The cosy R-za Dokushokan café near Koenji Station is the perfect place to unwind and catch up on your reading as it has a no-talking policy. The entrance may seem unassuming, but head up to the second floor and you’ll find yourself in a place that looks like it came straight out of a Ghibli movie.
The quiet, soothing café offers a much needed respite from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. It’s stocked with over 1,500 books, in a lush interior filled with potted plants and small decorative items from the owner’s personal collection. Right next to the windows are a series of retro writing desks, each with a different theme. You’ll find one with a fish tank on top and another with a small collection of crystals hidden inside. There’s even a desk with a diorama made by the owner stashed away inside the drawer. The café has only nine seats, but on quiet days you can hop around before settling down in your favourite seat.
On the menu are coffee and tea options starting from ¥680. You can pair your drink with a chocolate brownie, a caramel waffle or a selection of cookies.
What’s really interesting, however, is the letter set, which comes with a drink plus your choice of an envelope and two pieces of letter paper. You’ll also get to use the cafe’s special dip pen, scented ink and sealing wax to compose your special letter. A stamp is included and you can easily send off your letter via the café’s post box (delivery within Japan only).
Note that most of the books are in Japanese, so bring your own.