Monozuki: A Charming Coffee Shop in Tokyo's Nishi-Ogikubo

Monozuki: An Antique Coffee Shop with a Half-Century History

About a five-minute walk from the north exit of Nishi-Ogikubo Station, turning left, you’ll see a white building that looks as if it came straight out of a picture book.

Monozuki has been operating in this location, passed down from the previous owner, for nearly half a century, and has become a place of shared memories for local residents.

A Space That Feels Like You've Strayed Into Another World

When you open Monozuki’s door, a quiet, calming space unfolds, centered on deep tones and softly lit by light bulbs of various shapes.

What leaves the strongest impression, however, is the wall-to-wall display of unique antique clocks.

At the hour, the clocks that are still running chime in different tones, resonating throughout the shop. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt as though I had slipped into another world.

The furniture and fittings in the shop were collected around the theme of “antique” from the time it opened.

Tables and chairs, wooden shelves, an old radio placed by the window — each piece exudes a sense of history. Even after half a century, they haven’t grown old; careful maintenance gives them an elegant atmosphere that continues to captivate people.

When the owner enthusiastically introduced the items in the shop, I couldn’t help but be captivated, wondering, “What stories did each of these pieces have before they came here?”

Also Popular as a Drama Filming Location!

The late-night TV series "Three Star Bar in Nishi Ogikubo," which aired in spring 2021, attracted a lot of viewers' attention as soon as it began broadcasting.

The exterior of the bar featured in the show was filmed using Monozuki's storefront. Thanks to this series, many young fans started visiting the location.

"Three Star Bar in Nishi Ogikubo". Picture courtesy of PR Times

The owner laughed as he told me he was bewildered when the TV production staff first asked to film. He wasn't familiar with the drama and didn't know the young actors at all.

However, after the show became a big hit, younger customers began to visit what had previously been a shop frequented mainly by local regulars.

A Showa Retro Café Menu

The iconic menu item of a Showa-era coffee shop is the "cream soda." It's a staple on every menu, but each shop's version tastes a little different and has its own distinctive look.

Monozuki's cream soda uses a vivid red pomegranate soda rather than the usual melon soda. The sweet-and-tart soda paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is addictive once you try it.

Enjoyed with the chiffon cake, it makes for an unforgettable afternoon tea time. (Cream soda 550 yen, chiffon cake 350 yen)

The most popular item with regulars is the coffee the owner carefully hand-drips one cup at a time. The care put into each cup draws many regular customers.

It has a clean mouthfeel with a well-balanced acidity and bitterness, making it recommended both for coffee lovers and for those who are not used to drinking it. With a favorite book in hand, sip a delicious coffee while the afternoon drifts by—this is the indulgent everyday life for the regulars. (Coffee 450 yen)

In Closing

If you want to spend a quiet moment, we recommend visiting Monozuki in Nishi-Ogikubo, one station from Kichijoji.

Why not enjoy a memorable little afternoon trip—tasting delicious menu items amid the enchanting atmosphere that feels like another world?

Monozuki Coffee Shop

3-12-10 Nishiogikita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0042

In cooperation with Monozuki