Raw chocolate & detox café. Makes raw chocolates and cakes in a historical Samurai residence location on Saturdays and Sundays. Sells online as well. Please note that the last order is at 4:30pm. Offering savory lunch items from December 2024. Choose from vegan curry, vegan fried chicken and seasonal vegetable rice bowl (pre order), Shojin soup, and a vegan karaage bowl. Also offers a lunch set. Please make a reservation for lunch. Formerly known as Hareto-Keto Raw Chocolate & Detox Cafe. Open Mon 11:00am-5:00pm, Fri-Sun 11:00am-5:00pm. Closed Tue-Thur.
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Last update on 13 Nov 2025 by Hareto-Keto
Update business info -
Added by ReiAmber on 31 Oct 2018
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20 Reviews
First Review by mayatalise
OliWipunkt
Points +20
Cosy cafe - Edit
Small cafe that offers vegan lunch with desert.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-12-21
Pros: Nice ambiente, Tasty curry
Guest
Hannipopanni
Points +42
Great small Café with lunch and Desserts!! - Edit
We came for an early lunch (11:30 am) and had two Lunch Sets (one with Curry and one with gapao rice) und one Dessert chocolate cake. Everything was very tasty. The owner was sooo nice und she spoke good english. She also recommended some things we can visit in the City, which was very helpful. The place and the Garden is really beautiful. All in all a great experience.
Read moreGuest
aquapet.lori
Points +16
Best vegan food in Hikone - Edit
Amazing Vegan Lunch and Sweets, delicious drinks and extremely nice atmosphere. Come here if you‘re in Hikone.
Read moreGuest
BrinDeGivre
Points +15
Carte 100% bio et vegan dans un lieu plein de charme ✨ - Edit
Difficile de faire plus éthique ! Vegan, organique et souvent fait maison, les boissons notamment valent le détour !
Read moreLieu et personnel charmants à deux pas du château d'Hakone, à ne pas manquer avec son mignon petit jardin japonais 🌱
Hareto-Keto
Merci beaucoup pour votre visite et votre merveilleux avis ✨
Read moreNous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié nos boissons bio, vegan et faites maison, ainsi que l’atmosphère chaleureuse de notre ancienne maison japonaise avec son petit jardin traditionnel.
Situé à deux pas du château de Hikone, Hare to Keto propose du chocolat cru, des desserts végétaliens et des boissons de saison, le tout préparé avec des ingrédients éthiques et biologiques.
Nous espérons vous accueillir de nouveau lors de votre prochain passage à Shiga 🌿🍫
Guest
TaraLMcLeod
Points +30
Delightful atmosphere - Edit
A very relaxing and quirky shop, the Acai bowl was both very delicious and beautiful. The owner chatted with me briefly, despite my broken Japanese, and taught me a bit about local history and cuisine.
Read morePros: Relaxing Atmosphere, Tasty treats, Friendly staff
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for visiting our vegan café here in Hikone and for your wonderful review!
Read moreWe’re so glad you enjoyed our Acai bowl — made with fresh, plant-based ingredients — and found the atmosphere relaxing and unique. It was a pleasure to chat with you about local history and Japanese cuisine, and we hope it added to your experience of our historic castle town.
At Hare to Keto, we serve raw chocolate, vegan sweets, and seasonal drinks in a renovated samurai residence, blending the taste of cacao with the beauty of Japanese tradition.
We look forward to welcoming you back whenever you’re in Shiga! 🌿🍫
Guest
DanteXu
Points +59
Cozy vegan spot near Hikone - Edit
I'm a student studying abroad and wanted to try and find some dairy free desserts. I really recommend trying this spot! They have an amazing assortment of vegan options. I recommend sending an appointment first since the place is small. The iced hot chocolate is really good!
Read moreHareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your kind review! 🌿
Read moreWe're so happy you enjoyed our dairy-free vegan sweets and especially the iced hot chocolate!
Our café is a small vegan spot nestled in a historic samurai house near Hikone Castle, with a peaceful Japanese garden view.
As you mentioned, we recommend making a reservation, especially during weekends or holidays.
We wish you all the best during your studies abroad—and we hope to welcome you again soon!
Guest
corry1
Points +53
Delicious dessert and chocolate drink - Edit
The dessert plate looks like a work of art and tastes delicious! The iced chocolate drink tasted very good as well.
Read moreYou look out over a beautiful garden.
Updated from previous review on 2025-05-05
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your lovely review — and for visiting us on your cycling journey! 🚴♀️
Read moreWe’re so glad you enjoyed the artful raw dessert plate and iced chocolate drink, all handmade with organic, plant-based ingredients.
Our café is nestled in a peaceful samurai residence with a traditional Japanese garden, offering a serene spot to rest and recharge — even in the middle of a cycling adventure.
We know vegan cafés are rare in the Japanese countryside, so we’re honored to be a helpful stop for travelers exploring the Lake Biwa area.
Wishing you smooth roads and sweet memories — we’d love to welcome you again!
Guest
AnitaDollar
Points +5801
Visited Hikone for great chocolate! - Edit
Had lunch and dessert here, and definitely recommend the chocolate and cakes! Each piece is crafted with a lot of love and the owner even gave us recommendations for visiting Hikone!
Read moreIf I had one thing to improve, I'd say the lunch plate could have a few more veggies😄
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for stopping by on your visit to Hikone — and for your kind words!
Read moreWe’re so happy you enjoyed the lunch and raw vegan desserts, especially the chocolate and cakes, all crafted with love in our cozy samurai house café.
Thank you also for the helpful feedback — we’re always refining our menu and will keep your note about more veggies in mind! 🌿
Just 1 hour from Kyoto and 1.5 hours from Osaka or Nagoya by train, our café is a peaceful stop for those exploring Lake Biwa and the historic Hikone Castle area.
We’d love to welcome you again for more sweet moments and local tips!
Guest
Rebeli
Points +161
What a Lifesaver - Edit
The food was excellent, delicious and well-presented. (Gratefully, they don't use the five pungents). The ambience and vibe were absolutely lovely. The owner and staff were friendly and kind and interesting. Easy location. Can't recommend it enough.
Read morePros: Food , Ambiance, Staff
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review — it means a lot!
Read moreWe’re so glad you enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and conversation here at our vegan café in Hikone.
We truly appreciate your mention of not using the five pungents — we’re mindful of both dietary preferences and spiritual practices, and we’re happy you felt comfortable and nourished.
Located just 1 hour from Kyoto and 1.5 hours from Osaka or Nagoya, our café is a peaceful, accessible escape for anyone seeking plant-based, mindful food in a historic samurai house.
We hope to welcome you again on your journey!
Guest
tokyoshachiku
Points +219
Best vegan food I found in Kansai - Edit
A superb experience in very traditional surroundings. The curry was unbelievably rich in taste and the desserts were amazing. The owner was lovely as well and she obviously knows how to do amazing things with chocolate.
Read morePros: Great atmosphere and hospitality, The desserts
Cons: The curry was only savory option when I went
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your kind review!
Read moreWe’re honored you found us to be the best vegan food experience in Kansai — and so happy you enjoyed the flavorful curry and raw vegan desserts, all served in our peaceful samurai house café in Hikone.
Our menu changes seasonally, and while the curry was the only savory dish that day, we’re always exploring new plant-based offerings.
Just about 1 hour from Kyoto and 1.5 hours from Osaka or Nagoya, we’re an easy trip for those seeking vegan sweets, rich flavors, and a unique cultural setting near Lake Biwa.
We look forward to welcoming you back with more delicious surprises!
Guest
SpencerLawes
Points +29
Best food we had in Japan - Edit
Wow, what a find, it's a tiny bit off the beaten path, but so worth a visit. The staff were so kind and spoke amazing English! The food was quick, delicious and used local ingredients. If we are ever within a 100mile radius of Hikone again, we will make sure to stop by!
Read morePros: The staff, Delicious dessert, Curry
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your kind review!
Read moreWe’re so happy you enjoyed the vegan lunch set and our raw chocolate desserts — all handmade with love in our cozy samurai house café in Hikone.
Located just about 1 hour from Kyoto and 1.5 hours from Osaka or Nagoya by train, we’re an easy and rewarding day trip for those seeking plant-based sweets and a moment of calm in a beautiful, historical setting.
We look forward to welcoming you again soon! 🌿🍫🏯
Guest
frogworship
Points +13
So delicious! - Edit
Some of the best chocolate desserts! Had the lunch set and it was so delicious and cozy inside!
Read moreHareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your kind review!
Read moreWe’re so happy you enjoyed the vegan lunch set and our raw chocolate desserts — all handmade with care in our cozy samurai house café in Hikone.
Just about 1 hour from Kyoto, and 1.5 hours from Osaka or Nagoya by train, we’re a peaceful spot for anyone looking to enjoy plant-based treats in a beautiful, historic setting.
Hope to welcome you again soon! 🌿🍫🏯
Guest
VinnieMcG
Points +31
Wonderful food, ambience and service! - Edit
I went here on a Saturday around lunch time, and had the combo of karaage with a drink and cake.
Read moreThe karaage was crispy and really juicy, and the cacao salt was an unexpectedly nice touch to the dish. The chocolate berry cake was not only beautiful, but so delicious! It was like a smooth chocolate mousse, transitioning to a sweet raspberry flavour.
The setting is also lovely, inside a traditional Edo period house, with a relaxing atmosphere. The owner is very kind and helpful, and speaks very good English! She also recommended other vegan places to try around Kyoto.
Additionally, there are raw chocolates and wares for sale.
This is a must for vegan chocolate lovers to visit when in Lake Biwa! 😃
Pros: Great service, The food is amazing, Relaxing atmosphere
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review!
Read moreWe’re so glad you enjoyed the vegan karaage with cacao salt and our raw chocolate berry cake — both crafted to nourish and delight, in harmony with the seasons.
Our café is located in a restored Edo-period samurai residence in Hikone, just a short walk from Hikone Castle and a peaceful stop near Lake Biwa.
It’s also easily accessible by JR — only about 1 hour from Kyoto, 1.5 hours from Osaka or Nagoya, making it a perfect day trip from any of these cities.
Whether you're a vegan traveler or a chocolate lover, we’d love to welcome you for a relaxing time in this historic setting.
Thank you again for your kind words — we hope to see you again soon! 🌿🍫🏯
Guest
rodigus
Points +16
Delicious lunch - Edit
We had a lovely experience here. The food was delicious and desserts even better.
Read moreHareto-Keto
Thank you for visiting and for your kind words!
Read moreWe’re so happy to hear you enjoyed both the vegan lunch and our raw desserts — all lovingly handmade in our samurai house café in Hikone.
We now serve lunch by advance reservation from Friday to Monday, along with seasonal sweets and drinks in a peaceful, garden-view setting.
We hope to welcome you again for more delicious moments! 🌿🍰🍫
Guest
YumiArao
Points +20
A healing spot with fulfilling treats! - Edit
A cake plate was full of gems!!
Read moreIt came with today’s cake, homemade granolas and ice cream and seasonal fruits. Everything was dedicatedly terrific!! I ordered hot cacao tea as well. The smell firstly whipped me up much and the taste also completely blew me away!
Both should be worth trying. My bestie isn’t vegan but she adored all and wants to go back to try others!
Beyond that, ethical and environmental consciousness of the owner is one of significant points.
We totally enjoyed talking with her a lot. She highly encourages us to bring our own containers and bottles for takeaway, which is still difficult to do in Japan.
Without a further ado, can’t recommend you enough!
Pros: Authentic raw sweets , Compassionate owner, sacred space
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for this heartfelt and detailed review — it truly made our day!
Read moreWe’re delighted that both you and your bestie enjoyed the raw cake plate, cacao tea, and the peaceful time in our café. Your words capture exactly what we hope to offer: not just treats, but a space to feel held and nourished — body, mind, and planet.
Our café is set inside a historic samurai residence in Hikone, offering authentic raw vegan sweets, made fresh with seasonal, plant-based ingredients. We’re also committed to zero-waste practices and welcome guests to bring their own containers for takeaway — thank you for embracing that spirit!
We hope to see you again soon, for more soulful sweets and warm conversations 🌿🍫🌍
Guest
chiharu1329
Points +23
癒やしのロースイーツ - Edit
普段はカフェに行ってもスイーツをあまり注文しないのですが素材の味をいかしたロースイーツとのことで注文させていただきました。見た目も美しく、またメニューにあるローケーキやローチョコレートには普通のチョコレートと違って抗酸化物質やミネラル、ビタミンが、多く含まれているそうです。スイーツを、食べながら罪悪感0。健康や美肌にも良さそうです！
Read moreお店は初めて入ったと思えないほどの心地よい空間でした。また店主さんも気さくで優しい方だったので居心地がよくのんびりさせて頂きました。haretoketoで幸せな時間を過ごすことが出来ました。
Hareto-Keto
ご来店と心温まるレビューをありがとうございます✨
Read moreスイーツを普段召し上がらない方にも、ロースイーツの美味しさと素材の力を感じていただけてとても嬉しいです。
当店のローケーキやローチョコレートは、加熱せずに仕上げることで、カカオの抗酸化物質・ミネラル・ビタミンなど、美肌や健康をサポートする栄養がそのまま生きています。
彦根城下町の武家屋敷を活用したヴィーガンカフェで、心と身体に優しいひとときを過ごしていただけたこと、スタッフ一同励みになります。
これからも「罪悪感ゼロのご褒美時間」をお届けできるよう努めてまいります。またのお越しを心よりお待ちしております🌿🍫
Guest
keikoo
Points +21
Amazing cosy detox cafe Japanese style! - Edit
I've been to this special detox cafe. The menu is vegan and use many super food. The owner is thinks nutrition & zero waste, too. trying not to use bad for earth. I had a dessert plate. it was nice plating. raw cake & raw ice cream. cake was vanilla && lemon I never had before. size is not small. raw ice was basil & black pepper. wonderful taste. Raw chocolate are simple but, one is really satisfied. If you miss granola you must go. The garden is authentic Japanese. take off shoes. You will love it. Highly recommended!!
Read moreHareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your beautiful words and for noticing the little details that make our vegan café special!
Read moreWe’re so glad you enjoyed the raw dessert plate — the basil & black pepper ice cream and the lemon vanilla cake are some of our favorite seasonal creations. And yes, our raw granola is a must-try for superfood lovers!
Our cozy detox café is located inside a traditional samurai house in Hikone, with tatami rooms and a serene Japanese garden — please do take off your shoes and relax.
We're now open Friday through Monday, and all our sweets are made with love, using organic and zero-waste principles whenever possible.
We hope to welcome you again for more plant-based treats and peaceful moments! 🌿🍋🍫
Guest
striveforahimsa
Points +18
Lovely cafe in historic Hikone - Edit
I was visiting Hikone for the day, and Hareto-Keto was the only option coming up on HappyCow. It was well worth the visit. I had a smoothie bowl and cacao tea, both of which were freshly made and delicious. I also tried the raw chocolate, again very nice.
Read moreThe owner is very sweet and friendly. She gave advice on the area and gave recommendations on where to eat.
I would definitely visit again!
Pros: Tasty food and drink, friendly owner
Cons: Only open weekends
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your visit to our vegan café during your trip to Hikone!
Read moreWe’re glad you enjoyed the smoothie bowl, cacao tea, and raw chocolate — all handmade in our historic samurai townhouse with seasonal, plant-based ingredients.
As of now, we’re open Friday through Monday, and our vegan lunch is available by advance reservation only.
Our peaceful garden-view setting is just a short walk from Hikone Castle — perfect for a mindful break during your sightseeing.
We’re always happy to share local tips, and we look forward to welcoming you again! 🌿🍫🍵
Guest
WesBates
Points +281
To answer your question - yes you should make the trip here - Edit
We drove from Nagoya to come here and it did not disappoint. We were blown away by the chocolates and cake set. The owner is awesome and is really passionate about her business. This would be a great side trip from Kyoto. There are also a lot of cool coffee shops nearby, and she will let you bring your own coffee in.
Read morePros: Vegan cake, Vegan chocolate , Kombucha
Cons: Only open weekends
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for making the trip from Nagoya — we’re honored you included us in your journey!
Read moreWe’re so happy you loved the vegan chocolate and cake set. Everything is handmade with care in our vegan café, located inside a historic samurai residence in Hikone.
As of now, we’re open Friday through Monday, offering raw vegan sweets, seasonal cake plates, and house-brewed kombucha — all with views of a beautiful Japanese garden.
Just a short side trip from Kyoto or Nagoya, our café is a perfect escape for slow travel lovers. And yes, you’re welcome to bring your own coffee! ☕🍫
Looking forward to welcoming you again someday! 🌸
Guest
mayatalise
Points +811
Delicious and beautiful treats! - Edit
If you are in the area, you must come here! There is a great selection of vegan smoothies and smoothie bowls, raw chocolates, and an incredible cake plate. The homemade kombucha is also amazing. The owner is very nice and speaks English.
Read morePros: Delicious treats, Cozy and peaceful atmosphere
Hareto-Keto
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
Read moreWe’re so happy you enjoyed our vegan smoothies, raw chocolates, and kombucha — all made with care in our historic samurai residence café in Hikone.
Our cozy vegan café offers seasonal raw sweets, plant-based lunch (by reservation), and peaceful views of a traditional Japanese garden.
We’re just a short walk from Hikone Castle, perfect for a relaxing stop during your visit.
Guest
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