Great Design Cafes in Japan (Part 2)

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone following and subscribing to my newsletter. I appreciate you giving me the chance to share a little bit about Japan. As you know my newsletter is called ‘Bee Curious’ because I love bees and believe curiosity is very important value as an adult which I don’t want to loose it :D.

Since joining Warpcast (a Farcaster client similar to Twitter/X but ONchain), many people have asked me for practical recommendations. They don’t want to know the history of 'Castella' in Japan (although I love to eat and read about it); they want real, useful information. So, I’ve decided to listen to my readers and make "Bee Curious" the go-to resource for travel, food, and activities in Japan for the Farcaster and other communities.

Additionally, I will be changing the posting schedule. Currently, I post every Tuesday at 9 am Japan time. However, starting in August, I’ll switch to posting my newsletter twice a month. This change will give me more time to focus on better topics and conduct thorough research. Thank you again for your support, and I guarantee you’ll enjoy each issue you read.

Love, Ina

The end of July in Tokyo feels like living in an oven, with temperatures reaching 36-42°C. The concrete jungle and tall buildings make it even hotter. Everyone, including my family and me, suffers from 'natsubate,' or summer fatigue. No matter how much cold water you drink, it disappears after a five-minute walk to the train station. Ughhh....

These days, I find myself writing and working more than ever to grow my presence on Warpcast. I've also been working on creating two guides ‘Useful Phrases in Japanese’ and ‘Dummy Guide of Japanese Toilets’ part of Onchain Summer of Base. These are handy resource for first-time visitors to Japan and those attending the Edcon Conference.

Okay, where was I? Going back to the guide on cafes, I found four more cool places that I want to share. If you missed my first part, check the guide here: Great Design Cafes in Japan (Part 1) I discovered these cafes while reading a local magazine at a bookstore and thought they deserved a mention.

Mamezarachaya is a delightful Japanese cafe located in Kanazawa Castle Park, Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its famous sweets and sushi served on cute small plates.

Kanazawa Castle Park, a national historic site and home to the Maeda clan, is a must-visit in Ishikawa Prefecture, alongside Kenrokuen. It's an ideal spot to take a break while exploring the vast grounds.

The teahouse is divided by natural bamboo and offers various seating options: garden-view seats, wheelchair-accessible tables, and raised seats where you can take off your shoes and relax. The elevated seats furthest from the glass windows provide a pleasant view.

• Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa Castle Park, Tsurunomaru Rest House

• Phone number: 076-232-1877

• Hours: 11:00～16:00

• Site: https://www.e-maplehouse.com/contents/shop/mamezara.html
  Photo References: https://co-trip.jp/article/566901
  

  2. KUMU TEA SALON
  

Another shop of tea salon in Kanazawa. During the Edo period, Kaga Hyakumangoku flourished, promoting a diverse culture by inviting master craftsmen and intellectuals from across the country. A unique samurai culture blossomed, and its values and aesthetics are still alive today in tea ceremonies, Noh, Zen, and architecture.

KUMU honors these traditions of Kanazawa and connects them to the future. Discover contemporary Kanazawa here, where craftsmen, artists, and tea masters shape the present and future of this vibrant city.

• Address: 2-40 Kamitsutsumi-cho, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa, 〒920-0869

• Phone number: +81-(0)76-282-9600

• Site: https://www.thesharehotels.com/kumu/stories/#access

• Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/kumu.thesharehotels/

Nittodo has been renovated into a two-story wooden machiya-style building. The first floor offers a selection of household tools and daily necessities, alongside the coffee stand "KYOTO COFFEE."

• Address: 385-4 Yasakakamimachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0827,

• Phone Number: 075-525-8115

• Site: https://nittodo.jp/

• Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/nittodo_official/

Kaico Cafe, located in Osaka at the end of the longest shopping street in Japan, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, offers a unique experience. The first floor features a selection of household tools gathered under the theme of "blending in." The second floor is a café space with private rooms. There are terrace seats in the courtyard, and a storehouse adjacent to the back, revealing a charming space not apparent from the street.

The cafe is part of FORMLADY Co., Ltd., a wholesaler specializing in kitchen tools and daily necessities. They also own the original kitchenware brand "kaico." Near their headquarters, they found a splendid commercial house built in 1948, which they renovated to establish an antenna shop that showcases their unique worldview. The renovation was carried out by furniture designer Makoto Koizumi. By preserving as much of the original walls and pillars as possible, the space retains a distinct Showa-era retro atmosphere.

For example, a three-tatami-mat room that once had a closet has been transformed into a private room. Upon closer inspection, you can see they are dated from the Showa period.

• Address: 1-12-21 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

• Phone:06-6809-6188

• Hours: 11:30 AM - 7:30 PM

• Site: https://kaicocafe.jp/

• Photo credit: https://co-trip.jp/article/517734