About
When you step into the Hato-no-machi Street Shopping District in Higashi-Mukojima, Sumida Ward, Tokyo’s downtown, you encounter a corner where the atmosphere of the early Showa era remains strong. In the middle of this area stands a wooden building constructed in 1927 (Showa 2). Once used as a pharmacy, this building now breathes new life as the “Kominka Cafe Koguma.”
At the entrance of the shop, there is a glass lattice sliding door just as it was in those days, and above it hangs a retro-style signboard with the word “Kusuri” (Medicine) written on it. When you slide open the door, you are greeted by a space where time seems to have stopped. Inside, the medicine shelves, pillar clock, and old sewing machine that recall the pharmacy days have been carefully maintained and remain just as they were. The desks and chairs are repurposed from those once used at a cram school, and the doodles and carved letters on the desks evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth in visitors.
Along the walls inside the shop, about 800 used books are lined up, covering a wide range of genres such as art, architecture, travel, and trivia. In addition, the gallery space utilizing the medicine shelves displays pottery and antique tools, delighting the eyes of those who visit.
One of “Koguma’s” popular menu items is the “Baked Omurice.” This omurice, baked in an oven, features fluffy eggs enveloping spicy ketchup rice, with the richness of cheese added for extra flavor. This “Baked Omurice” has won the gourmet division of Sumida Ward’s brand certification “Sumida Modern” and is loved by visitors.
Also not to be missed is the sweets menu item “Anmitsu-dama.” This dessert, in which fruits and homemade sweet bean paste are wrapped in agar jelly, is visually beautiful, and when tasted, the balance between the jelly and fruit creates a perfect harmony. Pouring the accompanying homemade brown sugar syrup enhances the sweetness and makes it even more delicious. This “Anmitsu-dama” is also certified by “Sumida Modern” and has become one of the shop’s signature menu items.
The bear-motif coffee mugs used in the shop are unique pieces made at “Taiboku-gama” in Hannō City, Saitama Prefecture, and the shop’s name “Koguma” is said to be derived from the owner’s childhood nickname. Small bear motifs are scattered throughout the shop, giving visitors a sense of warmth and familiarity.
“Koguma” is a cafe that charms with its nostalgic space utilizing an early Showa-era building and its carefully crafted food and sweets. Why not stop by while strolling through the Hato-no-machi Street Shopping District?