coffee was used as a medicine to prevent edema disease. This was apparently the first time commoners were allowed to drink coffee. Now, the old Hanshi coffee is available to visitors as a way to experiencethe history of coffee in Hirosaki.