Drole, Tokyo

Drole is on the edge of bustling Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most famous districts and location for certain scenes in "Lost In Translation". Head north (see map, below) towards Harijuku and the Meiji shrine and you'll find Drole, an airy, friendly, well crafted café.

Thanks to Dave Elman for this photo.

If you're new to Japan, don't worry; this is a welcoming place and, actually, not typically Japanese (background music: The Beatles). The hardest part is understanding the menu, which is written in the usual combination of English and often indecipherable scripts. However, if you say "coffee" or even point at a random entry in the menu, the always accommodating Japanese will be sure to oblige and you won't be disappointed. Or you could refer to your phrasebook, of course.

The decor is well designed, sparse and relaxing, the mugs and drink mats were a novelty to my naive eyes, and the availability of chai tea is definitely something English cafés could learn from.

In general, coffee is very easy to find in Tokyo. Look no further than one of a bazillion vending machines if you fancy a quick hot or cold caffeine buzz. And be comforted that, usually, café menus have English translations and, conveniently, many coffee-related Japanese words have developed from English. Therefore, saying "coffee" or "hot chocolate" will usually be understood!

Map:

For more information about Drole, visit http://www.ambidex.co.jp/drole/shibuya.html.