Fuglen Sangubashi – Embracing Materials and Nature

Hello! I’m Nakajima, the store manager of Fuglen Sangubashi.
Opened in 2024, our store is now in its second year. We are deeply grateful to all of you who have supported us since the beginning.

Our concept is “Polish” – or “Migaku” in Japanese.

We value the individuality of each material. We explore and sometimes deconstruct those materials, then rebuild their charm in new forms. To let you experience Fuglen Sangubashi more deeply, I would like to introduce a few of the details and ideas we cherish in this space.

At Fuglen Sangubashi, our baristas prepare each cup right in front of you at the counter. Customers familiar with our other locations are often surprised by the different atmosphere here. It is a space where you can experience Fuglen coffee with all five senses. The interior is inspired by a “Norwegian mountain cabin.” Wherever possible, we used natural materials, allowing guests to feel the texture and warmth of nature and craftsmanship.

For example, the counter is made of “Date-Kanmuri Stone,” a natural stone from Mt. Okura in Miyagi Prefecture, formed by volcanic activity around 20 million years ago. Rich in iron, it has a unique rust-like color. To preserve its natural texture, we kept parts of the raw surface and polished the rest to highlight its beauty.

Norwegian mountains, located at high latitudes, often feature rugged, exposed rock landscapes under icy and snowy conditions, rather than lush greenery like in Japan. Locals enjoy hiking on weekends, brewing coffee amidst the rocky terrain. We hope you can imagine this Norwegian mountain scenery and enjoy a slow, sensory coffee experience here.

For our cups, we chose “Hoshino-yaki” from Hoshino Village in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Traditionally used for tea and sake, these cups have a warmth in the hand and a soft mouthfeel, giving coffee a new dimension of enjoyment.

Hoshino-yaki has a 300-year history alongside tea cultivation. Though production once ceased in the late 19th century, it was revived in 1968 by Mr. Genta Yamamoto. All the clay and glazes are carefully sourced from nature, resulting in unique variations in color and shape. For our Sangubashi store, special cups were crafted to enhance the experience of Fuglen coffee in a warm, tactile way.

In spring, plum blossoms; in summer, vibrant greenery; in autumn, red foliage—our garden reflects the changing seasons. The “Fuglen” sign at the entrance may be familiar to some. On our opening day, January 31, 2024, Fuglen owner Einar, visiting from Norway, personally handwrote it in the garden. The natural brushstrokes carry warmth and sincerity.

Wooden log stools in the garden allow you to enjoy your coffee outdoors, feeling the seasonal breeze. Inside, we minimized artificial lighting to embrace natural sunlight. On sunny days, the store is bright and lively; on rainy days, it becomes calm and reflective. The shifting moods with weather and time of day are part of the charm—each visit offers a new experience.

Each material carries a unique character nurtured by nature. Even the same material takes on different qualities depending on its environment and the touch of the maker. At Fuglen Sangubashi, we honor these natural characteristics, explore them deeply, and express them in various forms. We hope you take the time to slow down, immerse yourself in this space, and experience Fuglen coffee in its purest, most mindful way.

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