Hello, this is the front desk staff at HOTEL GRAPHY Nezu.
As the temperature steadily rises towards summer, the rainy season is also just around the corner. Have you ever woken up on your precious day off to find it raining, leaving you disappointed? This can be especially disheartening in the Yanesen area, where strolling around is one of the main attractions.
However, a little effort to go out on a rainy day can lead to discovering wonderful spots in the Yanesen area where you can relax while listening to the gentle sound of raindrops. Today, we would like to introduce you to traditional Japanese house cafés in Yanesen where you can enjoy a slow, peaceful time even on rainy days.
1.Kissa Nikai
Kissa Nikai is about a 15-minute walk from HOTEL GRAPHY Nezu. The building, a renovated traditional Japanese house, features a pottery shop on the first floor. As the name “Kissa Nikai” suggests, you ascend the stairs to the second floor to reach the café.
Right: Nikai’s Cream Soda Ramune Soda × Yogurt Ice Cream – ¥715 (tax included)
Left: Lemon Squash Float Lemon Squash × Mascarpone – ¥715 (tax included)
These refreshing drinks are perfect for the upcoming season.
Nikai’s French Toast with Matcha Chocolate – ¥990 (tax included)
The French toast is generously filled with sweet chocolate, offering a satisfying treat. It pairs perfectly with the bitterness of the matcha ice cream.
Salted Motsu Stew and Corned Beef Bowl – ¥1,760 (tax included)
Located in Sendagi, “Sendagi Koshizuka” is renowned for its homemade corned beef, which is generously used in the corned beef bowl, a specialty of Kissa Nikai. The salted motsu stew features domestic beef tripe, showcasing Nikai’s dedication to quality. Enjoy this popular plate filled with their meticulous care and expertise.
The interior is thoughtfully decorated, with a selection of books available, making it a perfect place to enjoy some personal time. They also sell original goods, which adds to the charm of the space, making you want to stay longer.
[Store Information]
Address: 2F, 6-3-8 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 03-5834-2922
Instagram
Access Map from HOTEL GRAPHY Nezu to Kissa Nikai ▼
2.Kayaba Coffee
Kayaba Coffee is about an 8-minute walk from HOTEL GRAPHY Nezu. The exterior and interior both exude charm, offering a retro atmosphere.
Please note that there is no bicycle parking available. It’s a popular spot, and since waiting in line is not an option, you’ll need a bit of luck to get a seat. Reserve your seat here.
Tαmago Sandwich – ¥1,300 (tax included)
Kayaba Coffee’s specialty egg sandwich features fluffy tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) paired perfectly with mayonnaise and bread. The bread is soft and chewy, with crispy crusts, creating a luxurious egg sandwich experience that’s hard to replicate at home.
Right: Hayashi Rice – ¥1,300 (tax included)
Left: Yanaka Ginger – ¥700 (tax included)
The Hayashi Rice is made from a traditional recipe passed down through generations, with a hint of espresso adding depth to the flavor. Yanaka Ginger has a refreshing kick, with chili and various spices, making it perfect for summer despite its slight spiciness.
Lucien – ¥630 (tax included)
I ordered the Lucien, a signature menu item that combines coffee and cocoa in equal parts. The sweet flavor of cocoa perfectly complements the bitterness of the coffee, making it enjoyable even for those who aren’t fond of coffee.
[Store Information]
Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order for food at 5:00 PM, Last order for drinks at 5:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-4361-3115
Instagram
Here is the bicycle access map from the hotel to Kayaba Coffee.▼
3.TAYORI
Located down a small alley from Yanaka Ginza, this shop is about a 20-minute walk from HOTEL GRAPHY Nezu and a 5-minute walk from Sendagi Station. Although it opens at 12:00 PM for lunch, when I visited around 12:30 PM, it was already full. They issued a waiting ticket and I spent my waiting time in their lovely garden. Reservations are also available, so I recommend making one, especially during rainy days or as the weather gets warmer.
Chicken Katsu Set Meal with Plenty of Condiments and Salt Ponzu Sauce – ¥1,500 (tax included)
The Chicken Katsu set meal is accentuated by plenty of grated daikon radish and condiments, enjoyed with a refreshing salt ponzu sauce. The miso soup that comes with the set meal is filled with plenty of vegetables, providing a satisfying experience.
Wari Set Meal – Miso Glazed Fried Mackerel Set Meal – ¥1,500 (tax included), with 16-grain rice (+¥100)
The Miso Glazed Fried Mackerel is excellent, and the fried eggplant and fried lotus root with miso sauce complement it perfectly. The rice goes down effortlessly.
Looking at the menu, there’s a wide variety of side dishes and a la carte options besides the set meals. It seems like a great place to visit for a leisurely drink in the evening.
Furthermore, they offer baby food for 5 months, 7 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Since there were many families with children among the customers, it’s perfect for those with little ones!
[Store Information]
Address: 3-12-4 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Weekdays/Saturdays 12:00-20:00 (Last Order 19:00), Sundays/Holidays 12:00-18:00 (Last Order 17:00)
Closed: Mondays/Tuesdays
Phone Number: 03-5834-7026
Instagram
Here is the bicycle access map from the hotel to TAYORI.▼
4.Amagaecho
About a 12-minute walk from HOTEL GRAPHY Nezu, Amagaecho quietly stands in a narrow alley just off Funabashi Street. Its quaint round white noren curtain adorned with droplets is quite charming and inviting, making you want to step inside.
Rain Sound Rice – ¥1,500 (tax included)
Today’s evening meal includes four small side dishes, dashi ochazuke, and one accompaniment for ochazuke, all served on one plate. Each dish had a gentle seasoning and provided a satisfying experience. Finally, I poured dashi over the rice to make ochazuke and enjoyed it with the accompaniment.
Today’s Wagashi – ¥650 (tax included)
Green Tea Mizumi-iro Cha (Deep-steamed) – ¥700 (tax included)
The wagashi called “Fumanchu” is a sweet bean paste wrapped in fresh wheat gluten. It has a chewy texture and a soothing sweetness. It paired well with the deep-steamed green tea. You can choose from four types of tea leaves for your green tea, so you can enjoy your favorite tea.
The interior of the store offers a tranquil hideaway atmosphere, allowing guests to fully enjoy a serene Japanese space. Please be mindful that raising your voice or making loud noises is not permitted.
[Store Information]
Address: 2-44-19 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00-18:00 (Last Order 17:00), Weekends and Holidays 11:00-20:00 (Last Order 19:00)
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Phone Number: 03-6876-8402
Instagram
The access map from the hotel to Tenon Tea House is available here.▼
This time, we introduced you to the old folk cafes of Yanaka, where you can spend a relaxing day even when it’s raining. As the rain becomes more frequent and the mood may feel gloomy, why not take a little outing? Listening to the sound of rain in a calm space might make you appreciate the rain more. With temperatures rising, please take care of your health.
A little urban oasis located in the heart of Yanesen and near Ueno station. This hostel-like space is the perfect place to come together and take a break from busy Tokyo.
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