Tokyo Kagurazaka Edition: Okinawa-based blogger @owncolorstravel, who shares travel and lifestyle content from both domestic and international trips, has launched a new series!
This blog offers travel ideas for those who love exploring and encourages readers to reflect on themselves through the journey.
Join me for the start of this new Tokyo adventure. Let’s explore Tokyo together as if we’re sightseeing side by side!
・CANAL CAFE
An autumn day in Tokyo. Kagurazaka.
From the café entrance, you might not notice it at first, but this café sits along the outer moat of the former Edo Castle. Built on the deck side of the Tokyo Water Club, the oldest boathouse in Tokyo, CANAL CAFE boasts a rich history.
No wonder the atmosphere is so captivating.
As you pass through the entrance along the road and descend the stairs, the space divides into a restaurant and a deck area. On the deck side along the moat, you can relax and enjoy the café.
Place your order first at the deck area, and after receiving it, choose any available chair or table and settle in with self-service seating.
The colorful gelato comes with an option to choose two flavors, allowing you to enjoy options like hazelnut, matcha, tiramisu, and more.
I went with the pudding and an iced coffee.
The pudding was incredibly creamy and rich. Although the orange fromage I’d checked out on the website wasn’t available, this pudding was more than satisfying.
There are also counter seats, so even if you’re on your own, you can relax without any worries. With plenty of seating, the atmosphere feels open and spacious.
You can see the yellow-striped train approaching the platform across the moat at JR Iidabashi Station. The blend of greenery in front of the platform and the high-rise buildings behind it creates a perfect balance.
Even though I once lived in Tokyo, I had no idea such a place existed. The location is so stunning; it feels like a set from a drama or a movie.
You can also take a ride on the boats here, starting at just 1,000 yen for 30 minutes—a very reasonable price, perfect for families, friends, or couples to enjoy together.
Plus, part of the proceeds goes toward water quality improvement efforts, which is a nice touch.
They also offer BBQ and wedding plans here, so it’s a great place to create some truly special memories.
I arrived at Haneda Airport and checked into my hotel, then headed straight here. By then, it was already evening.
With just four days and three nights in Tokyo, and heavy rain forecasted for the next day, I knew this was my only chance! I wanted to explore Kagurazaka before sunset. The café was so comfortable that I could’ve stayed longer, but I moved on to make the most of the daylight.
・Nearest Station to CANAL CAFE
The nearest station to CANAL CAFE is JR Iidabashi Station or the B3 exit of Tokyo Metro’s Kagurazaka Station.
Tokyo’s subway has many exits, so be careful not to get lost!
When you exit Iidabashi Station, you’ll find a shopping mall called Iidabashi RAMLA, which has a promenade designed to resemble a small garden. Instead of walking along the road, I chose to stroll through there towards the Kagurazaka-shita intersection.
This intersection is the entrance to Kagurazaka.
At the Kagurazaka-shita intersection, you’ll find “CANALCAFE Boutique,” a sweets shop produced by CANAL CAFE, located right next door, so it should be easy to spot.
You can also enjoy café service inside CANALCAFE Boutique, making it a great alternative to visit on rainy days.
What did you think of CANAL CAFE in Kagurazaka?
With water, lush greenery, and trains running by, it’s a place that makes you want to relax and spend time here, a spot you’ll want to visit again and again.
I was truly moved by how you can feel a sense of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Next time, I’ll dive deeper into Kagurazaka, introducing more about the streets and some lovely shops!
