When sliding open the door to enter a little Tokyo bar, there’s often no way of knowing what the interior will be like. One can make some educated guesses of course, but the outside isn’t always a good indicator of what’s on the inside. Sometimes that results in disappointment, but sometimes it’s quite the opposite, and the tiny establishment below most definitely fell into the latter category.
The grubby windows meant seeing in wasn’t possible, and even getting in wasn’t easy due to the door being so old and twisted, but once seated, the stained walls and glass made for a sight to behold and then some. A bar that’s as small as it is interesting, and without a doubt the perfect place to sit, relax and take in all the intriguing little details.
Sean says
These are just awesome. I’m getting some strong Midnight Diner vibes!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Yes, definitely a lot of similarities.
Steve says
Great find. I can’t get enough of the color palette. It adds so much atmosphere.
Lee says
Cheers. Yeah, it really does. Many years of smoke and grime have definitely given it a unique look and colour.
YTSL says
So cool to find yourself in such an atmospheric place and discover that one of the customers has such a wonderful smile. 🙂
Lee says
Yes. A lovely bonus on top of an already incredible little place.
Ken C says
Your mention of the old and twisted door reminded me of a bar in Ikebukuro which had a roller door but it was only open by a few feet so we had to crawl in on hands and knees. I’ve crawled out of a few like that but never on the way in!
Lee says
Haha, that’s brilliant. Perfect for literally rolling out several hours later. Must have been incredibly funny to see and experience.
ellen says
I love these. They could be stills from a movie!
Lee says
Thank you. It certainly felt like being in another world.
cdilla says
That is quite a bar you discovered, and recorded for us. The colours are so warm.
As with others you have photographed, these photographs show how spacious and uncluttered the set of Midnight Diner is. And how they missed a trick in not having at least one episode where you make a guest appearance 🙂
Lee says
Yes, it’s a very special little place. The light near the television and the stained walls gave it a really unique look and feel.
As much as I enjoyed Midnight Diner, I have never seen a bar of that kind that is so uncluttered, but of course appearing in it for even a second would be a dream come true.
Richard says
Even after many years of knowing Tokyo it still sometimes amazes me that such a huge city can also have small, intimate places like these. Thanks!
Lee says
I know eh? For all the city’s very obvious love of change, it’s wonderful that these little places still remain the same.