R Koenji

A little south of Koenji station off the PAL shopping arcade is the Chosenji Temple, and on the street leading to the temple tucked away on the second floor is a coffee shop called R. It's not the kind of place you're likely to stumble across by accident, because its presence is announced only by the narrow sign above and a staircase. Climb the stairs and you reach a large green door with a small peephole so you can look inside and a sign reminding customers that it's a place to come for peace and quiet, or rather coffee, books and peace and quiet.
The interior is decorated in a stylish way with an interesting mix of tables and chairs, with none repeated, so that you can, in theory, enjoy a different experience each time you visit.
I managed to find a nice comfy chair with a grandstand view of an aquarium, one of two or three dotted around the shop.
There is an extensive stock of books for customers to peruse if you haven't brought your own with you, with titles to satisfy a variety of ages and interests.

And what of the coffee? Well there are several blends on the menu and I opted for the Kilimanjaro, which was had a nice smooth yet rich flavour. For 680 yen you get a pot from which you can fill your cup three times, making it good value for money.

A great place to spend an hour or two with a good book.


Just Another Monkey Rating: ˜˜˜˜˜