【Tokyo Stroll】Experiencing the Finest Quality Gateau au Chocolat at “Ken’s Cafe Tokyo”—Reservations Required
Shinjuku—Situated in the heart of Tokyo, the most populated metropolitan area in the world, and absolutely packed with travelers and tourists. It’s a pivotal ward in Tokyo connected via many transportation services including the JR Line, subway, private railways, rapid bus lines and more. Shinjuku is an absolute must-visit when sightseeing in Tokyo.
In today’s entry to “Tokyo Stroll,” Rinko Murata stopped by Ken’s Cafe Tokyo in Shinjuku, a shop specializing in Gateau au Chocolat that’s made with the best quality ingredients.
Ken’s Cafe Tokyo is very easy to get to, located just 3-minutes on foot from Exit 2 of Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
The Special Gateau au Chocolat comes in at ￥3,000 (tax included), with reservations in abundance up to a month. When it’s freshly cooked, the outside is crispy, and the outside is creamy like fondue chocolate, making a perfect melt-in-the-mouth combined texture!
The secret to its deliciousness is in the thoroughness to use only the best ingredients. The chocolate used in the photo is from an Italian brand called “Domori.” The founder of Domori, Gianluca Franzoni, was deeply impressed with the quality taste of the Special Gateau au Chocolat, and so personally created his first and only chocolate mix called “KEN’S” to be used at the shop.
To draw out the good flavour of the chocolate, it’s made with gluten-free chocolate. Although the flavour is rich and full-bodied, the result of the taste is that makes it simple to eat.
300 gateau chocolates are made in a single day! And because each and every one of them are handmade with the utmost care and detail, it’s difficult to make any more than this, so there’s always an abundance of reservations. But if you can’t wait and need to try one straight away, limited quantities are being specially sold at Matsuya Ginza and Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro, so be sure to check those places out.
Rinko couldn’t control her excitement at the sweet smell of the chocolate. She took no time at all to begin tasting the Special Gateau au Chocolat.
When eaten at room temperature, it tastes like terrine chocolate. Depending on what temperature you eat it at, the taste and texture will change, so with one gateau chocolate you can enjoy trying three completely different flavours. Also, the balance between the sweetness and bitterness is fine-tuned every time. If you buy one now, the bitterness of the cocoa has increased every so slightly compared to 10 years ago.
Rinko gave it her seal of approval. “The moment I took a bite, the aroma of the cocoa hit me, and the soft texture just melted inside my mouth! The balance between the bitterness and sweetness is exquisite. This delicious chocolate hit me in the head right away. Happiness is running around inside my brain. I can’t get enough of how it feels!”
You can go back via Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station, but you should take a stroll towards Shinjuku Station instead – it’s just a 17-minute walk. Plus, Shinjuku Gyoen – Shinjuku’s imperial garden – is close by Ken’s Cafe Tokyo, so you might enjoy getting lost in your own thoughts while taking a walk through nature.
The Special Gateau au Chocolat is a perfect present for yourself or someone special. They are always waiting on orders, so if you’re interest, check out the shop’s website below and make a reservation.
■Information
Ken’s Cafe Tokyo
Address: 1-23-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minutes on foot from Exit 2 of “Shinjuku-Gyoemmae Station” via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00
Closed: Weekends & Holidays
Website: http://www.kenscafe.jp
Model： Rinko Murata @rink0_
Rinko Murata appears in fashion magazines and is active on radio and TV. Sales of her first style book were so successful that it required extra printing during its first week. She also has a rapidly growing following across her social media profiles. As well as modelling at big fashion events, she also has her own column online at “She magazine,” and receives much attention for her work in the areas of culture and lifestyle.
Photo & Writer: Haruka Yamamoto
Editor: Sayuri Mizuno（ASOBI SYSTEM）
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Kagurazaka is a busy district in Shinjuku ward that has been gaining more and more visitors recently. The focus of Kagurazaka is the long and continuous sloping street that runs from Iidabashi Station to Kagurazaka Station. It has a long history that begins in the Edo period and boasts a fusion of the Japanese spirit and an exotic mood. Today, we take a stroll to Kagurazaka with Rinko Murata who absolutely loves the atmosphere of the lively district.
Akagi Shrine is Tokyo’s foremost power spot. It is located just outside the first exit of Kagurazaka Station, so it might be a good idea to begin the stroll with a shrine visit.
The Must-Visit Location in Kagurazaka for Walking & Eating
When coming to Kagurazaka, the nikuman at Gojūban are a must, no ifs, ands, or buts. Look out for the red and green entrance! This place has been running since 1957, when it was established during the Showa period.
They have all kinds of delicious nikuman in their showcase to choose from, including their “Ganso Nikuman” or original nikuman, a longtime flavour that has continued to be sold there for 60 years.
You’ll have a hard time deciding what to go for. They sell a special shark fin nikuman. Only 30 are sold every day. They also have delectably addictive piri nikuman which are made using Chinese spices, as well as limited edition curry nikuman, spicy mapo flavoured nikuman, shiitake mushroom nikuman, mozzarella nikuman, and more.
Tear open the smooth and fluffy nikuman and out pours the meat juice! The best way to eat this original nikuman is definitely eating it while walking as soon as you buy it. There’s no other luxury like it – purchasing Kagurazaka’s most famous food and ambling the street.
Sitting diagonally opposite to Gojūban is Bishamonten Zenkoku Temple, the symbol of Kagurazaka, with a large red archway out front. It’s a great location to take a photo.
＜Gojūban＞
Address: 1F Oomiya Bldg, 4 Chome-3-2, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 7-minutes’ walk from Kagurazaka Station via Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line / 5-minutes’ walk from West Exit of JR Iidabashi Station
Business Hours: [Mon-Thurs, Sun, National Holidays] 10:00-22:00 / [Fri-Sat] 10:00-23:00
Closed: New Year’s holiday only
Telephone: 03-3260-0066
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Kagurazaka – Located in the Back Streets
Kagurazaka is filled with gorgeous shrines and cafés with terrace views, but its true charm lies in the fact that everything is alone one alley. Stone paths pave the way to traditional Japanese restaurants with a liberating mood and atmosphere about them and other little trinket shops.
There’s a true charm in the little side streets and alleys along Kagurazaka which are always lined with paper lanterns and look especially beautiful like a festival.
As we walked the neighbourhood of Kagurazaka, our next encounter was an Edo furin (wind chime) store. Wind chimes in the back streets; if your luck is good enough, you might come across this nostalgic scene.
Purchasing an Inviting Oyakodon
Down one particular street of Kagurazaka in Atamiyu Kaidan is “Torijaya Bettei”, a restaurant with the kind of quiet and tranquil atmosphere that makes you forget that you’re in the big city. It’s a sukiya style of building oozing elegance.
Their oyakogozen (￥1,540) comes with Torijaya Bettei’s own oyakodon (chicken and egg on rice), kobachi bowls, nimono, salad, tsukemono, miso soup, and desert. It’s a popular meal on the lunch menu served until 2pm (and until 2:30pm on weekends and national holidays). The chicken’s great flavour along with the soft texture of the egg is delicious! And the fragrance of the dashi is gentle and sumptuous. Many people travel far to come and enjoy this oyakodon.
＜Torijaya Bettei＞
Address: 3-6 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 5-minutes’ walk from Kagurazaka Station via Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line / 4-minutes’ walk from West Exit of JR Iidabashi Station
Business Hours: [Weekdays] Lunch: 11:00-14:30 (Last Orders 14:00) / Dinner: 17:00-22:30 (Last Orders 21:30, Last Drink Orders 22:30)
[Sat-Sun, National Holidays] Lunch: 11:30-15:00 (Last Orders 14:30) / [Sat] Dinner: 16:00-22:30 (Last Orders 21:30, Last Drink Orders 22:00) / [Sun, National Holidays] Dinner: 16:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00, Last Drink Orders 21:30)
Closed: New Year’s holiday only
Telephone: 03-3260-6661
*Please note that you cannot pay with credit cards during lunchtime.
Kagurazaka is a magnificent place to visit where you can enjoy your time and feel good just by simply taking a stroll. If you can take a day to fully explore the entire street and its side streets, then you’ll get the full experience this striking location.
Model： Rinko Murata
Rinko Murata works in fashion and is active on radio and TV. Sales of her first style book were so successful that it required extra printing during its first week. She also has a rapidly growing following on her social media. As well as modelling at big fashion events, she has her own column online at "She magazine," and receives much attention for her work in the areas of culture and lifestyle.
Twitter：@rink0_
Photo & Writer：Miiki Sugita
Editor：Sayuri Mizuno (ASOBISYSTEM)
Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Renting a bike and riding through Yanaka – the town reminiscent of old-fashioned Tokyo
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Daikanyama is a popular little place located in a quiet residential area filled with stylish cafés and shops. It’s surrounded by big tourist areas including Shibuya, Ebisu, Nakameguro and Ikejiri-Ōhashi, so is very easily accessible. Today we head to Daikanyama with Rinko Murata-chan, a place where you can have all kinds of fun shopping, eating or simply strolling around, to visit “Coci la elle Swan,” a shop specializing in umbrellas.
“Coci la elle” – Umbrella Specialists
Coci la elle started originally stocked only one type of umbrella when it opened, a type made for protecting you from the sun. They now own a second shop in Daikanyama which opened in April this year in addition to the main shop and studio in Kiyosumi-shirakawa.
Today, we are visiting the newly-opened shop in Daikanyama, “Coci la elle2,” which goes by the name of the “swan” shop. It received this name as the number “2” looks like a swan. The closest station is Daikanyama Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line. The station is only 1 stop from Shibuya and so is conveniently accessible, with Coci la elle only an 8-minute walk away from the front entrance.
Seize yourself a handmade umbrella
Coci la elle offers vibrant umbrellas in all types of colours and designs to brighten your day when those rainy days get you down. They also have umbrellas that will protect you from the blistering sun on those scorching days while also making you feel elegant at the same time.
The sun protection umbrellas are all made by hand, one by one, with their own individual designs and embroidery. The rain umbrellas are printed designs, but these are also all made by the head of the brand Chika Higashi, who makes collages out of photos and her own illustrations.
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Multifarious items at your disposal
The shop is decorated with all kinds of different umbrellas for you to pick from, whether you want one for the rain, the sun or both. Stepping foot in the shop is almost like going to a gallery. As soon as your foot is through the door, you are suddenly transported into a gorgeous world of colour.
Coci la elle doesn’t just stock umbrellas either. They also offer cute raincoats designed just like a classic raincoat, high quality big-sized scarves made from 100% silk, fun handkerchiefs with an original Coci la elle design, sun umbrellas all handmade by the staff, and more.
They also have their first visual book on display titled "Kasa" (umbrella) where you can enjoy looking at all the different photos and illustrations of all the different colourful umbrellas.
The perfect umbrellas for Daikanyama
The umbrellas at Coci la elle fit right in with the elegant town of Daikanyama. Saigōyama Park is close-by to the shop so it could be fun to take a stroll there after visiting. There are countless umbrellas to pick from, so you are sure to find one that fits perfectly with your outfit, or one that suits your hometown.
■Information
Coci la elle Swan
Address: 14-5 Hachiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 8-minute walk from the front entrance of Daikanyama Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line / 13-minute walk from the West Exit of Shibuya Station / 1-minute walk from the JR
Business Hours: 12:00-20:00
Holidays: No holidays
Telephone: 03-6277-5262
So, what did you think? Next time you're free, head on over to Coci la elle and treat yourself to a gorgeous reward, or maybe pick something up for that special someone!
Model： Rinko Murata @rink0_
Rinko Murata works in fashion and is active on radio and TV. Sales of her first style book were so successful that it required extra printing during its first week. She also has a rapidly growing following on her social media. As well as modelling at big fashion events, she has her own column online at "She magazine," and receives much attention for her work in the areas of culture and lifestyle.
Photo & Writer：Haruka Yamamoto
Editor：Sayuri Mizuno（ASOBI SYSTEM）
Translation：Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Related Article：【Tokyo Stroll】Renting a bike and riding through Yanaka – the town reminiscent of old-fashioned Tokyo
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【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around in Harajuku which has a lot of unique spots such as popular graffiti and artistic miscellaneous stores.
Harajuku is a source of the latest unique cultures for young people in Japan. It is always full of people coming not only from Japan, but also from outside of the country throughout the year. Japanese model Rinko Murata visited the latest popular spots such as unique street art work and the curry restaurant that is known to those in the know.
To the Harajuku Tourist Center “MOSHI MOSHI BOX”
Today, we started strolling from the Harajuku Tourist Center called “MOSHI MOSHI BOX.” It is located in the cross road that is connect to Takeshita street, Meiji street, and Ura-Harajuku in Harajuku.
We asked where the popular sightseeing spots in Harajuku are to the staff in “MOSHI MOSHI BOX,” they said that the latest trend is the “street art.” It is popular among young people who post the colorful and unique pictures on social media.
Actually, the building of “MOSHI MOSHI BOX” is a great photo spot as well. It is cute and colorful monument themed a world clock designed by Sebastian Masuda.
This “MOSHI MOSHI BOX” facility is not only will tell you the recommended sightseeing spots, but it also has a Japanese souvenir store which is good for choosing a small gift for someone. They also have free Wi-Fi, electric charger, and money exchange. Check it out when you are in Harajuku.
▼Information
MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Information Center
Address：3-23-5 1F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours：10:00AM to 6:00PM
Holiday：Open 7 days a week
The art work at the back street of Cat street
The graffiti on the wall at the back street of Cat street says “NOW IS FOREVER.” It is the public art work created by Stephen Powers from the United States, and it is a very popular spot among the instagramer outside of the country.
It is also cute taking selfies with this graffiti using a wide-angle lens or a smartphone. This wall art can make you take some good pictures that definitely will standout on your social media.
▼ information
Public art「NOW IS FOREVER」
Address：4-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
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To the artistic miscellaneous store called “Sis.”
The miscellaneous store called "shop Sis." is opening a business at one of the rooms in this apartment located in between Harajuku and Omote-Sando. This store, “the miscellaneous art” is a concept, that has been produced by sisters who think “the art exist in your daily life.” There are so many products in this tiny space.
In this store, there are lots of original art works created by this sisters and the creators who agreed with Sis’s concept. There are varieties of unique and artistic items that you always can carry on!
Other than that, they also carry imported stationary goods from the store called “Freiheit.” The official “Freiheit” store is getting ready to re-open since their moving and remodeling, so now they opened a pop-up store in this place.
▼Information
Sis.
Address：4-31-16 Harajuku '80 building 3F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours：1:00PM to 8:00PM
Holiday：Closed on Mondays (if a Monday is a national holiday, then the next day)
WEB SITE : www.sis-hi-sis.com
A specialty poster in Ton-chan street
At the entrance of Ton-chan street which runs parallel to Takeshita-guchi to Meiji street in Harajuku, there is huge poster hanging on the wall and became the specialty spot. The official name of this street is “Harajuku street,” but it is popularly known as “Ton-chan street” among people in the know of Harajuku. This was named after the old bar called “Ton-chan.”
Today, they exhibit some posters of popular select shops called “BEAMS.” You can take a prettier picture wherever you are there if you like to take pictures in front of fashionable posters.
▼ information
Ton-chan street
Address：3near-chome, Jingumae , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
To the Keema curry restaurant called “MOKUBAZA”
The very last store we visited today is curry restaurant called “MOKUBAZA” located in quiet corner of an alley. It was originally the bar that only opens at night, but the Keema curry is what made it get so popular so they started opening at lunch time.
The interior deigned by the owner who used to be a graphic designer is so pretty that I can tell that the owner was being very particular about. It is very cozy inside the restaurant that has beautiful blue colored walls and has artistic books and CDs.
One of the most popular menu items is “Cheese Keema Curry.” It has Keema curry poured on plenty rice, and has melted mozzarella cheese. Furthermore, there is egg yolk on the top. It appeared to be very unique. The Keema curry cooked with exclusive spices is very delicious!
▼Information
CURRY & BAR「MOKUBAZA」
Address：2-28-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours：11:00AM to 3:00PM（Lunch time）／7:30PM to 11:30PM（Bar time）
Holiday：Closed on Sun and holidays．（Monday is a regular holiday only at lunchtime.）
After we tasted the Cheese Keema Curry from MOKUBAZA, we ended our stroll for the day. We enjoyed some good photo spots, original miscellaneous goods store and tasty Keema curry.
Did you have fun?
Please refer to this article for you next Harajuku trip.
Photo & Writer：Haruka Yamamoto
Model： Rinko Murata @rink0_
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Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Stroll around in Ginza for half a day. Visit the special stationary stores and get a delicious ground meat cutlet hamburger!
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【Tokyo Stroll】 The café that you want to visit to see someone #4 Cats working at Shinjuku-sanchome’s Café Arles
"Good service, a jolly owner and cute cats – this café is sure to heal you!" I’m Ema Tanioku and today I’ll be introducing you to yet another café in Tokyo as the fourth edition of my series "The café that you want to visit to see someone". Today I’ll be reporting about my visit to Café Arles which can be found at Shinjuku-sanchome. Ever since hearing that there were cats at this café, I’ve been set on going 〜♪♪ The café is very easy to access. To get to there, you can take the Toei Shinjuku line to Shinjuku-sanchome. From here, you can get to the café within a five-minute walk. Walking around the Shinjuku Suehirote theatre, the café soon came into sight. Somehow, I could sense the presence of cats just from the atmosphere...There it was! The entrance to the café was decorated with many ornaments of cats and dogs. I don’ know why but I was filled with excitement before even having entered. As soon as I entered, I immediately spotted a cat. I was then greeted by the cat’s master who had a sweeping grin across his face and was wearing a hat with a cat broach. I could really feel his love for cats ♪♪ I took a sweeping glance over the café – cats, cats and more cats - there were so many cat-themed goods everywhere! Apart from cats goods, the master also collects clown goods and displayed everything all huddled together to decorate the café. Although this was my first time at Café Arles, I immediately felt right at home as a warm feeling grew within me. I asked the master what got him into the café business and I was surprised by his response. It all started when the master was working at a mahjong parlour, where a person they knew asked them to start up a café. The master then thought about the numerous paintings he had collected and how he was in search of a place to display them. The idea of choosing his own music, menu and decorating a café interior to his own taste really struck a chord with him. There are many paintings displayed in the café. Amongst these are some by modern artist Tomomi Kondo, who made the paintings “please your master” and “cool your thighs”, which feature the kaban neko (café cats) Ishimatsu and Jirocho, who are “working hard” by lazing around. Café Arles is fun and draws in even more fun. The atmosphere is filled with the love and enjoyment of the customers. That’s why I immediately felt so at home as soon as I entered. You can easily spend a long time here. I asked the master what he recommends from his menu. His response? “My recommendation is what you want to eat the most!” he said wisely. I felt like eating Napolitan spaghetti and so that is what I ordered! (Price: ￥720 including tax) It came with banana and giant corn ❤ – this excellent service made me so happy! The gentle flavour of this homemade dish was delicious and I could really taste the Showa-retro Napolitan flavour to it. The drink, soup and salad services available gives this meal a perfect score for portion size satisfaction! The master allowed me to take his café cat Jirocho-kun out for a walk. This was the first time I'd ever walked a cat – a new, fresh experience! Jirocho-kun is a very calm and obedient cat, so we had a lovely stroll together. Speaking of which, Jirocho-kun loves his owner so much that he runs to meet him whenever he hears his car pull up at the shop. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the café. “I enjoyed every minute of it” explained the master happily. The master created a place where everyone can be happy and in return everyone supports him. Perhaps this cycle is the motivational force that has kept and will continue to push this café to live and thrive. I’m glad I came to this café today and met such a special person. I want to come here again and have another chat with the master! ■Information Cafe Arles Address：1st floor, 5-10-8, Shinjuku, Tokyo Opening h0urs: 11:30 〜 22：00 Regular holidays days: Sundays, New Year's period holiday period Access：398 metres from Shinjuku Sanchome station (reach via Toei-Shinjuku line/ Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line URL：https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13087540/Model & Writer: Ema TaniokuProfile: "Emaeri" is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies. Instagram：@ematanioku Photographer：Haruka Yamamoto Editor：Ryoichi Komaba Design:Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM) Translated by: Samantha Fernandes -
【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #1 The popular cafe in Jinbo-cho called “Sabouru” that has retro interior and nostalgic food.
“Although there are many great things about chain stores, the café has their own dream.” The café that reminds me of Showa era is somehow nostalgic and comfy inside. I, Emma Tanioku, who love to visit the new café restaurants is going to introduce the café that will make you want to see particular person in their café.Today, I came to Jinbo-cho that is good access from middle of Tokyo, and you don’t have to change the train line from Shibuya station. Jinbo-cho is socially known as the town which has many secondhand bookstores, it is actually the town for gourmets as well.There are many hidden old-established restaurants in this great town. I want to introduce this café that I was especially curious about. “Sabouru” which you can say its representative retro cafe. It locates right there from the exit A7 in Jinbo-cho train station.This 62 years historical café has established in 1955. In front of this café which appears to look like small mountain hut, there is a red public telephones surrounded by some flowers, plants and a totem pole.This makes me want to take a picture in front of there.This public phone is actually functional, so I heard some people are still using it. There are floor first, semi basement and mezzanine inside. It is little dark inside, but you can still enjoy reading books.Either if you come here alone or with your friends, you can spend the relaxed time. The miscellaneous goods that decorated inside the café were donated by customers. Even though they are all different kinds of souvenirs from all over the world, they look like it's coordinated perfectly.I bet the customers who are big fan of this café decide to buy the good souvenirs which are going to match with this store’s atmosphere. For your information, you can decorate your souvenirs inside the cafe even if you are not regular customer. >>next page
Today I ordered some of their popular menu: sandwiches, fresh strawberry juice and cream soda (soda float), and the spaghetti Neapolitan from the branch store called “Sabouru 2” located next to each other.The first one which served on my table was “Fresh Strawberry Juice (500yen include tax).” It is not only looking cute, but it is also really juicy and tasty. It taste like smoothie that mixed small blocks of ice and fresh juice. They are also being particular about ice. The owner, Fumio Suzuki told me that the ice he got from an ice shop every morning does’t melt as easy as the regular ice. It surely lasts the rich flavor for long minutes. The food I ate with the juice is “mix sand(600yen include tax).” There are orthodox ham and cucumber sandwich, fresh made tomato sandwich and fluffy egg omelet sandwich. The taste reminds me of the one which my mom made when I was little. The next one served on my table was spaghetti Neapolitan which specialty food from “Sabouru 2”. It is such a huge portion for only 650yen(include tax)! This spaghetti is regular size, not a large helping, and comes with mini salad. The reason why it is so many is because they cooked it without using measure spoon and it is slowly getting huge. Even though many students or workers can eat it up. It is absolutely tasty as well! It is cooked with many ingredients include mash rooms, onions and bacon. It is quite simple cooked with ketchup. It was really hard to eat the things up since they serve quite large amount of food! I barely finished eating up with three other shooting members. Spaghetti Neapolitan is original menu for “Sabouru 2,” but if you order alcohol at “Saburu” at night they are able to deliver the food menu（Some menus only） from “Sabouru 2.” >>next page
Desert for the last is cream soda(580yen include tax). Cream soda is typically green, but you can choose out of four different kinds;red, blue, yellow and green at Sabouru. The cream soda that appeared on my table was shiny and cute. Each of colors has different flavor. Yellow tastes lemon, and blue taste blue Hawaii. You can enjoy sharing and tasting different flavor with your friend.The owner, Fumio, told me that he is going to think of another kind of flavor. I wonder what is going to be the next color. This made me really look forward to visiting Sabouru. The cafe “Sabouru” has been loved by a lot of people. I took a picture with very sweet owner, Fumio at last. He told me the history of Sabouru, served us their coffee, and he gave us a candy after the interview! “Although there are many great things about chain stores, the café has their own dream.” Fumio, the owner who have spent more than sixty years with this café said softly. It made me want to the other menu in this café, and I also really want to see Fumio again. Next time I visit here, I will bring some survivors for him. ■Information Sabouru Address：1-11 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Hours：9:00AM to 11:00PM Holiday：Sundays ＆ Holiday Irregular Access: 0 minutes’walk from A7 exit of Jimbocho train station, Toei Subway Shinjuku Line • Mita Line 0 minutes’walk from A7 exit of Jimbocho train station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.Writer＆Model Ema TaniokuRelated article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around Asakusa for half of the day finding the stereo typical sightseeing spots and new spots. Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Stroll around in Ginza for half a day. Visit the special stationary stores and get a delicious ground meat cutlet hamburger!Profile：They are "Aomoji-kei" twin models and called "Emaeri." A lot of fans love their twin's coordination and lovely looks. They also promoting Harajuku culture to all over the world and they are chosen as a Harajuku tourism ambassadors. They are active in Fashion-magazines, TV, doramas and movies as fashion models and talents. Instagram：@ematanioku
Photo：Haruka Yamamoto Design：Yuko Abe（ASOBI SYSTEM） Edit：Sayuri Mizuno（ASOBI SYSTEM） -
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is a former Daimyo Garden, or imperial garden, of the early Edo period, along with the Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden. Part of the charm of the garden is the large pond in the middle which people can walk around to appreciate the serene surroundings. The garden is a diamond in the rough as it is situated in a part of Tokyo where offices are dotted everywhere. The garden itself feels cemented in history and is a popular spot visited by company workers on their break, as well as tourists. There is a quiet stillness to the garden, a place where you can even experience feeling the changing seasons. Today, we take a stroll through the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden with Saki Shibata.
A Daimyo Garden with a history deep-rooted in early Edo
The garden is a 1-minute walk from the north exit of the JR Hamamatsuchō Station, and a 3-minute walk from the B2 Exit of Daimon Station via either the Toei Asakusa Line or Toei Ōedo Line. Hamamatsuchō Station is just 17-minutes from Shibuya Station on the inner loop of the Yamamote Line, so it’s easy to get to.
General Admission to the garden is just ￥150, and ￥70 for Over-65s. Entry is free for those below elementary school grade, people residing in the city, and middle school students enrolled in the area. The scenery you will witness as you enter the garden is unique to that of such a city—a beautiful contrast between the greenery and the pond water against a backdrop of towering buildings.
A garden where you can feel nature against your skin
You can experience the true essence of Japan by seeing pine trees up close and personal. The bright green laws in summertime are fresh; the faint scent of grass will leave you feeling tranquil. You get to see the flowers dotted around Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden change with the seasons, meaning you can enjoy hanami, or flower-viewing in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
It’s a place where you can spend a relaxing time and dedicate some graceful reading time. Although it’s in the middle of Tokyo, the garden is far away from all the ruckus, so you can get nice and comfortable.
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The scenery and its Japanese aesthetic
In the middle of the garden is the pond which is made of stone, and which was inspired by the West Lake located in Hangzhou, China. It is a place highly esteemed as the subject of poetry and paintings. Koi, or carp, swim in the pond elegantly, and you’ll be healed by their grace by just looking at them.
The majestic arrangement of stone around the pond is also worthy of note. They are arranged in a style known as ‘karetaki,’ which closely resembles the falling water of a waterfall found in a mountain valley. I highly recommend taking time to appreciate the craftmanship that has gone into the work as you walk.
Snap some scenic photographs surrounded by nature
No matter where you take a photo in this verdant garden, even if part of the shot gets cut out it is going to look beautiful!
Try everything—get closer or take a step back, snap a shot from above or down below. Find the best view for yourself. Make sure you don’t forget your camera when you visit!
The location of Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is also part of its attraction. You can easily walk there from the station. Haneda Airport is also easily accessible from there, and there’s Tokyo Tower close by, and even Odaiba. You can also take a pleasure cruise on a ferry from Takeshiba Terminal. Next time you have some time off, please be sure to visit Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden.
■information
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
Address: 1 Chome Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Hamamatsuchō Station / 3-minute walk from Daimon Station via the Toei Asakusa Line or Toei Ōedo Line
Open: 9:00-17:00
Closed: New Year’s Holiday
Telephone: 03-3434-4029
Official site：https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/
After taking a walk around the garden and reading a book, today’s stroll has finally come to an end! How did you find it?
Be sure to use this article as reference during your Tokyo sightseeing!
Model： Saki Shibata @saki61204
Photo & Writer：Haruka Yamamoto
Translator：Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Editor：Sayuri Mizuno(ASOBI SYSTEM)
Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around in Harajuku which has a lot of unique spots such as popular graffiti and artistic miscellaneous stores.
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