INDEX
The Atmosphere of the Space is Maintained by Those Who Gather
I first discovered Kurochaya in Fushimi through a friend’s Instagram. A few years ago, my friend Hayato Kamiya, who works at Kyoto’s Hachi Record Shop and Bar, shared a photo of himself playing records at a beautiful spot, and I was immediately drawn to it. Curious, I asked him, “Where is this place?” He told me, but there was no address listed anywhere on the Instagram account. When I asked for more details, I learned that Kurochaya isn’t a regular shop. Instead, it’s a mysterious space that the owner, Coji, opens occasionally for events.
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, you step into an old Japanese house, leaving your shoes behind, and are immediately taken by the beautifully renovated interior. The furniture and decor, which complement the natural wood texture, spark a sense of wonder. As you move towards the back room with its open ceiling, you catch a glimpse of the meticulously cared-for garden. The light streaming through the windows above and the glass doors facing the garden creates an incredible sense of openness. When I visited for the first time, I couldn’t help but mutter, “Wow…” I was truly surprised to discover such a stunning hidden gem, quietly tucked away from the world.
Hayato Kamiya and Coji regularly host an event called SHELTER at this space. The event is announced through Instagram, either by Kurochaya, Coji, or Kamiya. If you send them a message, they’ll share the address, and that’s how you finally find the location.
The event runs on Sundays, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Kamiya selects records and CDs to play, while Coji brews coffee. Visitors are free to relax and enjoy their time however they like—whether that’s chatting with others, reading a book, or simply unwinding.
To get the address, you have to send a message, and then travel to a location far from the city center. This small barrier likely plays a role in maintaining the unique atmosphere of the space.
Coji and Kamiya don’t treat visitors like “customers,” and the visitors themselves aren’t there with the mindset of just receiving service. The peaceful, calming environment exists because people who truly appreciate the space gather and enjoy it freely, while also helping to preserve its charm. Every time I visit, I feel this more deeply. I believe it’s the building’s own special allure that makes you want to return and wish for it to remain open for years to come.
