As I was purposely trying to get lost and discover original new places in Tokyo, I found a group of young people queuing outside what it seemed to be an ordinary café. I observed some of them patiently waiting while swinging and resting in white hammocks. I couldn’t stop my curiosity about this place. I peeked in through one of the few small windows, just to find one of the most authentic places I’ve seen: a hammock café.
Walking into the coffee shop to observe friends and couples laughing and talking while other guests enjoyed their time on their own, built up the atmosphere of the place. The smooth swinging of the hammocks added the relaxed and laid back environment. The dim lights, the soft music, the burning incense, and the well-thought details all over the small area made the rest of the job to create an intimate and cosy room.
Once assigned to a hammock, you need to go over the menu at least twice to think what you really want to order. It doesn’t matter if you are more into drinking tea, coffee, or cocktails; everything seems just “oishi.” If you are hungry and want to leave Japanese food behind for a while, there are delicious different options including a salmon and avocado poki rice or homemade gnocchi. Let’s not forget the creative presentation in all of their drinks and dishes.
As soon as you finally order, you learn that you are missing a fundamental part of the concept of mahika mano. It’s not only a café, it’s a showroom. Their idea is to show how relaxing, comfortable, and even therapeutic swinging a hammock can be. In case you’re convinced that a hammock would be a good option for your home, office or garden, the staff can help you choose the right one for you. Prices range from ¥16,500 for a small one to ¥18,000 for a bigger one.
Given the showroom design and concept, mahika mano has a strict no children and no photography policy. Of course not to mention the care and appropriate use you must give the hammocks (no rough swinging or rotating).
The themed café is located at the heart of Kichijoji, voted the most wanted to live town in all of Tokyo. Mahika mano is a great place to go after spending a day visiting the main attractions of the area, including the Ghibli museum, the Inokashira park and the uncountable yokocho alleys.
This original café opens Monday to Saturday 12PM - 10PM and Sundays 12PM - 8PM. Last orders are one hour before closing time. Expect to pay an average of ¥700 for drinks and ¥1,200 for food. If someone in your group is celebrating a birthday, make sure to call beforehand. They will treat you with a special, delicious and homemade surprise.
