Kayaba Coffee

Kayaba Coffee

A short ride north of the megapolis' center of central Tokyo is Yanaka of Taitō district, a shitamachi neighborhood with the old Tokyo vibes still in place. Yanaka is the opposite of Akihabara's digital blocks of the matrix. You might catch a delusional cosplaying character from Ohio in this part of town, but certainly not in Yanaka. Taitō district's planners are witnessing great interest from foreign visitors and are pursuing efforts to introduce local arts, artisans, small businesses and other attractions. Kayaba Coffee is guaranteed to be in the conversation when Yanaka is mentioned. Kayaba Coffee's building has been standing since 1916 with the kissaten (cafe) in business from 1938 until 2006 when the original owner has passed. The kissaten was revived in 2009 with the help and collabo of locals, Taito Cultural & Historical Society and SCAI The BathhouseYuko Nagayama & Associates delivered the architectural duties of refreshening the space with Japanese minimalism and midcentury feels. Just absolute-ism. It is in the fabric of the people to conduct practices without the disturbing of things that exist whether they're living things or not. The final product for the coffee shop is an unassuming old building but modern without it being some w.a.c.k. glass building by a VC with 24 successful apps. This approach is a common understanding in the "new" modern in design, business decisions and having responsibilities as members of this planet. Kayaba is a reference point for Japan's reign on having untouchable coffee shops. Find yourself with patrons ranging from young creative types decked out in Supreme and Palace to classy folks of age who have been regulars for years. Order their legendary egg sandwich (¥‎500) with a cup of coffee and act like you know. With the attention to detail you will expect local sourced ingredients which of course they deliver on. Take a stroll to SCAI The Bathhouse after you achieved one of your #lifegoals in visiting one of the coolest coffee shops in the world. 

Kayaba Coffee
6-1-29 Yanaka
Taito, Tokyo 110-0001
http://kayaba-coffee.com

Monday thru Saturday 8:00AM-11:00PM, Sunday 8:00AM-6:00PM
Morning Menu 8:00AM-11:00AM, Lunch Menu 11:30AM-2:00PM, Tea Time Menu 2:00PM

 

SCAI THE BATHHOUSE

SCAI THE BATHHOUSE is the perfect example of what makes Yanaka one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Tokyo. SCAI THE BATHHOUSE was formerly a bathhouse for 200 years before being converted into a gallery. The conversion is designed tastefully to let the structure exist without disrupting the shitamachi district. Artists such as Mono-ha movement's Lee Ufan and psychedelic-meets-surrealism-meets-dada-meets pop art master Tadanori Yokoo exhibit their work frequently at the gallery. The gallery has introduced Japanese avant-garde artists to the world as well as exhibit artists from abroad. The gallery's existence is unique and relevant in contemporary art. SCAI THE BATHHOUSE is a recommended destination while strolling through the Yanaka neighborhood via Nippori Station or Ueno Station.


SCAI THE BATHHOUSE
6-1-23 Yanaka, Taito, Tokyo
scaithebathhouse.com