うつわカフェ茶簞笥 Café Cha Dance — Restaurant in Tokyo

"A Gem of a Café Tucked Away in Elegant Tokyo Neighborhood"

I came here on a sunny weekday afternoon, and had the most delightful time.

I was kindly greeted by the café owner, who explained to me the inspiration of the café, “茶箪笥Cha-Dance”. Cha-dansu is a vintage cupboard which exists in traditional Japanese living rooms, and its main purpose is to hold utensils and tableware. At the same time, it is a magical cabinet in that when you open a drawer, you might find an unexpected surprise, which could be a beautiful foil of paper or a drop of sweet candy….! The café strives to replicate the toybox like excitement and the “dance of the heart” from when opening the antique cupboard. Hence the pun, Cha-Dance! A fascinating concept, which I think the café definitely delivers to its visitors.

The first floor features the main “cha-dansu” cupboard containing the owner’s favorite collection (not for sale). There are many other fun cups, dishes, and various fun gifts, such as handcrafted woodblock prints from the historic 芸艸堂 (Unsodo) company in Kyoto. This is a perfect place to purchase quality, authentic Japanese souvenirs, at a reasonable price point too (trust me on this, I’ve been to many antique stores in Kyoto).

The second floor is a café, where you can enjoy handmade cheesecakes (delicious), Ozenzai (a Japanese staple, sweet red bean stew), Matcha and fluffy Café au lait, and more. I ordered the Cha Dance Tea Party set (茶箪笥のお茶会), which reminded me of a good old fashioned afternoon tea but with a Japanese twist. I loved the details such as the hidden chocolate in the ceramic dog! Another fun aspect of the café is that, you get to enjoy these delectable treats in extra-ordinary dishes(器) from around the world.

Also, not to forget, the view from the window is stunning, as you see a row of cherry blossom trees lined up in front of you. Must be amazing in spring. Hence, everything is so photogenic, for those of you who are keen on this!

Last but not least, the staff who work here were very friendly and welcoming, very much embodying the Omotenashi spirit that us foreigners admire. The cafe owner speaks English, so I’d recommended you to have a chat! Overall, I highly recommend you visit this special cafe...

Cafe Cha Dance feels more like stepping into someone’s home than a typical café. Shoes are left at the door, exchanged for slippers, and the space is filled with carefully chosen antiques, pottery, and artwork.

I tried their tea party set, which included a Matcha Pudding, three small treats, and a coffee. A unique touch was selecting my own cup from their collection, with the staff matching the place setting to it. The experience felt personal and thoughtful.

I had been searching for kintsugi throughout Tokyo with no success, so I was thrilled to find several pieces here, including a beautiful antique cup. The owner, an avid collector of tea sets and ceramics, eagerly shared her knowledge. She explained that in Japan, kintsugi is used to repair sentimental items rather than something commonly bought or sold, though it has gained popularity overseas.

The whole experience felt less like being in a business and more like visiting someone who genuinely enjoys welcoming guests, sharing good coffee and desserts, and talking about the things they love. If you’re looking for a quiet, personal café experience in Tokyo, Cafe Cha Dance is...

Stepping into this small café felt like discovering a treasure trove of art, warmth, and serenity. The atmosphere is intimate, with every corner thoughtfully curated. What makes this place truly unique are the stunning kintsugi items on display and for sale—each piece a masterpiece that tells its own story of resilience and beauty.

The owner is a true artist and host, seamlessly blending their craft with genuine hospitality. They shared the philosophy behind kintsugi with such passion and grace, turning my visit into an inspiring and unforgettable experience. Their attention to detail, both in their creations and in how they treated me as a guest, was remarkable.

The coffee and treats were just as delightful, crafted with care and presented beautifully, adding to the charm of this little haven. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a place to find a one-of-a-kind kintsugi piece, this café is an...