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Jan 19 2015 10 Comments

Suburban Tokyo classical music cafe

Tokyo has a wonderful habit of conjuring up surprises — even in the city’s largely characterless residential areas. Like this fantastically equipped classical music cafe. A completely unexpected oasis of eccentric calm in an otherwise nondescript little street.

Tokyo classical music cafe

Categorized: Food and Drink, Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Valérie says

    1/19/2015 at 9:33 am

    There is a question that often comes to my mind when I see your pictures taken in these cafes/bars. I know a few (and a bar held by a transvestite) but, I never dare to get in. I’m a foreigner, a woman furthermore, and I don’t know how they would receive me. I don’t feel comfortable enough to try although I am so attracted to these small but so classic spots.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      1/19/2015 at 3:40 pm

      From my experience at least, I’ve never had any problems. In bars anyway. Quite the opposite in fact, as owners and other customers have been nothing but friendly and welcoming. That said, I totally understand your apprehension. Why not try going in with a friend? Then even if it is initially a bit awkward, you won’t be sat there alone.

      Only once have I been refused entry to a place, and that was a little restaurant one lunch time. We opened the door and in no uncertain terms told our presence wasn’t wanted. Very unpleasant…

      Reply
  2. john says

    1/19/2015 at 10:23 pm

    ‘Welcome to the church of vinyl’ ?
    I imagine either a record deck and a DJ appearing from behind those cabinets, or rather more mundanely, a small mp3 player sat behind those cupboard doors.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      1/19/2015 at 10:34 pm

      More than happy to say it’s very much a church of vinyl. While I imagine he’d be surprised at the moniker of DJ, the old owner nonetheless had his deck in a little cubbyhole where he played whatever he saw fit. A cafe made all the more civilised by the option of brandy instead of milk in your coffee. Wonderful little place!

      Reply
  3. Al says

    1/20/2015 at 6:48 am

    Wow, that’s some speaker system!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      1/20/2015 at 4:10 pm

      Isn’t it? Just a pity he doesn’t crank the sound up a bit more, but being in suburbia, he probably wouldn’t be very popular if he did…

      Reply
  4. Bernadette Marchetti says

    1/20/2015 at 8:39 am

    I really, really love the lamps. It’s neat decorating idea. One that I might try one day.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      1/20/2015 at 4:11 pm

      There were interesting little touches everywhere. Definitely a real labour of love. Not sure I’d like to be there during an earthquake though…

      Reply
  5. Hans ter Horst says

    1/20/2015 at 10:37 pm

    I sort of get the heebie jeebies of the little statuettes and other bric-à-brac in that place! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lee says

      1/20/2015 at 10:54 pm

      Haha! The little boy and girl statue were definitely a bit odd, but the place had a very relaxed vibe — honest!

      Reply

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