Kotatsu cafes and restaurants こたつカフェ・こたつレストラン
All the comforts of home
In Japan, the kotatsu symbolizes not only the warmth but also the conviviality, comfort, and simple pleasure of being with family around a table. For a long time it was the central element of the washitsu (Japanese room with tatami mats) and often one of the only sources of heat in the home. In recent years, it has started appearing at cafes or restaurants during the winter.
Kotatsu at Cafe Stay Happy in Shimokitazawa (Tokyo)
A kotatsu is a low table with a heating system underneath. The table is covered with a blanket or a duvet that drapes over the sides, and a wooden tray holds the blanket in place. You put your legs under the table and blanket, and enjoy warm legs and a cushion to sit on - you can read, watch TV or lie down to take a nap! A symbol of conviviality, it's around a kotatsu that the Japanese family meets to enjoy winter dishes such as nabe, or other sharing dishes.
Read : Japanese winter foods
Here is a list of some restaurants or cafes that had the good idea to integrate this winter-friendly furniture into their establishment:
- Ryogoku Terrace Café
You can enjoy healthy and nutritious Japanese dishes here. In the evening, the nabe is the star of the show. In winter, the terrace is closed and filled with kotatsu, allowing guests to enjoy an original experience while admiring the view of the Kyu Yasuda Garden.
Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 14:30 and 17:30 to 22:00. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: from 11:00 to 22:30.
Address: 1-12-21 Yokozuma, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5608-7580
Access: Ryogoku station on Sobu and Oedo lines
Read also : 5 reasons to go to Japan in winter
- Cafe Stay Happy
The owners are globe-trotters, and have done everything they can to make their customers happy in their establishment: hammocks and kotatsu invite you to feel comfortable and relaxated. You can eat meals based on organic products, enjoy lattes or wines chosen by a sommelier.
Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 23:00, 22:00 on Sunday.
Closed on Tuesday and the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
Address: 2F, 2-29-14 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku Tokyo. 1st floor (2nd in Japan).
Access: Shimokitazawa Station. Odakyu & Keio lines Inokashira.
Read : The Sanriku kotatsu train
- Totoshigure Shimokitazawa
A izakaya with a very cozy atmosphere offering seafood and kotatsu in winter. These are very popular, so it's a good idea to book ahead if you want to enjoy one.
Monday to Friday from 17:00 to midnight. From 15:00 to midnight on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Address: 5-30-12 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Access: Shimokitazawa Station. Odakyu & Keio lines Inokashira.
- Tsubame
A single little kotasu, but a unique atmosphere in this small restaurant located in a beautiful traditional Japanese house of 80 years, in the heart of Kamakura. The lunch menu offers a limited choice but the ingredients are guaranteed organic.
Closed Tuesdays and 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays of the month (except holidays)
Open on other days from 10.30 to 17:00 and from 10.30am to 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Address: 3-2-27 Komachi, Kamakura-shi
Access: Approximately 10 minutes walk from the east exit of Kamakura Station, not far from Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine.
Tel: 0467-84-7025
A healthy meal at Tsubame Cafe, Kamakura
- Bane BAGUS
In winter, kotatsu are set up on the covered terrace of this restaurant which serves, among other things, hot nabe and shabu-shabu.
Address: 3 Chome-10-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 4F. 3rd floor (4th in Japan)
Access : 5 minutes walk from Akasaka station on the Chiyoda line or 1 minute from Akasaka-mitsuke station
Tel: 03-5561-6006
- Bunbuku
Try two Japanese experiences in the same place: an izakaya and a kotatsu. A unique establishment that's a little out of the way, but worth the trip!
Open daily from 11:30 to 14:30 and 17:30 to 00:30.
Address: 3-31-3 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from Mitaka Station
- Yoyogi Curry
Just at the entrance of the busy Yoyogi Village which includes several restaurants, cafes and bars in the heart of Harajuku. You can enjoy original curries at a reasonable price (980 yen, about $9). From November to April, the terrace is closed and features kotatsu.
Open daily from 11:30 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to midnight.
Address: 1-28-9 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
Access: 2 minutes walk from the west exit of Yoyogi Station on JR Yamanote and Sobu lines; a 1-minute walk from the A1 exit of Yoyogi Station on the Toei-Oedo Line or a 5-minute walk from Minami Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu-Odawara Line.
