I posted photos from this fabulously dated old Tokyo coffee shop early last year, so this is an update of sorts. Happily not an establishment update, as nothing much has changed in that department during the six decades it’s been in operation, making a mere twelve months almost no time at all. Instead, it’s simply the addition of a few new images from a recent visit, along with a slight re-working of the older ones.
Entering the place is genuinely like stepping back into a different era, and the passage of time is evident everywhere, from the patched up seating and torn light shades, to the almost comically worn carpet. A truly wonderful subterranean space where the cups are heavy, the smell of smoke ever-present, and the sense of escape utterly priceless.
Denise says
Oh my, the carpet! 🙂
Lee says
Haha, yes, it is quite something to say the least!
cdilla says
So nice to see this place again. The atmosphere seems golden in more ways than one. Gotta love the downstairs “snug” table. One of the many treats I missed by not availing myself of the facilities.
Favourite though? The last one of course, not only is there that beautiful pink payphone (I wonder how much it would cost to call it from my own), but the little Yoshi figure and a couple of Golgo 13 volumes too. I’m always on the look out for the first of those, but bookshops, whilst always having some volumes seldom go back all the way. I did see a complete Saito set once, but fitting that into our luggage allowance would have been a feat – not to mention the cost.
Lee says
Yeah, there is so much to like and take in with this place. It was much busier this time than when we went. All youngsters too. So clearly word has got out.
Seeing those phones out in the wild is always a special treat, isn’t it?
Richard says
From the light fixtures to the mirrors to the pink phone! It is amazing, thanks. No photos of the owners?
Lee says
Yes, it really is an incredible place with so many lovely little details. But nah, no owner photo unfortunately. He was working away in the kitchen and wasn’t up for a portrait.
scruffy says
swankadelic. seriously
Lee says
That’s a great word, and yes, fits this place perfectly.