FreeLance

2 Chome-9-5 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
+81 134-27-3646
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop
(145 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1–1,000

FreeLance in Otaru operates as a cafe and coffee shop that offers an intimate retreat from the town’s more tourist-heavy spots. Tucked away on Ironai street, its unassuming, slightly weathered exterior framed by creeping vines sets the tone for what’s inside: a space that feels lived-in and timeless rather than polished or streamlined.

Inside, the atmosphere is shaped heavily by its love of jazz. Visitors find themselves surrounded by retro furnishings — dark wood tables, vintage chairs, and shelves lined with jazz records, magazines, and CDs. The music plays a central role here, often a spontaneous, freestyle jazz set that bubbles quietly beneath conversations or solitary moments with a book. This creates a mood that invites long stays, whether you’re in for a quick coffee break or a slow afternoon sip.

The coffee itself leans toward classic, richly brewed options with a few thoughtful twists. Black coffee is a centerpiece, but selections like the black coffee topped with whipped cream and the アイリッシュコーヒー (Irish coffee) paired with chocolate cake reflect a fondness for comforting pairings. For those who linger longer, desserts such as the chocolate parfait and cream zenzai (a blend of ice cream and red bean paste) offer a gentle sweetness that matches the old-school vibe of the cafe.

FreeLance attracts a steady crowd of jazz lovers and locals who value both the music and the setting — those who appreciate a quiet corner with a soundtrack that’s anything but background noise. Snowy or rainy days especially highlight the contrast between the cozy interior and Otaru’s chilly streets, making it a favored spot to warm up and settle in.

While modest in size and somewhat off the beaten path, the cafe offers an experience that is distinctly Otaru: a blend of cultural nostalgia, relaxed comfort, and a sincere dedication to coffee and jazz. It’s best visited during quieter hours when you can fully absorb the ambiance, perhaps on a weekday afternoon or early evening. Visitors who come alone or in small groups will find the vibe especially rewarding, often striking up informal conversations with the attentive owner or simply enjoying the soothing flow of spontaneous jazz tunes.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Best for
Serves dessert
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free parking lot

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

145 Reviews
Mel C (メリサ)

29 Dec 2025

I love the Coffee with whipped cream. And the ice cream with red bean paste (cream zenzai) The music, of course is jazz, very impromptu and free style. The deco or pretty much many things in the cafe that are quite interesting. He has many cd, records, jazz magazine, retro chairs and dark colored tables. The cafe is definitely one of a kind. Do come here for a different experience. Price is not cheap but it’s good to support the local business. It was raining and for us to rest in this cozy cafe with beautiful jazz music, is definitely one of the highlights for me in Otaru. Looks like the chocolate cake is recommended here, which I will order the next time I am here. Oh, smoking is allowed. That’s rare now.

Tristan Tran

02 Nov 2025

a heavenly place for whoever loves jazz, the music playing was phenomenal and i won’t even talk about the decor ! the ambience was out of this world, i was all alone (with the owner), it really felts magical. i could have stayed there for years

Yvonne Sudarman

30 Oct 2025

An old fashioned tiny cafe, kind of hidden because it's located nowhere and kind of lowkey (but the classic building definitely stood out in my eyes). Jazz music playing, snowing outside but warm inside, and the coffee was lovely. I convinced my friend to stop by because I saw it on our way to the Tanaka Sake Brewery, and it did not disappoint!

FLORA L.

19 Oct 2025

Came across a hidden cafe house while we are avoiding the heavy pours. Ordered one normal coffee and one with whipped cream. Whipped cream taste creamy. Desert is Cream Zenzai (Ice cream with red bean paste). Enjoying the jazz music and the retro decor relaxingly.

F Tn

12 Oct 2025

What immediately caught our attention was the rugged, run-down yet charming building adorned with overgrown creepers. Intrigued, we stepped inside and discovered a cozy little café-bar. As we sipped our drinks, we soaked in the soothing jazz music playing softly in the dimly lit ambiance. It felt as though we had been transported to a timeless world, far removed from reality. We could have stayed there forever. The highlight of our visit was the sweet and endearing uncle who prepared our drinks. His quiet, steady demeanor added a heartfelt touch to the experience. This quaint spot truly made our visit to Otaru unforgettable.

CTC

10 Oct 2025

I was deeply touched by this antique-style restaurant run by an elderly uncle. The hot water is boiled over wood, and the coffee, chocolate, and cakes are made with premium-quality ingredients. The old-fashioned atmosphere, enhanced by jazz music, creates a unique and warm vibe. Family travelers, please note that smoking is allowed in this restaurant.

Spencer W

17 Sep 2025

Small jazz coffee shop just a hop and skip away from the main road. Well worth the detour. Run by an older coffee master who puts love into every cup. Coffee was amazing.

Nigel Whittaker

16 Sep 2025

Fantastic atmosphere, old style ornaments, cameras and music, stereo equipment and records with great jazz music playing in the background, very relaxing to have a couple of beer's or coffee.

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