I get off at Shibuya station and walk up Dogenzaka to watch a movie at Eurospace in Maruyama-cho. Before watching a movie, I want to have a cup of coffee to wake up from sleep. I enter a small street crowded with izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and entertainment information centers, and after walking for a while, shaking off the touts, I find myself thinking, “I never expected to find a store like this in a place like this.
Classical Music Cafe Lion! Since the first year of the Showa Era (1926), it has been a spiritual home for people, and its elegant exterior and the classical music that leaks from the door still lure people on street corners back to a trip back in time.
In this issue, we would like to introduce you to this historical coffee shop, from its origins to its unique interior and proud stereo system.
History of the Classical Music Cafe Lion
Did you know that about 100 years ago, Shibuya was the “countryside” of Tokyo? The center of glamour, shopping, and theater was Ginza and Hibiya. Shibuya was nothing but the countryside. The “Hyakkendana” area on Dogenzaka, which still remains today, was developed by Seibu in 1924 to create a place like Ginza and Asakusa in the rural Shibuya area. And the ” Classical Music Cafe Lion,” which is still in business today, opened in Namikibashi, Ebisu, in 1926. It is one of the oldest establishments of its kind, having moved there in response to an invitation from the still empty Shibuya Hyakken branch.
The following is an excerpt of its history from its official website.
1929 The first manager, Yanosuke Yamadera (24 years old at the time), established “Lion”.
He designed the entire exterior and interior himself. The taste of Lion’s coffee comes directly from Lion Bakery in London.
In 1945, the Lion Bakery is destroyed by fire in an air raid on Tokyo.
In 1950, the bakery was rebuilt with the same design as the original.
1955: The second manager, Muneo Ishihara (30 years old at the time), who is the brother-in-law of the manager Yamadera, joins the company.
1990: Yanosuke Yamadera passes away at the age of 91.
In 2007, Muneo Ishihara passed away at the age of 77.
*Naoya Yamadera, 61, the son of Keiko Ishihara, the third store owner and sister-in-law of the first store owner, is currently the store manager.
In fact, there were rumors this year that Lion would close its doors as part of an urban development project. The idea of the closure of such a historically famous restaurant was the subject of much fanfare, and at last there was even an online protest movement against the closure. The reality, however, was that the government would only promote barrier-free access to the Hyakken area, and that monumental stores like Lion would be preserved as much as possible. This series of events shows how much the store is loved by the people.
Menu and interior design
◆Food & Beverage
・Coffee (550 yen per cup)
Hot and bitter coffee with a cup of classical music in one hand is the best. The best part is that there is no seat charge and this price is unbeatable…! It is unbeatable…!
・Ice Cream Matcha (620 yen)
You can really enjoy the taste of matcha green tea. It is very popular among those who do not like coffee.
・Ice cream (620 yen)
Reading a book makes you crave something sweet. (Is it just me?).
After a hot cup of coffee, the cool vanilla ice cream is a must-have.
◆Interior
・Atrium
The two-story restaurant has a vaulted structure, which allows the loud sound from the speakers to reach every corner of the building.
・Stairs leading to the second floor
The elegant staircase looks as if you have entered the world of Ghibli. It tickles your adventurous spirit to wonder what kind of view awaits you at the top.
・Distinctive seating arrangement
Since the restaurant specializes in music appreciation, all seats face the speakers.
Talking is strictly prohibited in this restaurant!
・A large number of CDs and vinyl records
You can choose one of these CDs to play, or you can make a request by simply telling the music from your seat. (Incidentally, I once requested Satie’s Gymnopédies, and it was wonderful without any complaints!)
Tentative Concerts
Every day at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Lion offers “regularly scheduled concerts,” in which a set program of classical music is played. The program handed to customers upon ordering includes detailed information about the orchestra and the conductor’s name, as if they were in a concert hall.
Proud Speaker
The first generation of the company had Pioneer custom-built a 3D sound system that they are very particular about.
The huge wooden speaker system, over 3 meters high, sits in the atrium, and the speaker units are Fostex made in Japan. The player is a Denon DP-3000, which is highly regarded among Denon products for its high sound quality. It has a unique shape with high design quality.
End
How was it? Some of you may have been surprised to find such a classic coffee shop in the entertainment district of Shibuya. If you have any plans to visit Shibuya in the future, it does not matter if it is to catch up on sleep before a movie or to take a break from work. I recommend that you stop by the Lion. With a cup of good coffee in one hand and classical music in the other, let yourself be transported back in time. If you have a favorite piece of music, you can request for it and be transported into a world of your own at once. (Most of the classical music is available.)
) There is sure to be something here that only this restaurant, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, can offer you.
Address and business information are as follows.
・Address: 2-19-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Telephone number: 03-3461-6858
(Please refrain from making inquiries about this website.)
・Business days: Open all year round (New Year’s and summer vacations are available).
We will be open from January 5, 2012.
・Business hours: Open 13:00
・Closing time: 20:00 (last order: 19:30)
※No parking lot or bicycle parking lot.
◆MAP・Access
①Once you get off at Shibuya Station, head for Dogenzaka.
②Keep walking and you will see Kara-NET (karaoke shop) on your right.
③At the corner where you turn, go under the gate of this “Shibuya Hyakken” restaurant.After passing through the gate, the atmosphere changes as there are many love hotels in addition to restaurants, but do not be concerned about this.
④After passing through the gate, you will see a “lion” on the left side like this.
Source
◆Harumari TOKYO
◆Music Cafe Lion official HP
◆Rocket News 24
