The dilapidated barber shop on the corner was what initially caught our attention. Old school places like that are always a treat, but it’s rare to see one so faded and forlorn looking. However, having spent the morning shivering through the first genuinely wintery weather of the year, the coffee shop next door turned out to be the real find of our day.
In business for 51 years and run by the same woman the whole time, it was a warm refuge from the cold in both temperature and the welcome we received. A place that my friend and I felt completely at home in the minute we stepped through the door.
Now 83 years old, the mama-san moved to Osaka from her native Gumna prefecture when she got married. Her husband is sadly no longer with us, but she has children in the area, and of course the coffee shop. A business that’s an extension of her personality, and as such it felt very much a part of the past as well as the present. An element that was encapsulated the moment we heard the distinctive ring of the old rotary phone. A sound and resultant scene that was the icing on the cake of our time there. Or perhaps more appropriately, the thickly spread butter on top of our toast.
Oh, and it turns out the old barber shop that was so integral to our visit has been closed for a staggering 31 years.
Denise says
Oh she is adorable. I just love that apron! 🙂
Lee says
She really was lovely, and yes, that’s quite the apron!
Elaine says
So charming.
Lee says
Yeah, there was so much to like and enjoy. We couldn’t have asked for a better rest spot.
Richard says
Japanese toast and coffee is one of the best snacks one can get. The owner looks very happy with her store. Love the wooden door!
Lee says
Yes, I don’t know how they make the toast taste so incredibly good, but I’m very glad they do.
She definitely was. Such a lovely experience.
Jen in NZ says
Absolutely delightful. Love the photocopy (?) of the newspaper article on the wall about the health benefits of coffee!!
Lee says
Yeah, it’s such a special little place.
I know eh? A lovely little detail. Coffee certainly seems to have benefited the mama-san.
maique says
Lovely. Would love to get a look inside a barbershop that’s been closed for so long, though…
Lee says
Cheers. Yeah, you and me both. I tried doors, but sadly no joy. My bet is it’s quite the treasure trove in there.
cdilla says
What a great find. A perfect match for this one in Tokyo I think
https://www.tokyotimes.org/tokyo-coffee-the-old-way
Lee says
Yes. Different, but in many ways, very similar.