Sip on a coffee made by monks at a temple in Tokyo

When you want to have a coffee, the first place to look up is a cafe. But if you want a unique coffee experience, drop by at Bozu'n coffee (ぼうず'n coffee), just a 10-min walk from Ikebukuro station on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo.

This cafe is run by monks within the temple precincts of Shounji (祥雲寺), a temple with a long history.

When you reach the gate, you will see signs for the cafe.

Since the cafe area is a traditional Japanese-style tatami room, you have to take your shoes off and place them in the rack.

Next, you can choose from a list of drinks and sweet treats including a matcha au lait, cafe latte, americano, monaka, etc. You can also get a takeout (50 yen off) but we highly recommend checking out the seating area. The coffee costs about 350 yen and sweets are in the range of 250-400 yen.

Bozu means monk in Japanese. The coffee is made and served by monks and you can also enjoy interior design elements that are seen in Japanese temples.

Once you've placed your order, you can move to the seating area called "Shoin Terrace" (書院テラス). As you walk through the corridor, you can already feel the calm of a temple.

You can choose any empty spot. Most people like to face the beautiful Japanese-style mini-garden.

Recently, the cafe has gained popularity so people also prefer to sit outside on the floor on a zabuton (floor cushion).

The monks have truly thought of everything! In winter, you can use the soft blankets if you chose to sit outdoors.

We had a cafe latte and monaka, made of azuki bean jam filling sandwiched between two thin crisp wafers made from mochi, and both were surprisingly good.

One of those hidden gems in Tokyo where it feels like you are transported, even if for a few hours, to a peaceful temple in the Japanese countryside.

We loved the coffee, so decided to buy one for takeout and it comes in this adorable paper cup with the image of a monk!

Don't forget that this cafe does not have fixed opening days and is usually open only once a week. Do check the schedule for the week on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bozu.ncoffee/

Details

Bozu'n coffee (ぼうず'n coffee) Address: 3-1-6 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google map)

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