Folksaka (Kita)

If you’re in the Fukushima area and want to grab some coffee or tea with vegan (and gluten free) bites, look no further than Folksaka.

Folksaka is tucked away in a sleepy alleyway off the main road in Fukushima, giving it the atmosphere of a sanctuary in the city © Folksaka

The Fukushima area of Osaka is a foodie’s haven – even in a city already known as the “nation’s kitchen.” Though somewhat lesser known than other eatery neighborhoods in Osaka, and often overshadowed by the megacity vibes of the Umeda Osaka Station-front area next door, Fukushima is an undeniably charming neighborhood. I’ve always enjoyed its great balancing of the city’s usual hustle and bustle with a breezy riverfront atmosphere, cafe and wine bar culture, and options for upscale and greasy chopstick dining alike.

All that said, what Fukushima (along with much of the rest of Osaka) has long lacked is a solid showing of vegan or even vegetarian offerings. That all changed when Folksaka hit the scene in 2024, featuring a menu that is both completely vegan and gluten-free from top to bottom.

Sweet vegan and gluten-free bakery delights © Folksaka

The Cafe is helmed by the husband-and-wife team Scott and Erika, whose love of great vegan and gluten free eats – and love for the homey cafe experience they have created for their customers – is immediately evident, and widely attested to by local word-of-mouth and their online reviews. Rave reviews from several people in my office were what drew me to the cafe.

In both their dining and bakery fare, the couple adheres closely to the Japanese culinary concept of shun (“season”), focusing on seasonal ingredients at their peak. Their dining menu changes seasonally – and their bakery menu weekly – for an ever-evolving lineup of fresh and delicious vegan and gluten-free eats.

Folksaka’s carrot lox sando set © Folksaka

Folksaka focuses on sandwich sets for its savory offerings, with sides such as soup, salad, veggies, or hummus and crackers. My office mates drew my attention to the focaccia bread in particular, which despite being completely vegan and gluten-free they said was on par with some of the best fresh bakery focaccia of any kind, anywhere – and I have to say, their recommendations were not wrong.

Bakery sweets range from cheesecakes and raspberry pistachio blondies to cookies and brownies. Updated menus are regularly released on the shop’s instagram to keep diners abreast. Takeaway is available.

Folksaka’s table seats © Folksaka

Located in a renovated old house tucked away in a small alley, the bakery cafe space offers two floors of counter seating, with tables on the second floor only – and lots of warmth and homespun charm that can be a welcome respite from the clamor of the city.

The Folksaka entryway © Folksaka

About Angelino Donnachaidh
Angelino Donnachaidh is a Mexican-American father, author, Japanese-English translator, and longtime resident of Osaka, Japan. His works include the middle grade (pre-)historical fiction novel Tamiu: A Cat’s Tale (Winner of the North Street Prize and CWA Muse Medallion), the YA post-cyberpunk heist adventure screenplay Brother (Winner of the HollywoodGenre 2025 Scifi Screenplay Competition), and the upcoming samurai scifi-fantasy action-thriller novel The Mayhem Protocols.

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Folksaka Information

Name in English:
Folksaka

Name in Japanese:
FOLK茶菓

English address:
1-chōme-6-29 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0003

Japanese address:
〒553-0003 大阪府大阪市福島区福島１丁目６−２９

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free

Opening hours:
10:00am–6:00pm Friday through Tuesday
Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays

Non-smoking area: Yes

Nearest transport:
1-minute walk from Fukushima Station on the Hanshin Line (Exit 3)
4-minute walk from Shin Fukushima Station on the JR Tozai Line (Exit 1)
6-minute walk from Fukushima Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line

Website: Instagram

Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Folksaka on TripAdvisor.

Near To Here:
Folksaka is located in Osaka’s Kita and Umeda district. See our complete list of things to do in the Kita and Umeda district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Best Osaka Restaurants
See our list of the best Osaka restaurants for even more ideas about great places to eat in Osaka.

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