A 10-minute walk from the approach to Sensoji Temple will take you to another side of Asakusa, a place slightly different from the bustling tourist spot you might imagine. This is the Nishi-Asakusa area, a quiet, traditional residential area lined with unique restaurants and lounges.

In the area where RESOL POSHTEL TOKYO ASAKUSA is located, there has been an increase in the number of stores that have recently renovated old buildings, and their unique atmosphere that combines nostalgia and newness attracts the hearts of visitors.

Nishi-Asakusa Kuroneko-tei is a cafe and bar that occupies a 60-year-old building, quietly nestled in an alleyway in this area. The owner, Yumi Utsugi, personally renovated the building, which is based on a Showa-era modern concept.

The retro exterior is captivating, as if it had jumped out of an old movie. Beyond the arched door that exudes a sense of time, you will find a space that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the early Showa period.

A tasteful production that takes you to the world of the early Showa period

The interior of the store is lit by amber lights. Customers are welcomed by pleasant records playing Showa era pop songs and a variety of tasteful vintage furnishings.

Utsugi-san, who stands behind the counter, also wears a kimono when in front of the store. All of the store's menu items are created by Utsugi-san, a pastry chef, and he likes to wear a cooking apron or a retro apron when cooking.

"I like the calm atmosphere that is unique to the early Showa period, which is different from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Kimonos from the Taisho period often had vivid colors and patterns, but in the Showa period, they changed to more gentle and elegant colors."

It is said that the black bob hairstyle and makeup also incorporate elements of Showa modern style.

Use your passion and talents as your weapons

Having loved cakes since she was a child, Utsugi decided to become a pastry chef after graduating from school. With the dream of "one day having my own shop," she trained at cafes in Canada and cake shops in Japan.

When searching for a property to open a bar, the first thing he came across was the current building, which had previously been used as a snack bar. Having been fascinated by the fashion and culture of the early Showa period, he was captivated by the building and interior, which still retained the atmosphere of that time.

"There are a lot of cake shops out there, and if you don't have a unique style, you can't survive. So I thought I'd make a shop that's filled with the things I like and the things I'm good at."

Inspiration from mystery writers

When developing the concept for the store, he referred to the worldview depicted by mystery writer Yokomizo Seishi, of whom he is a big fan.

Yokomizo's novels are often set in the pre-war and post-war periods. He imagined the bar that appears in the story and wondered what its interior would be like, then searched for antique furniture and tableware, and added stained glass to the windows, gradually bringing the bar into shape.

"The name of the restaurant was also inspired by the work 'The Black Cat Inn Incident.'"

The bookshelves are filled with Yokomizo's works, including his masterpiece, the "Kindaichi Kosuke Series." There are also rare first editions on display.

Enjoy the marriage of sake and sweets

The menu is also carefully curated. Utsugi-san recommends pairing homemade cake with sake. He will suggest the perfect drink to go with the cake flavor and your alcoholic beverage preferences.

Their homemade cakes, which change weekly, are made with seasonal vegetables and fruits. They are particularly proud of their carrot cake, which they say surprisingly pairs well with dry sake, and is accented with a moist, cinnamon-flavored cake and smooth cream cheese.

The "Adult Cream Soda" with sake is a dish that combines the refreshing acidity with the subtle sweetness of ice cream. You can enjoy the rich aroma and sweet and sour taste of "Ine Mankai," a red sake made with ancient rice.

They also offer a non-alcoholic "cream soda." Its color changes with the seasons, giving it a nostalgic feel. Its charm makes you want to visit the store every time the season changes.

The nostalgic pudding is sure to sell out

Kuronekotei Pudding is so popular that it sells out quickly, and has a traditional firm texture. It is made with simple ingredients - milk, eggs, and sugar - in a traditional way, without any gimmicks.

Staring out from a silver container is a black cat cookie, born from a customer's idea. The cat's grinning expression was designed by Utsugi.

"I thought the cat that would suit my home would be a somewhat nihilistic one, rather than a cute one," she says with a laugh.

Individuals gather and the circle expands

"Because I went out in a kimono," "Because I wanted to immerse myself in the world of Kindaichi Kosuke," "Because I wanted to drink sake."

Customers come to Kuroneko-tei for a myriad of reasons, but each one enjoys what they love and spends their time in their own way. As a result of fellow fans of Yokomizo who happened to be there, they have started to get together at Kuroneko-tei regularly and chat.

"Showa modern, kimonos, Yokomizo's works, cakes, sake... Because the entrance is wide, I think many customers will be able to enjoy it."

Nishi-Asakusa's unique shops each have their own unique spirit and beliefs. Kuroneko-tei is also a place where Utsugi's passion has taken shape. As people who are drawn to the place meet, talk, and share their hearts, new connections are formed in this town.

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Nishiasakusa Kuronekotei
Address: 2-9-1 Nishiasakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Subway Line
8 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/nishiasakusa_kuronekotei/
*For details on opening hours and closing days, please check the link above.