In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Kayaba Coffee, a coffee shop in Yanaka, Tokyo, which is a perfect example of the old and traditional shitamachi neighbourhoods.

Kayaba Coffee is just a 10-minute walk from both Nezu Station and Nippori Station.

This is a place I’ve visited in my private time out of work and I’m always excited to go. Kayaba Coffee was established in 1938, and actually closed in 2006. But due to public demand, the cafe reopened just two years later in 2008. It’s a popular coffee shop loved by people of all generations.

Time to head on in.

The first floor houses the counter and table seats, while the seating on the second floor is traditional zashiki style on tatami flooring. Although it’s a cafe, you I feel so relaxed in there that it’s like I’m visiting my grandma’s house. The sun shines through the big windows, making you all warm and want to take a nap.

I ordered their super popular egg sandwich! The menu was changed in May this year, and a new and improved version of their egg sandwich was put on there. It’s made using sourdough bread from VANER, a local bakery in Uenosakuragi not far from the cafe.

Breakfast Menu – Egg Sandwich | ¥1,000

The chewy, sour bread is the perfect combination with the fluffy eggs.

Lemon Squash | ¥600

The lemon squash has a cinnamon aftertaste. Everything on the menu is made with love and perfection; before I realised it, I was hooked on going there.

Strawberry Shaved Ice | ¥800

This was my first shaved ice of the year! I went with the classic strawberry flavour. The syrup is super juicy and nearly collapsed the fluffy shaved ice the moment I put it on. It has a syrupy texture and the strawberry juice has a sweet and sour kick that’s just simply delightful♡

And you can make it even sweeter by pouring over your desired amount of condensed milk. It was really tasty.

Kayaba Coffee is the same as it was back in the day, and continues to be loved dearly. I think even people who visit it for the first time will feel a sense of nostalgia. If you have a place you can go to relax on bad days or when you’re feeling down, it’s sure to give you the strength to work hard again. This cafe is a wonderful place that’s close to people’s hearts.

I want to visit there again already.

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Takayama (ASOBISYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Liquor Innovation released a new sparkling sudachishu Japanese sake called ‘Awasu’ over on the Japanese online sake store KURAND today. Available as made-to-order only, the sake will be shipped out to customers in Japan at the beginning of September.

Awasu is a sparkling sudachishu—a type of liquor similar to umeshu—produced by Japanese model and brand director Rinko Murata. The beverage is made with lots of sudachi, a type of Japanese citrus, sourced from Tokushima Prefecture, which adds an extra layer of freshness to the sparkling factor as well as a sour kick. And it’s not just the juice of the fruit that is used—the skin is too. Sudachi is an all-purpose ingredient that goes hand in hand with many dishes, whether it be traditional Japanese food, more modern food, or snacks, adding a refreshing taste to them.

Awasu benefits from the amount of vitamin C of the sudachi which is said to be greater than that of a lemon. It also contains honey, which is known for helping to recover from fatigue, making it a great post-work drink.

The concept of Awasu is to be a companion during those times you want to feel indulged. Rinko Murata says that the drink is “A treat for working so hard in the day. It gives you some luxury time without any effort.” Awasu is served in a can, so you can easily crack one open and enjoy with ease. The freshness of the sudachi together with the subtle sweetness of the honey will reset your fatigue after a long day.

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Sepia in Shibamata, a Showa-retro style cafe which I’ve always wanted to visit.

The cafe is just a 2-minute stroll from Shibamata Station which appears in the Japanese film Otoko wa Tsurai yo. The walk along the road that leads to Sepia, which is nearby the Buddhist temple Shibamata Taishakuten, is a pleasant one. Tokyo is a city consistently perceived as one that is cutting-edge in every aspect, but what I felt from each and every building surrounding Shibamata Station was a kind of warmth that you feel when something has history to it.

It’s been seven years since I came to Tokyo. Visiting Shibamata made me me realised how many places there are which I still don’t know about. It invigorated me. As my mind wandered with these pondering thoughts, I finally spotted the sign outside the cafe, and it sure is a cute one!

The moment I stepped inside, I stood, my mouth agape, and looked at my surroundings. It’s the first time I’ve entered such a bright, shining cafe. It was littered with characters I’ve never seen before, manga, magazines, and more.

When you hear the word kira kira (“glitter,” “sparkle”), the first thing that comes to mind for a lot of people is probably Harajuku and the Harajuku style, but Sepia’s version of kira kira is a nostalgic one betwixt 1965 and 1975 during the Showa Period. The cafe is incredibly delicate in every spot and corner, like I’m looking inside some grand treasure chest.

The owner of Sepia is Kiyoko Hasezawa. The cafe gets its name from the manga Milky Sepia Monogatari by Ako Mutsu. Ms. Hasezawa said that she wanted to bring to life the world of the manga she loved. The cafe is full of her dreams and is enjoyed by everyone, both children and adults alike.

The cafe menu is even inspired by the food that appears in the Milky Sepia Monogatari manga. The hard pudding I had, which combined caramel sauce and cream, was an absolute delight.

Homemade Showa Pudding & Cream Soda Set: ¥1,200

If we’re talking cafes, then you can’t go wrong with cream soda. The cream soda served at Sepia comes in seven different flavours and colours: melon, Blue Hawaii, strawberry, lemon, peach, grape, and orange. I was spoilt for choice on which to go for, but in the end I went with the pink-coloured strawberry. It had a sweet flavour and was really delicious.

Strawberry Cream Soda: ¥750

I devoured the hotcakes too. The pastry was so fluffy and tasty – I could have eaten a hundred of them. The second one I ate with honey.

Hotcakes: ¥600

At the back of the cafe, they also have the “Candy Candy Museum.” There’s a personal collection of items from Candy H Milky, a female fashion enthusiastic who used to be a customer at Sepia. There’s a photo spot for snapping a photo in the cafe too.

It’s a great time getting to go and look at the displays after eating. I recommend going to see the collection yourself with your own eyes. Entry to the museum is ¥300.

There’s a tearoom up on the second floor which has a nostalgic vibe to it. I felt warm and relaxed, like I’d been transported to my grandma’s house.

Humans can’t travel back in time, but if we look after mementos properly, we can go back there in our minds and memories. Sepia, a place that continues to be cherished and loved, is everybody’s treasure trove.

My oh my, I really want to go back there again.

Writer/Model：Ema Tanioku
Photographer：Haruka Yamamoto
Design：Yuko Takayama（ASOBISYSTEM）

Pascal Le Gac Tokyo is the first overseas branch of internationally-recognised French-based chocolate company Pascal Le Gac which released some breathtaking new desserts to its menu on Wednesday.

Chocolate Parfait Flurry / Phrase Parfait Flurry

The original Parfait Flurry desserts are made in the image of a bloomed flower. When they were released back in April 2019, they instantly garnered attention across social media and news websites for their gorgeous design. Pascal Le Gac Tokyo has brought them back to the menu, this time in the form of cakes.

Cakes that are like parfaits

The new desserts take the same concept of the original parfaits, but instead turns them into cakes. But that doesn’t simply mean taking the parfait ingredients as they are and turning them into a cake. Rather, the cakes recreate the taste of the parfaits, so it’s like eating the real thing. The wine glass that the parfaits were served in have been recreated using icing to give that shiny effect, and the chocolate flowers have been cut thin so they are easy to eat.

Chocolate Flurry – ¥864 (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Chocolate Flurry is layered with chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate flavoured almond sponge, chocolate cream, chocolate mousse, cacao flavoured vanilla cream, more chocolate cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate glaçage. Every part of this art piece is made with cacao.

Phrase Flurry (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Phrase Flurry is layered with pistachio cookie pieces, almond sponge, pistachio mousse, strawberry mousse, lychee jelly, strawberry compote, raspberry flavoured fresh cream, strawberry chocolate, and red glaçage. The marriage of strawberry, lychee, and pistachio flavours is nothing short of heavenly.

*Please note that opening hours and closures are subject to change depending on the situation of the coronavirus outbreak. Check the cafe’s official website for the latest details.

Akasaka is known as a warzone when it comes to gourmet restaurants, but a new contender has arrived. Akasaka Yuuga opened this month in Akasaka Ni-chome, Tokyo. This restaurant serves Japanese style cuisine featuring carefully selected flavours taken from across the country.

Yuuga gets most of their fish from Choshi Port, which boasts the best fish yield in Japan, as well as other carefully chosen seafood from across Japan in addition to seasonal vegetables. They bring out the full flavour of their ingredients, all of which are matched to the current season. They even serve Japanese black beef.

Their concept centres on how recognised and loved Japanese food is internationally. The restaurant makes full use of Japan’s traditional food culture and prepares food using a variety of cooking methods. Everything in the restaurant is carefully considered to ensure diners enjoy their meal experience with all five senses, from not only the food but the decor and hospitality too. There are also counter seats available for customers who want to watch their food being prepared while they talk, whether to their friends or with the skilled chefs, offering an unforgettable dining experience for Japanese people and foreigners alike. There are also private eating booths for those who want to eat with friends, family, or celebrate a special day.

Nijushisekki

Nijushisekki refers to the days that divide the solar year into twenty four equal sections and highlight the longest days of sun in summer, the shortest days in winter, and the days being the same in spring and autumn.

The dishes at the restaurant reflect these regular changes; the dishes are not bound strictly by Japanese cuisine, but make use of various cooking and preparation methods, with thought and consideration put into every dish.

Japanese Black Beef

Yuuga prides itself not only on seasonal vegetable and fish-filled menu, which is both a feast for the belly and eyes, but on the beef used in its course meals too.

Yuuga serves Japanese black beef which comes from a rare breed of cow which is difficult to rear. It has a distinct rich flavour and low melting point which gives it a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Courses

There are three courses to choose from that cater to customers desires, costing ¥8,000, ¥12,000, and ¥20,000 respectively. This includes appetisers, and customers can choose from a range of wines from around the world select by sommeliers, as well as champagne, whisky, and of course sake and shochu.

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited J-COOK in Gaiemmae, a place I visited one time while off work which ended up in me wanting to absolutely feature it in the series!

It’s just a 5-minute stroll from Gaiemmae Station.

The cafe enjoys lots of sunlight, which is brightened further by all the plants scattered through the shop. The cafes I have visited to date are often a little darker with only a little light seeping through the windows to create a certain atmosphere, and they are wonderful, but this was the first I have ever visited with so might light and so many plants. The air felt clear, adding to the level of comfort in the cafe, perhaps because there are so many plants adorning the interior.

The cafe also has a space with a slightly more darker light and atmosphere on the left side. I haven’t sat in that area yet, so I think I’ll try it out on my next visit.

When I come to J-COOK, my eyes always wander over to the marzipan creations (¥450).

These ones here were actually all individually handmade by the owner’s husband from the early morning.

If you look really closely, you’ll notice all the dog designs are different. When ordering, get to pick out which one you want, so try finding your perfect pup!

I had mine together with an iced coffee (¥450). The sweet marzipan is a delicious combination with the bitterness of the coffee.

I also got some potted cream (¥450). It’s kind of like a Japanese custard pudding with just a moderate amount of sweetness.

I had mine with a bit of brandy which had fragrant vanilla notes. They’ve had this brandy for 33 years since the store first opened.

The cream was sensational, and the gentle notes linger afterwards.

They have a lot of different homemade soups too which are perfect for the coming cold weather. I got the New Orleans-style gumbo soup. It’s spicy with clam and okra in it.

Relaxing jazz music plays in the cafe while you sit and enjoy your drink and meal.

J-COOK is a wonderful little cafe run by a husband and wife. When I first came, the wife came and talked to me. She’s super friendly, and although it was our first meeting, she made me feel really comfortable and welcome. She must be full of happiness, which in turn naturally gives people who visit the strength to be positive and work hard.

I reckon their smiles have saved a lot of people.

I can’t wait to visit again!

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku

Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto

Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Hills Marche is a market held every Saturday at ARK Hills in Tokyo, and on September 28, it is set to hold the Hills Marche 10th Anniversary “Great Harvest Festival.”

Hills Marche began in September 2009 as the first project of Marche Japon which is run by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It has become one of Tokyo’s representative markets, with more than 740,000 people having attended since its establishment.

The 10th Anniversary Great Harvest Festival brings together farmers from all across Japan, with fresh fruit and vegetables harvested from that morning. There will also be various events including a grape-picking session. Lots of lunch options will also be served using fresh vegetables used as the market.

Farmers Band Together

A total of 44 sellers from both Japan and overseas will set up shop for the Marche. The first 100 people to shop at over 5 stalls and collect the stamps will also receive a festival tote bag.

Taste and Compare 10 Varieties Of Grape

From popular varieties such as Shine Muscats to rarer, hard-to-find varieties, choose from 10 different types of grapes to enjoy. You’ll be surprised at how different their sweetness and sourness is!

Go Grape Picking

Have even more fun by picking your own grapes at Karayan Square. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this experience. Bring friends and family and relish in the flavours of the autumn harvest.

Time: From 11:00

Price: ¥500
Anyone can join, but the grapes are limited in stock, so it’s first-come, first-served!

Bistro Marche with Ark Hills Cafe

The Ark Hills Cafe is also celebrating its 10th anniversary alongside Hills Marche and will collaborate with the market for the occasion. Tuck into a healthy buffet made with ingredients from Hills Marche and enjoy a saxophone performance by Japanese musician Shunosuke Ishikawa. There will also be discount lunches using the ingredients from the market from September 24 to 27.

Price: General – ¥1,000 (Tax Included) / Elementary School Children & Younger – ¥500 (Tax Included)
Time: 10:00-15:00 (Last Entries 14:00)

Jazz Performances: ①11:15 / ②12:15 (subject to change)

There’s plenty more to look forward to as well, including lots for parents and children to enjoy together such as workshops.

It’s been a while since our last date with Yutaro. He’s been very busy with film shoots. He had some spare time today so we paid a visit to Nihonbashi for our next date. “ECO EDO Nihonbashi: Enjoy Cool Edo With All Five Senses” is an event held every year in the Nihonbashi area which takes the Edo period cultural idea of “coolness”―an in, to enjoy being cool during the summer－and puts a modern spin on it. There are many exciting things to look forward to, including the art aquarium which proves massively popular every year.

We gave ourselves more time to arrive at the meeting place to be in the safe side, but it seems Yutaro-kun was already there waiting for us!

Nihonbashi Information Center | IPPIN CAFÉ “Sparkling Herb Tea” – ¥518 (Tax Included)

“Here, you must be boiling.” Yutaro-kun kindly offers a cup of IPPIN CAFE’s limited-edition sparkling herb tea. It’s a delicious mix of fizzy soda and lemon, a perfect refreshment for the summer. Since he ordered takeout the drink came with a goldfish straw. Goldfish are a staple sight during Japanese summer festivals so it’s very fitting for the occasion! 

With our drinks in hand, it’s time to head to Nihonbashi for our Edo summer date!

Wind-Chime Forest Path

Lining the path between Fukutoku Shrine and Fukutoku Garden is the Wind-Chime Forest Path where around 200 Edo-style wind chimes dangled. This year, during the evenings, the path is illuminated with beautiful lighting. 

When the breeze rolls past the wind chimes ring one by one－a cool and refreshing sound.

“I hear each one of these Edo wind chimes are individually handmade by craftsmen.”

When you hear the sound of the wind chimes it makes you feel cool like a gentle breeze of the wind.

After strolling along the Wind-Chime Forest Path we make our way towards this year’s ECO EDO Art Aquarium event.

The moment we step instead Yutaro is already dazzled by all the goldfish: “Wow! I knew about this place from what I’d seen online, but this my first time here! This art aquarium really is something!”

The full title of the event is “ECO EDO Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM 2019 ~Edo, Coolness of Kingyo~ & Night Aquarium.”  Goldfish were a huge part of the common culture in Nihonbashi during the Edo period. This event recreates that and brings that “coolness” aspect while combining it with contemporary art by having people observe the fish in lots of different artistic environments.

Super Oiran

“This is the biggest fish tank, apparently it has 3,000 fish swimming inside!”

“Seeing the light reflect on the water from the illuminations lets you see the fish in a different light, doesn’t it?”

Looks like Yutaro-kun is having a lot of fun taking photos.

He’s equally interested in just about every fish tank!

These other fish tanks have a different aesthetic to them. Their Japanese-style designs make for great photos.

Kaleidorium 3D

“This one’s beautiful, it’s like a kaleidoscope.”

It really does look like one. When you take a peek instead you can glimpse all kinds of colourful fish gently swimming around.

Ceiling Kingyo

“There’re goldfish swimming on the ceiling too. So cool! This aquarium is incredible. It brings together the great culture of Edo and contemporary art.”

The Art Aquarium bustles every single year with visitors, but this year will mark its last run. It’s being held at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall, so if you have the chance to go then please do.

We of course checked out some local Nihonbashi treats too! We stopped by morozoff for some cheesecake after the aquarium.

morozoff Kamadashi Cheesecake (Goldfish) – ¥270 Each (Tax Included)

These cute cheesecakes with their goldfish designs are available for a limited time only. They’re filled with sweet red bean paste. They perfect with iced tea.

“Got some! Let’s eat them while we head back.”

Goldfish Lantern Walkway

Our first date in Nihonbashi was so much fun. While on the date Yutaro-kun spoke about the new live-action film he’s in, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.

“It’s a romance film with mind games to try and make the other person confess their love. I play the character Tsubasa. His number one highlight scene is the kabedon scene. That was my first day shooting, so I was super nervous, but I got along well with the other actors, and the atmosphere on set was harmonious, so I was able to relax for the shoots. Tsubasa is a genuine guy who will believe things that have been said to him in earnest. You’ve definitely gotta check out all his scenes throughout the film!”

“A lot of the cast are the same age as me, so we were all energetic together in the waiting room. There’s a scene at the end where all the cast get together. It took 3 days to shoot so we ended up getting along really well.”

“This film has made me realise that love comes in many shapes, and that mind games happen in a variety of ways between guys and girls. There’s cute scenes that express that small bit of pride that teenagers have, the embarassment they feel, when they get butterflies, scenes that will warm your heart. The film has various elements to it so I thoroughly enjoyed watching it myself. I hope that couples in love in their teens and twenties watch it, and I also hope that married couples watch it and crack up laughing too.”

“In the film it’s summer break, and they go and see fireworks and stuff. It’s definitely one to watch durnig the summer. You’re gonna come watch it too, right? Shall we go?”

An offer we cannot refuse! We’ll definitely go and see it with you, Yutaro-kun! 

Model: Yutaro

Writer: Yuki Yokoo

Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Hatoya which is located in Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Arcade.

The streets of Tokyo’s historical district of Asakusa are packed to end with cafés. You can be spoiled for choice, but Hatoya stood out to me in particular as it’s an especially old café. Business there began back in 1927 but the actual building was built back in the Taisho period, meaning its history spans more than 90 years ago!

The outside appearance of the shop is smart and chic so it’s very easy to spot. I couldn’t tell by looking from the outside, but the inside is full of old decorations and odds and ends which make you feel the history of the café.

One reason why I wanted to visit this place so much is because I was drawn to their logo. It’s really retro-kawaii so I just couldn’t resist!

You should take some photos too if you visit.

It was time to head inside. It’s really comfy and cozy in there; the atmosphere was nice and relaxed.

Framed on the wall is a map of the Asakusa area during the Taisho era. Hatoya became famous back then because people could buy coffee for a mere 5 sen (a single sen is one-hundredth of a yen).

When business first began at Hatoya, because the café was opposite the stage door of a theatre, all of the famous actors and actresses would pop in. Some include famous Japanese comedian Roppa Furukawa and film actor Kiyoshi Atsumi who played Tora-san in the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo.

I ordered the café’s popular hotcakes which cost ¥600. They have been making these same hotcakes since before the war.

They were nice and fluffy and had a deliciously gorgeous brown colour. The flavour was out of this world when the butter melted from the heat of the hotcakes and mixed together with the syrup.

The portion might look like a lot but they are fluffy and have a light flavour so can be finished with no problem.

And is the café’s signature milkshake (¥500).

It’s so refreshing that you can knock it back all in one go. It has a simple flavour but it tasted so good!

I also ordered the ¥600 cream soda, my favourite beverage.

I’ve been to many cafés, and have covered many in this series, but this is the first I have dined at with such a deep history. I found myself enthralled by the stories of the owner who has continued to treasure the café and maintained it all the same since it opened. I feel like I have learned about a world I never knew about. The next time I go to Hatoya with a friend I’ll be sure to let them in on its history. I encourage you to visit too!

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)

It’s been a minute since we last ventured out with Japanese model Yuna Yabe and her beloved pet pup Mozuku. If you’re new to this feature, Yuna Yabe takes her trusty partner Mozuku to various hot spots in Japan that you can enjoy with your pet dog. Their relationship continues to deepen in this priceless experience.

Today, Yuna and Mozuku head to Uzumako Ceramic Art School which is close to Shiba Park. You can get a good view of TokyoTower from this famous park.

What’s unique about this art school is that visitors are allowed to take their pets with them. So this means you can take your dog with you to do some ceramics!

Yuna has always had an interest in ceramics. And what better way to experience creating something than with her partner in crime Mozuku! With him tottering beside her, she headed through the entrance curtain with a spring in her step.

When you enter the classroom, there are lots of examples of pottery ware lining the shelves. The room has that smell of craftsmanship which lingers as you begin the class with a demonstration by the teacher. Once you have your apron on and are fired up to begin, it’s time to start.

The work begins with kneading the clay to make its firmness uniform. This step helps prevent air bubbles from forming.

Yuna asked the teacher many different questions as she enjoyed kneading her clay. “Where does ceramic work originate from?” “What kind of things to other dog owners make when they come here?”

“What’s Yuna up to?” Mozuku’s puzzled face seemed to imply as he listened to Yuna and the teacher talk.

Yuna turned to Mozuku and said to him, “I’m going to make you a food bowl!” It seemed like the message got through as his face read, “Looks like my owner is making something just for me.”

Yuna wet her hands with some water and began forming a hole in the centre of her clay bundle. The hole forms and gets bigger as the pottery wheel spins.

Next, she used both of her hands to ensure the thickness of the bowl was even all the way around.

“Amazing! The shape of the clay changes in an instant!”

By adding a little bit of pressure the pile of clay can change shape rapidly. It’s like a living thing.

“It’s like the clay is my own child. I wanna wrap it up!”

Once the shape is formed, Yuna cut around the edges. She is a skilled individual, she got the hang of it straight away.

Mozuku sat right beside Yuna, quiet and curious.

“Is it my turn yet?”

He seemed itching to have a go at making something himself too.

He watched over Yuna’s work from atop the table.

“I wanna try spinning the wheel too!”

Mozuku in fact had the most important job of all. Yuna popped a wooden mould onto his paw and stamped a paw print into thebottom of the bowl.

“There we go!” said Yuna

Mozuku mustered all of his strength to make his mark, his facial expression unusually serious as he carried out his big task.

Time to check if the print was done properly!

Here’s the final product―Mozuku did a great job!

Their teamwork paid off as they were able to create a really cute dog bowl. The tiny footprint is packed with pet love. The art school actually sells a lot of different cute and stylish pet items but the owner making their own makes it unique―the only one in the world.

If that love is able to get through to your pup, the food they eat from the bowl is sure to be even more delicious.

Thanks for your help, Mozuku.

“I can’t wait to fire it!” Yuna’s excitement was peak from start to finish. She was very satisfied after the class finished.

After two weeks of waiting, the bowl was completely finished.

Why not try creating something unique special for your own pet―together with them?

Model: Yuna Yabe/Mozuku　@yunaaay1030

Text: Ai Watanabe

Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Donguriya.

To get there I plodded along from the North Exit of JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station, and after about 3-minutes I saw it!

Various shops lined the street, but nature had almost reclaimed this single building which was wrapped in foliage. There’s no doubt that the people who pass by this way stop to take a look. Its inviting appearance elicits a peek as you’re left wondering what kind of place it is. I feel like a wonderful story is about to unfold!

A sign sits at the front of the cafe with its mascot character waiting to greet you.

He’s cute in a way that I can’t describe♬

Time to head inside.

Most of the interior is made of wood, a perfect accompaniment to the cafe’s name Donguriya (“Acorn Hut”).

All of the signs as well as the menu on the wall are handwritten by the owner himself. It’s heartwarming just to look at♬

Sipping coffee while enjoying the jazz music coming from the record player is nothing short of a luxury!

I ordered pizza toast (drink + pizza toast set is ¥800), a Donguri cookie and coffee (drink + Donguri cookie set is ¥650).

The toast is sliced thickly; the crusts are crunchy and the middle is soft. It was really tasty and had an old-fashioned taste to it.
Donguri’s cookies are made by someone who has been a fan of the cafe  since long ago. They have a simple sweetness and go perfectly with the coffee!

Since the cookies are made by a regular who has always loved Donguri they are the perfect cookies for Donguriya! If you pay a visit then you should definitely order one.

The blend coffee is full-bodied and has a rich aroma. There is a slightly bitter aftertaste too. The coffee beans are also roasted in-house! It was really tasty and easy to drink even for someone like me who doesn’t know a lot about coffee.

The owner and his older brother went to numerous cafes with their friends to try various different coffees before coming up with their own blend. It’s the real deal.

It really felt as if I had been sucked into the world of a story with the warm light filtering through the windows and illuminating the tableware and furniture.

Finally, a photo with the owner himself!

He told me wonderful stories about the coffee and food at Donguriya which made me fall in love with the cafe even more.

I want to bring my friends here next time♬

Writer: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

The Akasaka Palace State Guest House is considered one of Japan’s National Treasures in the architecture department. Originally built in 1909 as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince, the building is the only example of neo-Baroque architecture in Japan. To date, it has opened its doors to emperors, presidents and prime minsters, and has even served as a venue for international conferences.

An in-depth promotional video was recently released showcasing the outside and inside of the palace, shining light on its beautiful features and architecture.

The video begins at the dazzling and elegant entrance. The door opens to reveal a crimson carpet sprawled across the floor which beckons you into a beautiful world.

We then move into the Sairan no Ma, a hall guarded by golden phoenixes with enormous mirrors set against the wall. The room opens into an overwhelmingly spacious area.

Next is the “Hagoromo no Ma” which houses the palace’s three biggest chandeliers each made up of almost 7,000 separate parts, mostly crystal.

We then arrived at the “Asahi no Ma,” the most elegant room in the entire building. It is currently closed to restore the ceiling tiles and other parts of the room,  but it will re-open to the public on April 2, 2019. Overlooking the room on the ceiling is a painting of Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, chairs made with golden thread, hanging chandeliers, the purple carpet woven with 47 shades of purple, and so on.

See the full beauty of the palace’s interior by checking out the video.

*The photos shown are of the palace before repairs were carried out.