If you’re looking for a tranquil hideout to relax, then head straight to Engawa Café. This cosy eatery is part of Showa no Ie, a beautiful Japanese house with a small Western-style annex in Adachi ward. This registered tangible cultural property was built by Kenshichi Hirata in 1939 and members of the Hirata family still live in and manage the building.
Upon arrival you’ll be guided to the café space in the back of the house, where you can choose between tatami seating and tables along a beautiful wooden indoor engawa porch. We recommend the latter, where you’ll have stunning panoramic views of the adjoining garden. The green oasis is home to a variety of seasonal blooms, including camellia, plum and weeping cherry blossom trees, azaleas and hydrangeas. Come autumn, it’s also a great place to admire the colourful foliage.
Engawa Café offers a wide selection of hot and iced drinks, including Engawa original blend coffee, darjeeling and earl grey tea and the recommended mango and apple fruit tea. For something cooler, try the iced matcha latte, iced hojicha latte or iced royal milk tea. Pair your drink with a piece of cake and you’ll get a ¥100 discount on your order – we recommend the seasonal fruit tart.