“Imagine stepping into a realm where Japanese tradition meets modern design.” That perfectly describes Kuriya Kashi Kurogi. It is an exquisite cafe nestled within the University of Tokyo. Owned by a Michelin-starred chef it offers a unique experience. It is a blend of culinary artistry and architectural brilliance.
Kengo Kuma an internationally acclaimed architect designed Kuriya Kashi Kurogi. He also worked as a professor at the University of Tokyo. Jun Kurogi a Michelin-starred Japanese chef plans the menu.
Mr. Kurogi wanted to promote the charms of Japanese sweets. He felt the University of Tokyo was the perfect place. It is a place where international students and professors gather. People come from all over the world.
The cafe is located in a former academic building. The whole building is covered in Japanese cedar panels. This creates a warm and relaxing atmosphere. The soft tree color adds to the calm. Surrounded by greenery, it feels like an escape from the city. The panels complement the natural warmth.
Many people visit Kuriya Kashi Kurogi just to admire the architecture. Some enter out of curiosity. Others travel from abroad specifically for a tour.
Their terrace seats are highly recommended. You can soak up the sunshine on bright days. It will feel like basking in the sun in a forest. Blankets are available during winter. Those sensitive to the cold can still enjoy the terrace.
Kuriya Kashi Kurogi is known for its Kakigori. One popular flavor is Kuromitsu Kinako Kakigori. It opened in May 2014. It is the sister cafe of the high-end Japanese restaurant Kurogi. It is strategically located in Tokyo University also known as Todai. Here you can find modernized wagashi in stylish presentations. They call them artisanal works. Kurogi is considered one of the best ryoriya in town. So you can expect remarkable standards for the sweets here.
The Kuromitsu Kinako Kakigori is a giant mountain of ice. It is bigger than an average adult head. It is generously doused in kinako-dusted cream. There is more than enough cream to go with the delicate shaved ice. The cream is slightly denser than usual espuma. It holds its structure steadily until the end.
The combination of light brownish cream kuromitsu syrup and kinako powder is fantastic. It is extraordinarily delicious. The seasonal kakigori was Sakura-ko. It had a substantial layer of sakura bean paste. It also contained a mixture of sakura jelly and kinako jelly. The red beans are well-cooked without being too sweet. It is lighter than the Kuromitsu Kinako. This is due to the pickled taste of the sakura and the subtle cheesy taste in the cream.
The kakigori costs 1400 yen. The coffee set is priced at 2200 yen. You can choose from three coffees. All use beans from Sarutahiko Coffee. The cold ice brew was smooth and concentrated without any bitterness or acidity. The signature kudzu jelly is overpriced at 2500 yen.
If you plan to visit avoid weekends if possible. Or prepare to queue for about 30 minutes. You can tour around the campus while waiting. Enter from the Kasuga gate. Come hungry the kakigori is bigger than average. Bring friends to try more items.
Located near the Kasuga Gate it is inside the Hongo campus of The University of Tokyo. It is a five-minute walk from Hongo Sanchome Station on the Marunouchi Line. Or a three-minute walk from Hongo Sanchome Station on the Oedo Line.
Kuriya Kashi Kurogi offers not just sweets. It offers an experience a blend of taste architecture and culture. It is a place where every detail is carefully crafted. The result is a memorable visit for everyone.