Meikyoku Kissa Lion — Restaurant in Tokyo

The Lion Cafe in Tokyo's Shibuya district is an unassuming gem a must visit for classical music lovers or not because this is such an interesting place and a Japanese kind of experience.

Built in 1923 by Yamadera Yanosuke, the cafe boasts a rich history and a unique European-style exterior. Inside, you'll find a serene environment where talking and photography are limited. The cafe's seating arrangement, facing a collection of amplifiers, CD players, and turntables, sets the stage for an immersive classical music experience.

During my visit, the sound of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto №5 filled the air, played on a system that, while not state-of-the-art, adds to the cafe's charm. I was particularly impressed when I requested Karajan's rendition of Beethoven's Symphony №6, which was played with reverence, reflecting the cafe's commitment to classical music.

The coffee, reminiscent of the simple brews found in Viennese cafes, may not stand out, but it's the overall ambiance and cultural uniqueness that make Lion Cafe a must-visit in Tokyo. It offers more than just music; it's a journey through history and a testament to Japan's ability to blend traditional elements with its distinct...

Off a side street, nestled in between love hotels and Shibuya’s red light district is Lion. You could easily walk by as I did for 4 years and never have even an inkling of what is inside.

From the moment I walked in, I had the distinct impression that whatever ~500 yen drink I ordered off the menu, it didn’t really matter. Going to Lion is not as much a trip to a cafe as a step into a different time and state of mind.

Maybe it’s the high-backed velvet seats, lined up two-by-two on the first floor facing forward to enormous bottom-lit speakers playing Schubert and an altar of ancient-looking classical records. Maybe it’s the triangle clock that is keeping an unknown time or the guy next to me who is drifting between sleep and writing in his notebook. All I know is that I can’t stop my mind from marveling at the passage of time and how a random cafe in this city could have kept a slice circa 1930 paused in an area like this.

I would recommend coming alone or else with someone you can comfortably share silence with. Lion is probably not even on the top 50 things people will typically tell you to do in Tokyo, but I think being here will...

Do you like classical music? Do you want to escape the noisy streets of Tokyo? Do you want everybody to just shut up for a moment? This is the place for you. This classical Japanese music café was one of the best experiences I had while in Tokyo. One of the oldest music cafés in Tokyo it is located amongst the Love Hotels in Shibuya on Love Hotell Hills. It was rebuilt after burning down during the war and from the outside it looks somewhat like a misplaced prop set fake medieval stone church. The center of this café are the custom built speakers that put out classical music and opera, all chairs are facing that direction as if the speakers was a stage with performers. When entering you get a program with the music playing, the customary glas of water and a menu. The waiter will return to get your order in whispers, as not to disturb the other guests. This is a great place to go to read a book or writing one for that matter. Talking is generally discouraged. I...