At CScout Japan we try hard to uncover some of Tokyo’s best kept secrets, hidden amongst the winding, narrow unnamed streets that sprawl all over the city. Omotesando Koffee, in a quiet and unassuming backstreet of the upscale fashion district of Omotesando, is one of these hidden gems. Located down a nondescript side road it took us a while to find the old Japanese house which houses the coffee shop, but it turned out the search was more than worth it.
Stepping into the small courtyard of the old, creaky wooden house sets the tranquil tone for the whole design concept of the recently opened coffee space. Strikingly minimalist, a square steel frame sits inside what was previously a traditional style Japanese room. Hanging from the box structure that makes the counter, a stylishly designed solo logo hangs, and is the exact opposite of the modern day ultra branded, chain coffee shops that line our high streets. In fact it is precisely the minimalist design of both the shop space and the products that inversely make more of an impact on the customer and leaves you with a lasting impression of the shop.
We managed to have a chat over our particularly well brewed coffee with Eichii Kunitomo, who with 10 years of barista experience is the man behind Omotesando Koffee. Eichi told us that the square design was based on a kiosk box store idea and the concept is similar to a temporary pop-up-shop. The steel frame currently occupying the room will move to another location after a year in the old house which, sadly, is due to be torn down next year. The square, box like structure is able to be taken out as a whole and redesigned depending on their next location, customizing it too fit whatever space they move to next. By adding on items such as fabric, a backdrop or even a roof onto the kiosk box, he plans on moving from space to space each time maintaining the kiosk box shape but opening up with fresh new designs that reflect the spaces they occupy.
It is clear that Eichi has a distinct passion for coffee and how it should be enjoyed. To go with the meticulously brewed coffee customers can also enjoy original sweets made on site and designed to compliment different beverages. The logo and sweet’s packaging are designed by the talented folks at Eding:Post who aso had a hand in the art direction of the interior, meaning the whole concept carries through beautifully from shop to product. Once again impacting more visually than the bold and logo emblazoned fast food coffee shop chains.
The shop also features some great innovative but simple ideas, such as the coffee filters printed with the shop information on and the small square dish made out of the waste coffee beans.
The design and concept is a good example of the great new work coming out of Tokyo at the moment. Blending new concepts with clear, and clean designs which also build on traditional themes and influences. We will definitely be back to sip another cup of perfectly brewed coffee in one of the nicest spaces we have been in for a while.
Omotesando Koffee is open 10am-7pm, check their site for a map on how to find them and give yourself plenty of time!
Related posts:
Starbucks b-side By Hiroshi Fujiwara
Pop-up shop dispenses free drinks to commuters
Shibuya Station pop-up marketing stands
