GION

Retro and Delicious Are On the Menu at Gion!
[updated August 2022]

Gion is a full-on retro coffee shop and the favorite café of many Asagaya residents. Established in 1980, Gion’s entrance is surrounded by trees, giving a very pleasant atmosphere that seems to separate it from other shops in the area, only a 1 minute-walk from Asagaya Station, and 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku in downtown Tokyo. According to owner Sekiguchi-san, it took a great deal of time to get this atmosphere.

Sophisticated and helpful staff make this café very unique. They are selected by Sekiguchi-san personally, who has interviewed more than 2,000 people to find the most suitable staff. He also asks for good manners from customers to keep its exquisite atmosphere. The outstanding taste of the iced coffee clearly tells you the owner’s passion for quality, as do a wide variety of food items. The Spaghetti Neapolitan is a huge hit. If you’re staying at Smile Hotel and up late from jet lag or just looking for a late night snack or beverage, you’ll also be happy to know that Gion is open late until 12:00am or 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.

ACCESS

Translation: Rie
Photography: TFF staff