Wonderfully old and dated coffee shops have appeared on these pages before. They are fascinating places that have barely changed at all, with their furnishings and faded nature showing all the telltale signs of time. Elements that this spot most definitely doesn’t lack.
In operation for over a half a century, there’s very little that gives away the current year, with the fittings and worn carpet happily exhibiting their extended use. A truly fabulous establishment that provides the chance to briefly escape the stresses and uncertainties of modern life, offering as it does a comfortingly quiet world where the only real worry is what decade it might be.
YesterdaysHero says
This is a true gem Lee. The lights alone are worth the entrance fee.
Lee says
Cheers. Yes, it really is. so much to like and take in, starting with those light fittings.
Craig says
Incredible find! And a rare self-portrait too.
Lee says
Thanks. I’d walked past many times, and after finally venturing in it did not disappoint. Quite the opposite.
Haha, yes. A real rarity, but that bathroom mirror had to be photographed.
cdilla says
Your photographs really capture the cozy atmosphere so well.
I found out today that it is used in some film/tv programs.
This Ultraman episode for example, has a good 5 minutes in there, including the wonderful heavy coffee cups.
https://youtu.be/66fxTxpQYFU?feature=shared&t=576
Lee says
Ah, brilliant. Thank you. Outside there are a few stills from dramas shot there too.
And cheers. Very happy to have some photos to remember a wonderful hour or so.
Richard says
A flashback to the time I lived in Tokyo! Especially love the phone. This is the first of 3 novels which take place in a kisaten like that one. They are most enjoyable: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Glad to see you included yourself in one of the photos. Cheers!
cdilla says
A great series of now four books, Before We Say Goodbye is a recent addition.
With this place being downstairs too it certainly brought those books to mind.
Pierre says
I thought about this book as soon as I saw the first photo! A great little read!
Lee says
Oh, thanks for the recommendation. Wasn’t aware of that series. Will have to look into it.
Once a japan Expat says
In Tokyo?
Lee says
Yes, and perhaps quite aptly, in Ueno.
Martin B says
Fantastically late 1960s retro styling, the furniture and fittings are great, you couldn’t recreate now, I’d be in there all the time.
The rare self portrait of the Man Behind The Cam is a great bonus!
Lee says
Yeah, it really is fantastic. A true one off. Certainly won’t be my only visit that’s for sure.
Hahah, thank you. Don’t really like doing them, but that grotty bathroom mirror pretty much demanded one!