Hyperlocal Tokyo

I made a reservation for the course lunch and went. - I went from Omotesando Station, but the entrance was surprisingly hard to find. - The staff who served us were mainly male, and this gentleman was very kind and gentle with his explanations. - A young, slender female staff member, her service was very cold. ① When she was cleaning up a bowl that someone had knocked over, she did it in a way that surprised several customers in the restaurant. ② When we were paying, she was wearing a mask and I couldn't hear what she was saying, so I was confused about the payment, but she didn't even smile. - The food was relatively smooth and delicious because it was a course. Service and hospitality can elevate the quality of the food. Even though there were empty seats, there was a long line outside after we paid. It's a shame that I can't recommend it to superiors or important people.

Passing under a large hanging sculpture and climbing the stairs, you are greeted by a sprawling garden. Through the glass, you can see tables and chairs arranged like a wooden audience seating area. The matcha and chocolate azuki bean jelly, rich yet with a delightful crumble of azuki beans, provided a soothing experience.

This cafe is located within the luxurious Japanese restaurant, Kindanchu, right in the heart of Omotesando. Despite its central location, the cafe offers a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere with its open windows overlooking a traditional Japanese garden. Situated on the second floor of the building, it feels secluded from the bustling city streets. However, the interior is filled with the lively chatter of patrons, including many international visitors, creating a welcoming and unpretentious ambiance. I recently enjoyed their lunch course. Each dish was beautifully presented with exquisite taste. Personally, I was particularly fond of the sesame tofu and the grilled skewered wheat gluten. These dishes truly embodied the delicate flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine. The sea bass hand rolls, steamed conger eel, and chicken water pot from Mount Daisen were also incredibly delicious. While the portion sizes might be considered small for men, this is a restaurant where the focus is on quality, refinement, an escape from the ordinary, and exceptional hospitality. It's a place that sets itself apart through these elements rather than simply serving large quantities of food.

This is a tranquil tea room, a unique oasis of serenity amidst the bustling Omotesando district. Located on the second floor of the OAK OMOTESANDO building, directly connected to Omotesando Station, the building's entrance, with its soaring, open ceiling, feels like a concrete fortress, amplifying the sense of quietude. The tea room has two entrances, but the one accessed by climbing the concrete stairs from the center of the building offers a more charming ambiance. The interior, designed by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, features a long, straight white wood counter table as a defining element. I visited for afternoon tea and enjoyed the Matcha Ginpu no Shiro (White) by Itoen, priced at ¥1,000 (¥1,100 including tax). The tranquil atmosphere, a welcome respite from the throngs of tourists in Omotesando, feels like a museum. Lunch and dinner are served with a tea ceremony-inspired aesthetic. The quiet ambiance makes this a perfect spot for meetings, a hidden gem indeed.

Yayolog (つ∀｀*) "Kintanka", One of Japan's Three Great Traditional Restaurants, Now a Modern Japanese Cafe ◼️ This cafe is part of the long-established "Kintanka" restaurant, founded in the Shinbashi flower district during the Taisho era. It features a beautiful modern Japanese interior with a white wood counter designed by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, and a serene garden. ◆ Warabi Mochi Available only after 2 PM. Made with genuine warabi starch, it's incredibly smooth and silky. Served with black sugar syrup. ◆ Matcha "Ginpu no Shiro" by Itoen Enjoy a 500 yen discount on the tea and sweets set. ◼️ About the Cafe Credit cards and Rakuten Pay accepted. Cafe time starts at 2 PM. Jazz instrumental music plays in the background. Operated by Kintanka Co., Ltd. CEO: Shingo Okazoe They also operate "Shinbashi Kintanka", "Kintanka An", and "Ginza Oka Han Honten "Cha-shu Kintanka" opened in April 2013. (Information from Google Search) Japan's Three Great Traditional Restaurants are "Kichou", "Shinkiraku", and "Kintanka". ◼️◼️ Visited around 2:30 PM on a weekday. The clientele was mostly university students and foreigners, and the staff were young. I was a bit bothered by the sounds of the dishwasher and other kitchen noises. This is a place where you can forget the hustle and bustle of Omotesando, with a fantastic atmosphere and delicious food. June 2024