Enjoy art and architecture at these blissful cafes: 3 museum cafes in Japan

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Japan is not only home to historical sites and beautiful nature, but also a wealth of contemporary art and architecture. Here we will introduce three spots adjacent to art museums where you can enjoy a cafe break while soaking up the charm of art and architecture. For travelers, these are great plac...

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Onko Chishin specializes in the operation of destination hotels, produced and managed by Onko Chishin. Inviting people out to destinations and contributing to the local revitalization—moving forward we aim to incorporate lodgings with a new sense of individuality in our lineup.

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MUNI La Terrasse (Arashiyama, Kyoto)

MUNI KYOTO is a luxurious hotel that offers a panoramic view of the bamboo forest of Arashiyama and the Katsura River. Located inside the hotel is La Terrasse, a cafe with simple yet sophisticated architectural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by nature. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery spreading out before you while enjoying breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Official website of MINI La Terrasse

Fusion of gourmet and art

"La Terrasse" is one of the restaurants supervised by the world-famous chef Alain Ducasse. You can spend a luxurious time together with "MUNI ALAIN DUCASSE", which serves French cuisine using ingredients from Kyoto. Chef Alessandro Galdiani is a talented chef with over 10 years of experience working at Ducasse restaurants in Monaco, London, and Paris.

Opening times

    Breakfast 07:30-10:00 (last entry 09:00)
    Lunch 11:30-15:00 (last orders 13:30) (last entry 13:00)
    Opening days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
    Afternoon tea 13:30-16:00 (last order 14:30) (last entry 14:00)

*Reservations are required and the Afternoon Tea Stand is not available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Click here to make a reservation for MUNI La Terrasse

Fukuda Art Museum

The Fukuda Art Museum has a collection of approximately 1,500 works, mainly Japanese paintings from the Edo period to the present day. Located in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto, surrounded by nature and history, you can experience traditional Japanese art amid the beauty of the four seasons.

Fukuda Art Museum official website

Access Information

    12 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sanin Line (Sagano Line)
    11 minutes walk from "Arashiyama Station" on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line
    4 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railway

Safu Café (Toranomon, Tokyo)

Located on a quiet hill in Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Safu Café features a modern, minimalist design. This cafe is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while spending some time away from the noise and bustle of the city in a quiet space after appreciating art at the museum. The cafe is characterized by the harmony of architecture and art that incorporates Japanese aesthetics.

Safu Café official website

A fusion of ceramic art and cafe

The Kikuchi Kanmi Memorial Museum Tomo exhibits contemporary Japanese ceramics. A wide variety of works are on display, from small vessels to large sculptures. The museum itself has architectural appeal, providing visitors with an extraordinary experience. After viewing the museum, enjoy a quiet moment at Safu Café.

Opening times

    Business hours: 11:00-18:00 (Last orders for meals are 15:00, last orders for cafes and drinks are 17:30)
    Closed: Mondays

*If Monday is a public holiday, the following Tuesday will be a regular holiday.

Kanji Kikuchi Memorial Museum

The Kikuchi Kanmi Memorial Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum that focuses on the exhibition of contemporary ceramic art, where you can enjoy works that combine traditional Japanese art with modern art. The museum is lined with delicate ceramic works, making it a spot where you can enjoy art in a calm space.

Official website of the Musee Tomo, Kikuchi Kanmi Memorial

Access Information

〒105-0001 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Toranomon 4-1-35

    Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station: 6 minutes walk from Exit 4b
    Hibiya Line Toranomon Hills Station: 8 minutes walk from Exit A2a
    Namboku Line Roppongi-Itchome Station: Approximately 8 minutes walk from the ticket gate (Exit the ticket gate and take the escalator on the front left to the top)
    Namboku Line/Ginza Line Tameike-Sanno Station: Approximately 8 minutes walk from Exit 13
    Ginza Line Toranomon Station: 10 minutes walk from Exit 3

Hakone Emoa Terrace (Hakone, Kanagawa)

Surrounded by the lush nature of Hakone, "Hakone Emoa Terrace" is a cafe where you can relax and unwind, combining a casual French restaurant with a buffet-style restaurant. Tea time on board the "Orient Express" is a special experience where you can enjoy Rene Lalique's gorgeous design up close.

Hakone Emoa Terrace official website

Restaurant Emoa (restaurant & sweets

At Restaurant Emoa in Hakone, you can choose from meat or fish for your main dish, and enjoy salads, deli dishes, and sweets in a semi-buffet format. The fresh appetizers and salads made with vegetables from the western foot of Hakone are particularly appealing for their health and rich flavor.

Enjoy a special dining experience while touring the museums in Hakone.

Opening times

    Business hours 9:00-17:00Morning 9:00 – 10:30 LO
    Lunch 11:00 – 13:45 Last Order
    Cafe time (Food last order 16:00 / Drink last order 16:30)

*Reservations not accepted. Information will be provided on the day at the venue.

Orient Express (tea salon)

The Orient Express, whose interior was designed by Lalique in 1928, arrived in Hakone in 2004 after traveling with the romantic dreams of many people. In the luxurious, classical interior, you can enjoy a relaxing tea time while recreating the atmosphere of the time.

Opening times

    OPEN 10:00 / CLOSE 16:00 (LO 15:20)

On the day, we will guide you on a first-come, first-served basis.

*Reservations are not accepted.

Emoa patisserie (grocery store)

This facility, located next to the Lalique Museum, also has a shop where you can enjoy bread and sweets, so you can immerse yourself in the world of art while enjoying a delicious meal or tea time in between sightseeing.

Opening times

    Emoa patisserie 11:00~ *Ends while stocks last

Lalique Museum Hakone

The Hakone Lalique Museum exhibits beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco artworks, with a focus on the works of French glass artist Rene Lalique. The unique designs using glass and metal have fascinated people throughout the ages.

Official website of the Lalique Museum Hakone

Access Information

186-1 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, 250-0631

    From Hakone Tozan Railway "Hakone Yumoto Station", take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for "Kojiri/Togendai" for about 30 minutes.

Get off at "Sengoku Information Center" Express bus - Odakyu Highway Bus About 120 minutes from "Shinjuku Station"

Get off at "Hakone Sengoku Information Center" Car – From Tomei Gotemba IC, take Otome Pass and go to Sengokuhara for about 20 minutes

Written by

Onko Chishin specializes in the operation of destination hotels, produced and managed by Onko Chishin. Inviting people out to destinations and contributing to the local revitalization—moving forward we aim to incorporate lodgings with a new sense of individuality in our lineup.

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