The coffee beans served at this shop reflect the sense of beauty cultivated by Japanese craftsmanship in Shinokachimachi, Tokyo.

The coffee shop, named Kabuki, stands quietly in an old residential area. The name "Kabuki" comes from the family name of the shop’s owner. After wandering a bit from Shinokachimachi Station, we were amazed by the unique atmosphere of its exterior, reminiscent of a traditional Japanese restaurant in Kyoto.

Upon entering through the wooden door, you first encounter the coffee roasting area and a shop where you can purchase their original coffee beans or handmade chocolates. Upstairs, there is a cozy coffee room designed with dark brown wood tones and dim lighting, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere.

The owner personally serves their original blended coffee along with handmade chocolates or a rich hot chocolate drink. He emphasizes the importance of achieving a complex yet balanced flavor in his blends. When I first tried a coffee named Oriza, I was astonished by its glamorous sourness and couldn’t help but think of it as truly beautiful.

The customers here are often alone, allowing you to enjoy your drink in peaceful silence and savor a truly rich moment. While their coffee beans are also available online, some special blends can only be found at the shop—and only if you’re lucky. Today, I was fortunate enough to buy one of these rare treasures.

Photos by Tsukubu

Kabuki

1-12-12, Misuji, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Comments

Grace Green of Sunaba in Nihonbashimuromachi, Tokyo, Japan

I previously wrote about Sunaba, a soba restaurant in Nihonbashi Muromachi known for its beautiful garden. Today, I'd like to highlight another captivating aspect of Sunaba that caught my attention: the "noren." Do you know what a "noren" is? It's a traditional Japanese fabric divider hung at the entrance of restaurants and shops. Noren is a unique part of Japanese culture, serving as a cloth barrier between the entrance and the interior. Its origins can be traced back to the Yayoi period, and it officially acquired the name "noren" during the Kamakura period. In the Edo period, it evolved into a symbol of a shop's identity and brand, used to distinguish it from others. Sunaba's noren boasts a remarkably fresh green color. Until now, I hadn't paid much attention to the color green, but Sunaba's noren has truly captivated me. It revealed the noble beauty that green possesses.

Tempura Soba Originated Here: Nihonbashi Muromachi, Tokyo, Japan

Have you ever eaten tempura soba? Nowadays, we can enjoy it all over Japan. Today, for the first time, I visited the restaurant where tempura soba originated. It is called Nihonbashi Muromachi Sunaba . The restaurant is located near JR Kanda Station, just a 3-minute walk from its south exit. I was very surprised by the beautiful garden there. We can enjoy really delicious soba while admiring the stunning view. This restaurant has an atmosphere similar to that of a museum—I truly think so.

Water Lilies by Monet in Tokyo: A Deep Understanding From Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

Today, I visited the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo, where I had the chance to see Monet’s Water Lilies on display. I've previously seen this iconic series three times at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. Each time I saw them, I was struck by their incredible beauty. Despite this, I never fully understood why they had such a profound impact on me. However, seeing Monet's Water Lilies in Ueno today helped me understand a little more about that initial shock. The exhibition in Tokyo was relatively small, but it allowed me to connect with Monet’s intentions. He once mentioned that he hoped to offer viewers a sense of meditation through his water lilies. Looking at the painting today, I realized that the impact I felt was due to the sense of healing and meditation that these works provide. It was a deeper understanding of how Monet used his art to offer peace and reflection. Photos by Tsukubu The National Museum of Western Art 7-7, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

A Japanese Wanderer, Tsukubu — Tasting the Poetic Beauty of Japan and Beyond

Search This Blog