Tokyo Stroll: The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone #7 – Garden Café & Bar ‘Urara’ in Daikanyama

15.August.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

The place I am showcasing today is ‘Urara,’ a garden café and bar located in Daikanyama. Their shaved ice is super popular in summer. It’s somewhere I love and often go to in my private time.

It’s an old Japanese-style house so it has a much different atmosphere to that of stylish Daikanyama. The outside of it has a warm and welcoming feel to it that will have you wanting to see what kind of place it is.

Upon entering through the shop sign curtain, you arrive in the courtyard which is surrounded by trees. You can hear the sounds of birds from somewhere, and when the wind blows you also hear the rustling of tree leaves. You completely forget you’re in Tokyo as you feel like you’ve come to a grandma’s house in the countryside. It’s very relaxing.

Hm? What’s this odd looking thing?

These unique ornaments were scattered all around the courtyard ready to greet us!

This sign makes for a great photo spot. It says ‘Urara’ just like the name of the café. Its nostalgic design is so cute!

When you really look, it says tissue paper on it! There’s lots to be discovered on the posters and signs that make up the interior, it’s a lot of fun!

I ordered the Uji adzuki bean shaved ice topped with condensed milk! It cost ¥600 for the shaved ice and ¥100 for the topping. The matcha used is from Uji in Kyoto. Such a big portion of shaved ice is enough to cool you down by just looking at it.

Let’s eat!

Where have I tasted this before…

 

The matcha seeped all the way to the middle of the shaved ice. The refreshing sweetness was so tasty. The adzuki beans are from Tokachi in Hokkaido. They were a perfect combination with the condensed milk. The ice used is natural ice from Nikko. It’s fluffy, tastes great, and doesn’t give you brain freeze!

 

Natural ice is different from regular ice. It’s frozen slowly so the crystals have high density, and it takes longer for it to melt. The cool part was how it didn’t crumple instantly when I poured the syrup on it!

This is blueberry syrup (¥600). The blueberries used are from Nagano. They make it from jam in the café. Isn’t the colour just beautiful?

It has that sour flavour that blueberries have and a refreshing, lip-smacking sweetness.

I normally don’t drink alcohol, but since Urara is a café and a bar I will show you a mojito (¥600). The mint is so refreshing!

On a hot summer’s day it seems like there are people who order both shaved ice and beer together. They’re seasonal items so will satisfy and cool you down.

I also got to meet Tama-chan, the cat who comes to play at Urara. One time when I came before Tama was out walking so I didn’t get to meet him.

Lastly, I snapped a photo with Arai who’s in charge of promoting Urara!

We’re roughly the same height and have a similar interest in clothes so I grew an affinity with her.

Coffee shops and cafés in old style Japanese houses tell you something about the people associated with them.

Urara feels natural thanks to SELIN & Co., an apparel maker who make things that feel one with nature. The staff at Urara all love living things, so the big hearted atmosphere there was really wonderful.

If I was to set up a shop I wonder what it would be like…

I think I’d want to put out something warm like Urara.

 

■Information

Urara

Address: 20-10 Sarugakucho, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:30am-7:00pm / Weekends & Holidays 11:30am-7:30pm

*Closed during rainy weather.

Access: 4-minutes on foot from Daikanyama Station via the Tokyu Tokoyo Line

Website: http://www.hrm.co.jp/news/2016/04/garden-cafe-bar-urara

 

Photographer:Haruka Yamamoto

Editor:Ai Watanabe

Design:Yuko Abe(ASOBISYSTEM)

Translater:Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

TALENT PROFILE

Ema Tanioku

“Emaeri” is the nickname for models Ema and Eri Tanioku, who are Aomoji fashion model twins. Ema and Eri Tanioku specialise in twin fashion coordination. Over the years their fanbase has increased due to their cute looks. Ema Tanioku spreads Harajuku culture within Japan as well as overseas and works as a Harajuku Tourism Ambassador. Starting off as a model, Ema has broadened her talent range from fashion magazines to TV, and from playing the lead role in dramas to movies.

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  • 【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #1 The popular cafe in Jinbo-cho called “Sabouru” that has retro interior and nostalgic food.

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      Today I ordered some of their popular menu: sandwiches, fresh strawberry juice and cream soda (soda float), and the spaghetti Neapolitan from the branch store called “Sabouru 2” located next to each other. The first one which served on my table was “Fresh Strawberry Juice (500yen include tax).” It is not only looking cute, but it is also really juicy and tasty. It taste like smoothie that mixed small blocks of ice and fresh juice. They are also being particular about ice. The owner, Fumio Suzuki told me that the ice he got from an ice shop every morning does’t melt as easy as the regular ice. It surely lasts the rich flavor for long minutes. The food I ate with the juice is “mix sand(600yen include tax).” There are orthodox ham and cucumber sandwich, fresh made tomato sandwich and fluffy egg omelet sandwich. The taste reminds me of the one which my mom made when I was little.     The next one served on my table was spaghetti Neapolitan which specialty food from “Sabouru 2”. It is such a huge portion for only 650yen(include tax)! This spaghetti is regular size, not a large helping, and comes with mini salad. The reason why it is so many is because they cooked it without using measure spoon and it is slowly getting huge. Even though many students or workers can eat it up. It is absolutely tasty as well! It is cooked with many ingredients include mash rooms, onions and bacon. It is quite simple cooked with ketchup. It was really hard to eat the things up since they serve quite large amount of food! I barely finished eating up with three other shooting members. Spaghetti Neapolitan is original menu for “Sabouru 2,” but if you order alcohol at “Saburu” at night they are able to deliver the food menu(Some menus only) from “Sabouru 2.”  

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      Desert for the last is cream soda(580yen include tax). Cream soda is typically green, but you can choose out of four different kinds;red, blue, yellow and green at Sabouru. The cream soda that appeared on my table was shiny and cute. Each of colors has different flavor. Yellow tastes lemon, and blue taste blue Hawaii. You can enjoy sharing and tasting different flavor with your friend.The owner, Fumio, told me that he is going to think of another kind of flavor. I wonder what is going to be the next color. This made me really look forward to visiting Sabouru.   The cafe “Sabouru” has been loved by a lot of people. I took a picture with very sweet owner, Fumio at last. He told me the history of Sabouru, served us their coffee, and he gave us a candy after the interview!   “Although there are many great things about chain stores, the café has their own dream.”   Fumio, the owner who have spent more than sixty years with this café said softly. It made me want to the other menu in this café, and I also really want to see Fumio again. Next time I visit here, I will bring some survivors for him.  
    ■Information Sabouru Address:1-11 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Hours:9:00AM to 11:00PM Holiday:Sundays & Holiday Irregular Access: 0 minutes’walk from A7 exit of Jimbocho train station, Toei Subway Shinjuku Line • Mita Line 0 minutes’walk from A7 exit of Jimbocho train station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.
    Writer&Model  Ema Tanioku

    Profile:They are  "Aomoji-kei" twin models and called "Emaeri." A lot of fans love their twin's coordination and  lovely looks. They also promoting Harajuku culture to all over the world and they are chosen as a Harajuku tourism ambassadors. They are active in Fashion-magazines, TV, doramas and movies as  fashion models and talents. Instagram:@ematanioku

      Photo:Haruka Yamamoto Design:Yuko Abe(ASOBI SYSTEM) Edit:Sayuri Mizuno(ASOBI SYSTEM)
    Related article:【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around Asakusa for half of the day finding the stereo typical sightseeing spots and new spots.   Related article:【Tokyo Stroll】Stroll around in Ginza for half a day. Visit the special stationary stores and get a delicious ground meat cutlet hamburger!  

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe Be Held in Omotesando, Tokyo in March and April

    06.March.2023 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT

    To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!   The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.  

    Menu

    Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger

    コリラックマのクリームパスタ

    Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta

    Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger

    Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry 

    Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake

    Congratulatory Flower Parfait

    You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream

    You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats 

    Honey Forest Jelly Soda

    Relaxing Pudding Drink

    Take-Out Drink Bottle

     

    Original Merch

    Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)

    Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)

    Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)

    Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag

    Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster

    Stuffed Animal

       

    In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.

    Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!

      ©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
  • Kirby Cafe Reveals Exclusive Winter 2022 Menu

    14.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / Uncategorized

    The Kirby Cafe has announced a warm and tasty new winter menu! New items will be available from November 17, 2022 until February 28, 2023, and are sure to warm up fans of the beloved video game series.  

    Menu

    Winter Kirby Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese (30th Anniversary Version)

    Winter Waddle Dee Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese

    Waddle Dee's Dreamy White Stew

    Chef Kawasaki's Winter Hors d'oeuvres with Roast Beef

    Transform! Carby Cake

    Kirby's Dream Ricotta Pancake

    Whispy Woods Blessed Tart

    Elfilin's Twinkle☆Frozen Drink

    The Winter 2022 menu offers a variety of adorable and tasty menu items featuring Kirby and his friends all dressed up for the colder months. From a burger and pasta set to piping hot stew and fluffy ricotta pancakes, there’s sure to be something for every taste.  The Carby cake, inspired by Kirby’s special transformation in the recent game Kirby and the Forgotten Land, has been reimagined in a winter version. Fans won’t want to miss out!   This winter, come enjoy plenty of Kirby-inspired treats while you can!   ©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
  • 13th BT21 Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo

    29.October.2022 | FASHION / FOOD / SPOT

    The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.  

    Cafe Menu

    Magical Tea Time Set

    Food Plate

    Food Plate (7 varieties)

    Dessert Plate

    Dessert Plate (7 varieties)

     

    Drinks

    Magical Milk Tea

    Black Tea

    Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee

     

    Original Goods

    Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)

    Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)

    Satin Sticker (7 varieties)

    Clear Folder (2 varieties)

    Handkerchief (7 varieties)

    Tote Bag

    Mug

    Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick

    Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)

    [Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)

      The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters. In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone.  Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters?   ©BT21
  • Q-pot CAFE to Offer Cute Halloween Sweets to Celebrate 10th Anniversary

    05.September.2022 | FOOD

    Q-pot CAFE in Omotesando will be offering up some Halloween treats to celebrate the location’s 10th anniversary! Guests will be able to sample these special sweets from September 3 until October 31, 2022.   Happy Halloween! Afternoon Tea SetThe festive Happy Halloween afternoon tea features pink Jack-o'-lantern macarons and other Halloween-inspired sweets.   Fluffy Floating Ghost Plate (Drink Included)The adorable ghost is made from fluffy milk mousse covered with gyuhi, a typical ingredient in Japanese sweets made from rice flour. Inside is blackcurrant and redcurrant jelly with an incredibly sweet and sour flavor.   Black Devil Tea MochaFeaturing large devil wings, this tasty and eye-catching beverage is a mix of black tea, chocolate, and milk. When the cocoa cream melts, the taste changes to something creamy and cozy, perfect for the autumn months.   Shimmering Blueberry & Grapefruit SodaThis refreshing sweet and sour drink combines blueberries and pink grapefruit along with soda and pearl powder.   Come enjoy Halloween while celebrating the cafe's 10th anniversary!
  • Blue Lock Anime Pop-Up Store and Cafe to Open at Tokyo Solamachi Tree Village

    26.August.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    A pop-up store and cafe inspired by the anime series Blue Lock will open in September! The series is due to begin airing in October 2022.   The limited-time cafe and shop will open at Tokyo Solamachi Tree Village. Guests will be able to enjoy original dishes inspired by characters from the series, and goods featuring new illustrations will be on sale!If you’re a fan of the series, you won’t want to miss taking a trip to Skytree in September!
  • Toy Story Aliens Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya

    18.July.2022 | FOOD / MOVIE

    The Toy Story Aliens Cafe will be opening for a limited time in Tokyo starting July 23, in Osaka on July 27, and in Nagoya on August 4. Fans of the film series will remember the adorable Alien characters, originally shown as prizes in a crane game. This pop-up cafe will feature themed dishes and merchandise, and Pixar fans should be sure to attend!  

    Menu

      Food

    Space Curry

    Green Pasta

    Alien Burger A (Teriyaki Soy Meat) / Burger B (Tomato Soy Meat) / Burger C (Chicken & Potato)

    Moon Landing?! Potato & Bread

    Kids Plate

    Fruit Bread

      Drinks

    Alien Smoothie

    Space Soda

    Melon Milk

    Space Crane Game Cider / Grape Juice

    Hot Tea / Hot Milk

        GoodsThe food menu includes a tasty black curry, a green pasta featuring broccoli, edamame, spinach, and snap peas, and three types of alien burgers featuring either teriyaki soy meat, tomato soy meat, or chicken and potato. Even the drinks stick to the Alien theme, and the menu includes an Alien Smoothie with a tasty banana yogurt flavor.    Guests will also be able to purchase event-exclusive merchandise from keychains and stickers to tote bags and letter sets.    ©Disney/Pixar