An increasing number of my posts seem to cover people and places that are no longer with us, but thankfully there are still plenty of exceptions, and this wonderful old coffee shop is one of them. A space that it turns out was originally a photo development studio, before a decades-ago conversion into the business it remains to this day.
The opening image is from February 2016, which was the first time I visited. Since then I’ve stopped by on numerous occasions, but until just recently, it had been a while. When returning the other week then, it was a relief to see the seating area unchanged, and despite being unable to manage on her own these days, the owner is still there, and still as smiley as ever.
Denise says
These are so beautiful. Thank you! 🙂
Lee says
My pleasure. With the owner and interior it’s a very special place.
David May says
Its been years since I was in Tokyo, your pictures are so evocative of a time now slipping away. Thank you for them
Lee says
You are very welcome, and thanks. Lovely to hear my photos being back those memories.
cdilla says
So glad she and her coffee shop are still going strong. The phone too, though I guess up there it doesn’t get much use.
The stairs there are incredibly steep and narrow, it was a wonder, even some years ago, that she managed to go up and down them with our tray of drinks.
Lee says
Yeah, it was very nice to go back and see both the shop and owner still going strong.
I thought that about the phone, and yes, those stairs are something else, aren’t they? Goodness knows how she managed them for all those years.
Richard says
It felt like walking back to the time when I lived in Tokyo: 1969-71! How great she is still there. I hope one or more of her employees will keep it running after she is gone.
Thanks!
Lee says
Yeah, some things haven’t changed since even before you were here. And it does seem that way. A real chance the shop may continue on for many more years to come. Let’s hope that is the case.
Mrcl says
What’s the store called?
Pat says
Wow the pink phone. I remember when those were ubiquitous.
YesterdaysHero says
There is so much to like about this. Her patterned outfit in the last shot is a delight.