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LATTEST Omotesando Espresso Bar
Another popular cafe in the Omote-sando district in Tokyo is the LATTEST Omotesando Espresso Bar. Just a short walk away from OMOTESANDO KOFFEE, this spacious cafe is welcoming and laid back – perfect after a walk along the busy main street of Omote-sando.
Meiji Shrine
Set in a lush forest, the Meiji Shrine is one of the most iconic attractions in Tokyo, Japan.
Omotesando Koffee
Omotesando Koffee is a little coffee shop within a quiet Omote-sando residential district in Tokyo, Japan. Now that I’ve started my Café Tour in Singapore, I make it a point to visit some cafes overseas – just like my dear theme parks and attractions.
Well, Omotesando Koffee is well-known for many reasons. It’s unexpected – coffee shop in a machiya, a traditional Japanese wooden house. And it’s in the middle of a quiet street.
Lush plants surround the entrance and its beautiful garden.
Not much seating around here, except for benches in the middle of the garden. It’s a nice, picturesque spot for photos.
Inside though, is a traditional Japanese interior. It’s so clean.
The barista spotted me taking photos of the exterior and was probably relieved when I finally decided to walk in. He gave warm greetings and took my order.
Anyway, only cash is accepted here, so please bring enough notes and coins along.
Here’s the price list for hot coffee. Add about ¥90 more to have it iced.
Omotesando Koffee also bakes these cute custard cubes, known as Koffee Kashi. ¥170 (~S$2.10) a piece, or ¥850 (~S$10.50) for 5 pieces in a box set.
It was a rainy, chilly morning, so I ordered the Baileys Cappuccino – ¥630 (~S$7.50).
All I can say is, it was definitely worth the walk here.
I spent the next few minutes snapping away as my beverage was being crafted. Thankfully, the cafe was okay with that.
Even if taking photos isn’t your thing, the garden itself is a nice place to have a peaceful, contemplative moment. I was all alone during my encounter at Omotesando Koffee (a thunderstorm just passed the area).
I left the wooden house and stood across the road, facing the empty field. Drank most of my cappuccino here.
Then I was off to another cafe around the area.
Some people say that Omotesando Koffee is hard to find – but I got there within minutes, walking from the main road.
How to get there
This little place is a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Omote-sando station, which is an interchange station for three Tokyo Metro lines:
Chiyoda Line (C-04)
Ginza Line (G-02)
Hanzomon Line (Z-02)
1. From the Metro Station, head to Exit A2.
2. Once out from Exit A2, turn right and walk along that street.
3. At the end of the street, turn left. (You may witness some madness at the Flying Tiger Copenhagen store)
4. Walk all the way until the intersection with calvari hair salon (white building with 3 levels). Turn right at that intersection.
5. Walk down that block, and cross another intersection and go straight again. Omotesando Koffee is just a few steps ahead, at your left.
OMOTESANDO KOFFEE
4-15-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
東京都渋谷区神宮前4-15-3
Open daily from 10:00am. Closes at 7:00pm.
For more information refer to their official website (Japanese).
Solo Tokyo 2014 is a short series documenting that one day I spent in Tokyo alone. It was a spontaneous walkabout during a spontaneous trip.
All in a day's walk
OMOTESANDO KOFFEE | Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)
LATTEST OMOTESANDO Espresso Bar | ???
OMOTESANDO KOFFEE | Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū)
LATTEST OMOTESANDO Espresso Bar | ???
Tokyo Disneyland – Happiness is Here Parade
Happiness is Here is not just Tokyo Disney Resort’s special 30th Anniversary celebrations. A new day-time parade was created to mark this special occasion, and it is performed during normal seasons at Tokyo Disneyland.
Tokyo Disneyland – Tomorrowland and Space Mountain
Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is a minimalist fantasy of the future. As strange as this might sound, the area doesn’t feel very futuristic in today’s world – it features very clean lines and muted colours (with some graduated blue accents) across its architecture.
Tokyo DisneySea – Journey to the Center of the Earth
Possibly the most illustrious theme park attraction at Tokyo DisneySea, Journey to the Center of the Earth is a one-of-a-kind adventure set in the world of Captain Nemo.
Tokyo DisneySea – Mysterious Island
Mysterious Island – a world hidden within Mount Prometheus that is heavily inspired by some of Jules Verne‘s most iconic novels. This themed zone is the centerpiece of Tokyo DisneySea.
Mount Prometheus is the icon of Tokyo DisneySea, and can be seen (outdoors) from every other themed port-of-call around the park.
The volcano connects to a massive, water-filled caldera, known as Vulcania Lagoon. The waters, perpetually influenced by the active volcano, are always tumultuous.
Fantastic rock theming aside, this themed area is designed in such a way where its facilities (attractions, shops and other amenities) are stacked within the caldera. Being right in the middle of the park, with a lagoon and river running through the lower levels, means that the design needs to get creative. Those who have seen the park’s blueprints will know what I’m talking about.
Once inside, visitors would feel completely enclosed in Jules Verne’s stories by the mountainous terrain. Mysterious Island is home to two dark rides, two restaurants, and a quaint souvenir shop. The DisneySea Transit Steamer sails through the lagoon.
Structures in teal give a visual break from the zone’s dominant rockwork.
A massive floodgate at one of the area’s walkway leading to the back of the park.
Rather astonishing detail here: aged but not “aged”.
Hanging lamps along a rocky wall.
Gentle transition in theming, as seen from Mermaid Lagoon‘s outdoor area. Let’s go back.
One “attraction” of Tokyo DisneySea can be found below this bridge. It’s not a ride or show, but a food stand selling snacks.
Welcome one and all to the world-famous Refreshment Station. Home to the popular Gyoza Sausage Bun (or Gyoza Dog, in Japanese), which is more popularly known as Nautilus Gyoza.
Because it somewhat looks like the Nautilus, Captain Nemo’s submarine, which is docked at Mysterious Island.
Supposedly the snack got too popular many years ago, causing long lines extending out of Mysterious Island.
There always a queue here, but the stall is well-stocked.
The Happiness Year’s Foldable Box.
Anyway, the gyoza buns go for ¥420 (~S$5.20) each. The stall also sells some soft drinks at ¥230/290 (~S$2.80/3.60, prices for small and medium cups), the standard price at both parks.
So Tokyo DisneySea’s famous Nautilus Gyoza is a steamed bun (bao/pau) with a sausage inside (gyoza filling). Not quite a fried gyoza and also not a legit bao. However, the experience of queuing and eating away at a nearby bench is one of those unique Tokyo Disney Resort rituals.
Nautilus Galley is a small eatery at the lower level. It’s a nice shaded place to rest and marvel at the caldera’s waters, as well as to see the Nautilus submarine up-close.
But if you are thinking of dining here, head to Vulcania Restaurant – a quick service buffeteria at the upper level of the caldera, which serves Chinese-style food.
For starters, the restaurant offers soups (from ¥350) and salads (¥400). Set meals for kids start at ¥890, though parents who wish to splurge can go for the set with a souvenir plate (¥2090)!
All entrees start at ¥950 (~S$11.70). You can choose from Fried Rice (with Char Siu), Shrimp in chili sauce, Fried Chicken, Chilled Noodles, Spicy Tofu and Pan-fried pork and vegetables.
Chilled Char Siu noodles.
My sister and I shared the Vulcania Special set meal (¥1650, ~S$20.30) which includes chilled noodles, an entree of your choice (small portion) and dessert.
Even if you don’t fancy the food, the restaurant is too amazing to miss. Have a walk around.
As the restaurant is built into a part of the volcano, you’d expect the dining area to be like a cave, complete with all sorts of strange machines – courtesy of Captain Nemo.
If you’ve ever wanted to dine in a volcano, or a cave, this is probably the best place on Earth.
We’ll revisit Mysterious Island again in the next entry and uncover its attractions.
An Introduction | Getting There and Around | Pocket Wi-Fi | Tips and Tricks
Tokyo DisneySea
Mediterranean Harbor | Mediterranean Harbor at night | Fortress ExplorationsMagellan's | American Waterfront | Tower of Terror | Toy Story Mania!
Port Discovery | Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull
Lost River Delta & Raging Spirits | Sindbad's Storybook Voyage
Arabian Coast | Arabian Coast at night | Mermaid Lagoon
Mysterious Island | Journey to the Center of the Earth
Mysterious Island at night & 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Tokyo Disneyland
World Bazaar | World Bazaar at night | Adventureland | Pirates of the CaribbeanWesternland & Big Thunder Mountain Railroad | Splash Mountain
Haunted Mansion | Pooh's Hunny Hunt | Fantasyland | Fantasyland at night
Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall | Toon Town | Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek | Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Tomorrowland & Space Mountain | Happiness is Here Parade
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Tokyo DisneySea – Mermaid Lagoon
Swim into the world of The Little Mermaid at Tokyo DisneySea’s Mermaid Lagoon. This colourful and vibrant zone invites guests to join Ariel and discover her world, under the sea.
Tokyo Disneyland – Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Tokyo Disneyland’s latest attraction is the heavily upgraded version of Star Tours, known as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. This Spaceport brings guests at Tomorrowland on tours to exciting destinations – far, far away – in the Star Wars universe.