Slow-brewed blend of old and new—Edo-era gardens, quiet temples, and a coffee scene that snuck in while no one was looking. The vibe is calm, creative, and just a little caffeinated.
Gardens, Museums, Shrines
Kiyosumi Garden. Meiji-era stroll garden. Follow the stepping stones (iso-watari) across the pond, past black pines, irises, and stone lanterns.
Fukagawa Edo Museum. A short walk north brings you to a full-scale replica of an Edo-period neighborhood. Lighting shifts from day to night, and guides in period dress add to the immersion.
Basho Inari Shrine. A small shrine honoring haiku master Matsuo Bashō. Look for the frog statue—a nod to his famous poem.
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo. Rotating exhibitions of Japanese and international contemporary art. The building itself is worth a look.
Coffee
Kiyosumi Shirakawa has become a hotspot for coffee enthusiasts:
Blue Bottle Coffee - Japan flagship of the SF-based brand, housed in a renovated warehouse.
Arise - A cozy café, single-origin beans and pour-over coffee, vintage memorabilia, unique and inviting.
Allpress Espresso - NZ café offers rich, full-bodied espresso.
Iki - Spacious café house-roasted coffee, food and sweets.
Tokaku - a serene environment to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Galleries
Harmas Gallery-focuses on artists with a strong conceptual edge.
Hagiwara Projects-Emerging Japanese and international artists, media with a playful, experimental tone.
Kana Kawanishi Gallery-contemp art and photography, visual storytelling. Strong curation.
Ando Gallery-vine-covered warehouse, blends art, architecture, and design.
Satoko Oe Contemporary-showcases contemporary art that engages with social themes.
Specialty Shops
Cheese no Koe. A Hokkaido cheese shop with a cult following. It stocks small-batch Japanese cheeses, rare dairy finds, wines, and snacks like raclette toast and soft-serve. Tucked on a quiet corner, it feels part specialty grocer.
Artichoke Chocolate. An inventive bean-to-bar shop known for its playful, handcrafted chocolates. Expect bonbons shaped like garlic cloves, sunny-side eggs, or chicken drumsticks.
Where to Eat
Fujimaru Winery. A compact urban winery with an Italian restaurant upstairs. Wines are made on-site using Japanese grapes, and the list leans natural and local. The menu pairs well—pasta, seasonal mains, and thoughtful plating. Industrial feel, low-key vibe. Book ahead.
Fudan. A snug, counter-only curry shop, serves rotating curries like keema and mutton biryani. No reservations, no frills.