Tokyo Little House

Tokyo Little House is a tiny two-storeyed café, gallery, and one-room hotel located in the Akasaka neighbourhood.

The café sells pour-over coffee (¥550), tea, matcha, juices, and beer. Food consists of buttered toast, cheese on toast, anko butter toast, and home made scones.

The building in which the café is housed dates back to the late 40s, which means it was built in the first years after the razing of the entire neighborhood during World War II.

The permanent exhibition in the gallery follows this theme of destruction, rebirth, and memory with images of the post-war destruction in Tokyo. There are also interesting maps and pamphlets from the time of the post-war occupation when a new Tokyo was rising from the ashes. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are temporary exhibitions. At the time of our visit, photographs of the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami were on display.

The “hotel” is the original living area on the second floor above the shop below. The current owners have beautifully restored the space and converted it into accommodation.

by Greg Lane