Old, cluttered and decidedly grubby little bars where cats ultimately call all the shots aren’t uncommon in Tokyo, but there’s clutter, and then there is clutter, and this particular establishment most definitely falls into the latter category. In fact, there is so much stuff strewn about the place that the current mama-san, who took over from her mother, almost looks like she’s stood in the aftermath of an explosion.
In business since the early 1960s, it’s a distinct possibility that some of the detritus dates back to a very different time indeed. The cat, on the other hand, which was very keen on making its presence known, is merely entering its second decade. A relative newcomer then, but nonetheless it is clearly comfortable with the chaotic nature of its surroundings.
All in all a bar that is totally unique, and yet at the same time it’s just like so many other little drinking spots in Tokyo’s less central areas. It’s laid back, packed with reminders of the past, and perhaps most importantly of all, is simply a wonderful place to pass a very pleasant few hours.
Linda says
Don’t you want to show this to some Westerners who think Marie Kondo is typically Japanese, and watch their heads explode?
Lee says
I know eh? Admittedly this is extreme to say the least, but so many Japanese homes and bars are nearer to this than the Marie Kondo image of Japan.
Jenn says
Oh my that sure is one messy space! She makes me feel good about my own cleaning habits! 😉
YTSL says
I second Jenn’s sentiments! Also, I don’t consider myself a fussy person but, even with that big smile on the proprietor’s face, I’m not sure I could handle spending time in that bar!
Lee says
Very true, I feel positively obsessive when it comes to cleaning compared to this.
@YTSL Interesting. It was pretty full-on in regards the mess. There was way more than this as well — it was everywhere. But the mama-san was so friendly and laid-back I’m sure you ‘d be ok. Perhaps!
YTSL says
Hi Lee —
Actually, it’s less a hygiene worry than that the fear that the control freak in me would not be able to resist going and doing some cleaning up while I was there! ;b
Lee says
Haha, I can just imagine you sitting there desperately trying to suppress the urge to clean up!
Stephan says
Another awesome find! I love how there is just so much to see in the first shot but her smile is what I focus on. 🙂
Lee says
Thanks. It definitely surpassed our expectations. Always nice when that happens. And yeah, despite the unique surroundings, it’s the mama-san who ultimately makes the place what it is.
cdilla says
You find some wonderful places. Real treasures. How many there must be – just waiting to be discovered.
My man-cave/office can give this establishment a good run for its money on the clutter front. I think Marie Kondo has appeal (and yes I do have one of her books) precisely because so many people do find themselves in a clutterful life.
I managed to find this on Street View and whilst the allure is much greater at night, it’s interesting to see it during the day. It has been photographed by passing Google Cars eight times over the past eleven years and hardly a change. Even the noren, visble through the closed door during the day, looks to be the same one. I wonder why my house has only been visited once…
Lee says
Yes, this place is special. The exterior can be an indicator of what’s waiting inside, but we never really know until we open the door. Sometimes it’s disappointing, but definitely not in this case. And yeah, there must be so many more. The challenge is finding them, but as challenges go, it’s a very enjoyable one.
That is a lot. Not an especially busy area either. Perhaps just cos it’s the capital? That said, it’s good to know they are covering Tokyo so regularly, as it can be a very useful resource when investigating an area to find out what’s there, and also what was there…
john says
Once the last free surface is filled then you realise that you have a de-cluttering problem, but at least the floor paint provides a distraction that even a well placed cat can’t conceal. I bet it said ‘hard wearing’ on her tin too.
The outside is a shrubbery and downpipe delight!
Lee says
I think it’s probably fair to say that she has indeed reached that point!
Haha, that flooring is quite something eh? The cat almost emphasises it (if that’s even possible) sitting where it is.
And yeah, while the outside could never really hope to compete with the interior, it still has a damn good try.
Rohan Gillett says
If this were any other first-world country, wouldn’t any self-respecting health department close this down in less than five minutes? Having said that I do enjoy going to older places like this rather than somewhere fancy. And during my near thirty years in Japan I’ve often wondered how I dodged so health problems? Maybe people like the woman here scrub the germs?
Lee says
Definitely. In fact they’d probably be closed down before they even opened!
Likewise, I’ve never had any problems at all. Hangovers yes, but they were all self-inflicted. On the other hand, I’ve had food poisoning 3 times in Japan. Twice in relatively fancy places, and the other time at the racetrack. My theory with these grubby little places is that invariably the food is bought daily, so it’s fresh even if the surroundings aren’t.