Crooked and crumbling old shops and restaurants are thankfully not a rarity in Tokyo, but as wonderfully ramshackle as some of them are, the one below definitely takes some beating.
In business for 60 years or so, it’s clearly comfortable in its discolourations and the almost comedic toll those decades have taken. The mesmerising combination of which made sitting down for a leisurely lunch all the more memorable.
Of course how much longer it will last is hard to say, but for now at least it’s still there. There to marvel at of course, but more than anything, there to just simply enjoy.
Stephan says
I love seeing your photos like this but I don’t think I’d ever have the courage to go and eat in there!
Lee says
Thanks. To be honest, some places are still a little bit intimidating, but with the door and window open, I knew exactly what to expect, so walking in was no problem at all.
Once+an+Expat says
A thought: might it be cool of the owner could be persuaded to produce a photo of the shop’s grand opening to be posted against the current photo?
Lee says
That really would be lovely, and needless to say it’d be absolutely fascinating to see what it looked like on day one. Might well be worth asking in the future. Been shown older photos in the past, but never photos of the actual bar or restaurant.
Deborah Moore says
Can you reveal the address?? Would be fascinating to go there! What’s their speciality??
Lee says
It was a fairly standard menu as far as Chinese/ramen restaurants go, but they also do steamed buns. For take out too — from the window that’s open left of the door. So definitely worth visiting.
I don’t add addresses/maps. Something I simply don’t want to get into the habit of doing, but also some places I’d prefer not to give out the location. But send me a mail and I’ll happily dig out the location on Google Maps for you.
cdilla says
Another great find. Not too far from where we started our first photowalk with you if I remember right. Lots of character – the boots on the bar step for example. Great too that such a place has an internet presence – 20 reviews 4.2/5 stars. The latest (translated) review includes this wonderful line “Everywhere in the store is tattered and I feel the flow of time.”.
Did you photograph the weird two story childrens play house across the street? You never know what you are going to see on the streets of Tokyo 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, that’s right. Not that far at all. Only found it recently, as I mostly avoid such big and busy roads. The traffic element actually made getting that first shot tricky. Had to dash out in the middle of the road when the lights changed!
Noticed that myself, and was pleased to see it had such positive reviews. That translation sums it up perfectly too.
I didn’t, no. It’s interesting, but not especially photogenic. And again, tricky cos of the traffic. But yeah, you really don’t. One of the things I like most about Tokyo. In fact Japan in general. There’s almost always a surprise or two to be had, which makes every day, and every trip out, that little bit special.