Go Back in Time for a Meal at Old-Style Japanese Houses

| Others | Posted by Sharuru on Jun.23.2017

Kosaen

old-japanese-cafes-01

Nestled in its own leafy enclave, Kosaen is like a completely different world from the trendy neighborhood of Jiyugaoka it’s located in. The teahouse was built back in the Showa era in 1954, co-founded by the son-in-law of the famous novelist Natsume Soseki. You can enjoy classic Japanese desserts like anmitsu together with rich green tea, surrounded by antiques of the past. The house is an antique itself, providing its inhabitants with shelter and comfort for generations.

old-japanese-cafes-02

Kosaen official site: http://kosoan.co.jp/

Address: Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Jiyugaoka 1-24-23

Mugimaru 2

old-japanese-cafes-03

This quirky café is easy to miss if you don’t look carefully. Completely shrouded in leaves, the small door peeks out of a small patch to welcome you into this old, cozy house. Mugimaru 2 sets itself apart with its menu that specializes in manju, traditional steamed buns. The interior is filled with oddly charming knick-knacks, most given as gifts from friends and customers. Sometimes the owner’s cat comes to hang out in the café too, so if you’re lucky you might find yourself a feline companion during your visit.

old-japanese-cafes-04

Mugimaru 2 official site: http://www.mugimaru2.com/

Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Kagurazaka 5-20

Kasoyo

花想容の11月のカフェ営業日を、お知らせいたします。【11月4日（金）・5日（土）・6日（日）・20日（日）】11:30~18:30 ※こちらの4日間以外は、着物店のみの営業となります。ご注意くださいませ。 #花想容 #きもの #着物 #和 #日本 #東京 #目白 #古民家 #カフェ #古民家カフェ #抹茶 #和菓子 #kasoyo #cafe #kimono #japan #tokyo #mejiro #japanesestyle #japanesetraditional #japanesesweets #wagashi #maccha #greentea #_thisisjapan

A post shared by 花想容 (@kasoyo2) on Nov 1, 2016 at 9:13am PDT

After you’ve had a delicious teatime, how about a walk around the garden? This elegant house in Mejiro takes pride in their Japanese garden, which flourishes with flowers every season of the year. Kasoyo was originally a kimono shop; with their history dating from the Taisho period, to this day they continue to sell and exhibit exquisite kimono as well as hold kimono-wearing classes. Soak in the rich culture of traditional Japan while sampling the delicate wagashi on their menu.

Kasoyo official site: http://kasoyo.com/

Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shimo-ochiai 2-19-21

Momo Garten

. この間の雰囲気良い店これでも都内の古民家 . #中野#古民家#lunch

A post shared by Shōdai Malta (@ma_ru122) on Jun 3, 2017 at 4:54am PDT

If you’ve ever wanted to experience staying in a big Japanese home, Momo Garten will welcome you into their bright, airy space in Nakano. Here, the owner serves hot cups of coffee and tea while reminiscing about the old days of the café, almost 70 years after it was built. It’s a warm and relaxing place for you to enjoy a lazy tea time with homemade cake and a view of the biotope outside the café.

Momo Garten official site: https://www.facebook.com/momogarten

Address: Tokyo, Nakano-ku, Chuo 2-57-7

Nanten Cafe

ずーっといってみたかった要町の古民家カフェ。カウンター席も畳席もあって最高だ〜〜〜めっちゃ気持ち良い〜〜こんな感じのカフェやりたいな〜そしてごはんが美味しすぎた〜〜お米は16穀米かかまどたきごはんから選べるらしい〜良すぎて書ききれない〜〜〜池袋からも近いので池袋、副都心線、有楽町線ユーザーはぜひ！ #なんてんcafe #要町 #池袋 #古民家カフェ #古民家だけどフリーWiFiある #カフェ巡り

A post shared by @ratanabe on May 24, 2016 at 2:30am PDT

A meal at Nanten Cafe feels like a meal with family. The café owners keep their small space snug and homey, so you can sit on the tatami mats and take your time to enjoy the satisfying homemade food and desserts. With a variety of ingredients that change every season, there’s bound to be something to whet your appetite. Come here to have a Japanese home-style meal in a buzzing atmosphere!

Nanten Cafe official site: http://www.nantencafe.com/

Address: Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Kanamecho 1-10-7

These cafes may be old and weathered, but they prove to have timeless popularity with countless visitors looking for a hearty meal or snack. Modern sweets and snacks are fun, but there’s also an old-fashioned charm that you won’t be able to find anywhere else other than these time-honoured places.

Photos by Sharuru