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CANAL CAFE – A Restaurant With A View In Kagurazaka, Tokyo
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Visit CANAL CAFE in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, to escape from the bustle of Shinjuku and Shibuya. With oven-baked pizza and desserts with Japanese flavors, diners here can take in the view by the water, have tea on a boat, and feel at peace while being in the center of Japan's largest metropolis.
Written by
Mitoyo, Kagawa, Japan
I worked in a PR agency for corporate IR/CSR and a publisher which publishes a magazine focused on international cooperation before joining MATCHA in October 2017.
In April 2019, I moved to Mitoyo City in Kagawa Prefecture. I write articles for tourists visiting Japan, and also contribute to regional revitalization.
My main focus is on writing about internet services, rental cars, hotels, and tourist attractions in western Japan.
CANAL CAFE – A Cafe with a View in Kagurazaka, Tokyo
A trip to Tokyo usually includes famous spots, like Shinjuku and Shibuya. However, the crowds in these areas may tire you out.
When that happens, we suggest relaxing at CANAL CAFE in Kagurazaka. The neighborhood, even now, has traces of what it was like during the Edo period.
Here you can take in the stunning waterside view and enjoy tea time on a boat within just a minute away from Tokyo Metro Iidabashi Station.
The restaurant has an elegant atmosphere while offering reasonably-priced food, desserts, and drinks. This makes it ideal for all types of situations, whether you’re with family and friends, on a date with your significant other, or by yourself.
A Cafe on the Outer Canal of the Imperial Palace
Central Tokyo is surrounded by a canal that used to protect Edo Castle (which is now the Imperial Palace). Kagurazaka’s CANAL CAFE is located along the outer canal.
Take Exit B2A from Tokyo Metro Iidabashi Station, then cross the pedestrian crosswalk in front of you. You’ll immediately see the entrance to CANAL CAFE.
When you go through the entrance, you will find a hall. The right hand side is the Deck Side where you can enjoy drinks and a light meal outside. The left hand side is the Restaurant Side, where you can enjoy the waterfront from inside or out on the terrace.
Have Teatime Outside on the Deck Side!
The appeal of the Deck Side is that you can enjoy tea while being cooled by the refreshing breeze. Look to the river, and you’ll see koi fish (carp), ducks, kingfishers, white herons, and other birds.
Complete with Desserts!
If you’re on the Deck Side, first place your order at the counter.
At the Deck Side, you can’t miss out on trying these Japanese menu items. They are the Original Sakura Tea (500 yen including tax) and the Sakura Italian Gelato (390 yen including tax), made with cherry blossom petals, high quality Darjeeling tea leaves, and cherry flavoring.
If you want to have lunch, then you can also order dishes such as pizza or taco rice, an Okinawan dish where taco ingredients are put on top of rice.
Have Tea While on a Boat!
On the Deck Side, you can enjoy drinks on a boat.
Let the staff at the counter know if you wish to ride the boat. You can go on a three-person boat for 40 minutes for 1,000 yen. The canal along CANAL CAFÉ is safe, even for beginners, thanks to the gentle currents.
Quietly Enjoy the River View on the Restaurant Side!
Picture courtesy of CANAL CAFE
If you want to take in the view peacefully from inside the restaurant or on the terrace, head to the Restaurant Side. Inside, you can enjoy the outdoor scenery from the wide glass windows.
From the terrace, you can enjoy your food and drinks while feeling the wind crossing the river.
Terrace seats are set up to be close to the water, letting customers appreciate the spectacular view of the canal.
Authentic Italian Food! Original Brick-Oven Pizza
CANAL CAFE has a health-conscious menu with dishes using with organic vegetables from trusted farmers in Japan.
Sorrentina (2,160 yen including tax) is a CANAL CAFE original pizza and is especially recommended.
The flavors of the pizza weave together seamlessly, with the springy, brick-oven-baked pizza dough, rich flavor of the cheese, subtle sweetness of honey, and slight acidity from the lemon. It is a fantastic dish.
Picture courtesy of CANAL CAFE (only the top left picture is taken by MATCHA)
In addition to the pizza above, you can enjoy an extensive Italian menu consisting of various kinds of appetizers, pasta, all sorts of pizzas, salads, and cake.
English-speaking staff are always present at the restaurant. Chinese-speaking staff are sometimes working. If you have any requests, such as creating a vegetarian-friendly option or questions about allergens, let the restaurant know at the time of your reservation or when ordering.
Enjoy All of Tokyo's Seasons
Picture courtesy of CANAL CAFE
Ms. Yuko Hanyu, the owner of CANAL CAFE, told us, “CANAL CAFE’s theme is coexistence with nature.”
From late March to early April, the cherry blossoms growing by the canal dye the waterside with pink. In June, fireflies begin to flutter about above the canal. You can also enjoy an event called “Hawaiian Night” in August.
During winter, tulips bloom early in the flower beds by the riverside, colorfully decorating the water. In the evening, illuminations beautifully light up the canal.
Along with being able to enjoy these seasonal changes, the gorgeous sunset here is another charm of CANAL CAFE.
CANAL CAFE is also involved in cleanup efforts for the canal to help protect the beautiful canal scenery.
Tokyo’s First Boat Dock
CANAL CAFE is actually where the first boat dock was built in Tokyo.
Ms. Hanyu’s grandfather thought that “boats are helpful in training the body to improve the skeletal framework of a Japanese person.” In 1918, he gave away all of his properties to establish this boat dock in the area.
The restaurant and café were established on the dock since 1996. Following its establishment, the cafe has now become a place that calms the hearts of both Japanese people and international visitors as one of the most popular restaurants in Kagurazaka.
Cute Sweets at CANAL CAFE Boutique
Picture courtesy of CANAL CAFE
Open next to CANAL CAFE is CANAL CAFE Boutique, where you can purchase adorable desserts and enjoy yourself at a cafe. There are many photogenic sweets, so be sure to stop in!
Hotels near CANAL CAFE
I worked in a PR agency for corporate IR/CSR and a publisher which publishes a magazine focused on international cooperation before joining MATCHA in October 2017.
In April 2019, I moved to Mitoyo City in Kagawa Prefecture. I write articles for tourists visiting Japan, and also contribute to regional revitalization.
My main focus is on writing about internet services, rental cars, hotels, and tourist attractions in western Japan.
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