28/12/2024 Neko
Come to the city,
Where would you like to go?
Where would you like to stay forever?
The time
A morning when you wake up a little earlier to enjoy breakfast.
An afternoon moment when you meet friends or a lover, or stop by for a quick cup of tea.
And the evening, when you take a detour on your way home to spend a little more time.
A place where people walking by can loosen the strings of their hearts—a café.
Unlike a bar, it’s a space open to everyone, from students who can’t drink to adults of all kinds.
The atmosphere, the space
A large counter that stretches out smoothly, gleaming in the light.
The flowers on the table.
The transparent morning light streaming through the window, illuminating the seat by the window.
The warm glow of the incandescent light gently shining on your table, as if it’s your own little spotlight.
A table lamp with stained glass.
The master’s unique touch, transformed into hospitality, creating the space itself.
The soft background music—neither too loud nor too quiet—along with the sound of pages turning, and conversations, all merging into the perfect BGM.
Favorite moments
The elegant motion of spreading butter on a crispy toast.
The beautiful ritual of hand-dripping coffee, made with care.
The drifting steam. The warmth that radiates from the cup.
Saying “itadakimasu” and “gochisousama” in gratitude for the meal.
In this city, there are many cafés that shine with their own individuality.
Places where you can be yourself, without pretense, even if just for a while.
Neon-lit Café Gion,
the place where I first fell in love with cafés.
A rare café that is open 365 days a year, without a single day off.
I love the unique, well-toasted, one-of-a-kind Neapolitan pasta, and the neon lights on the ceiling that make me feel like I’m gazing at the stars.
The moment I ate the pasta neatly, the master said, “Thank you for eating so neatly.”
Since then, I’ve made an effort to eat my meals neatly. It’s a place that’s so unique and full of heart.
Nostalgic Café Tenmonzukkan
a place I found myself visiting without realizing it.
A mysterious space, like a time capsule from the past, where time seems to stand still.
A place where you can spend time without forcing anything.
The words and the space created from the past gently accompany your present self.
Kuro Neko Café (Black Cat Café)
marked by a sign featuring a black cat reaching for a cup of coffee.
I remember one evening when a Bulgarian young man stopped by the café just before closing. He and the master spoke for about 15 minutes about the café’s history.
The kind-hearted, rough-around-the-edges master creates bonds that draw people in.
The curry here is unbelievably delicious.
Hinagiku Café Dining,
a Western retro-style café located in a Japanese garden.
The owner’s sunny smile reflects in the food, which always feels just as uplifting as the atmosphere.
It’s a place where the simple joys of life feel perfectly balanced.
On a spring afternoon when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the warmth of the sun and the peace of the moment are exactly like a cozy, soothing experience.
The first time I visited, I thought, “I want to bring someone here.”
In this city, there may be places where you can be yourself,
where you can naturally relax and just be.