Shi-no-Cafe

1 Chome-8-9 Nogata, Nakano City, Tokyo 165-0027, Japan
+81 3-3385-2023
$$$ Cafe
(72 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Welcome to Shi-no-Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Nakano City, Tokyo. This delightful cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s an immersive experience that beckons those seeking tranquility amidst the bustling city. Located at 1 Chome-8-9 Nogata, Shi-no-Cafe offers a soothing escape into nature with its stunning Japanese garden, making it a perfect retreat for anyone looking to unwind.

The atmosphere of Shi-no-Cafe is a harmonious blend of elegance and warmth. As soon as you step inside, the cozy decor wraps around you like a soft embrace. Soft light filters through the windows, illuminating the beautiful interior adorned with traditional Japanese touches. The tranquil sounds of nature outside enhance the serene ambiance, creating the perfect backdrop for an afternoon indulgence. Guests are often greeted by the delightful sight of friendly cats meandering through the garden, adding an enchanting touch to your visit.

Let’s talk about the culinary offerings here. Shi-no-Cafe focuses on delectable Japanese cuisine that is both comforting and exquisite. Although a full menu was not provided, customer reviews shine a spotlight on their fantastic lunch options. Priced at just 1300 yen, the lunch set includes a fresh salad, a beautiful array of carefully crafted sides, a satisfying main dish, and a lovely cup of coffee. Feel the texture of each bite as you savor the flavors, from the crisp greens to the expertly prepared entrees. The use of seasonal ingredients ensures that every dish is not only delicious but also vibrant and fresh.

Customers rave about their experiences at Shi-no-Cafe. Yuh Iwata describes it as “a luxurious space” to enjoy tasty dishes and sake while soaking in the beauty of the Japanese garden. Yugi encapsulates the rare and tranquil experience that this cafe offers, while Mathilde Herard praises the amazing atmosphere, delicious food, and kind-hearted owners. The unique charm of Shi-no-Cafe lies in the owner’s genuine pride in their establishment—as noted by Jake Edwards, the owner’s patience and hospitality truly stand out, offering a welcoming embrace to all guests.

If you’re a cat lover or someone looking for a peaceful dining experience, Shi-no-Cafe is an unmissable destination. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely lunch or simply to take in the stunning garden views while sipping on a cup of coffee, this cafe promises an experience that soothes the soul. Come, let Shi-no-Cafe whisk you away to a quaint world of comfort and delight — you won’t regret it.

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live performances
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Rakuten Pay
Children
High chairs
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

12:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Friday

12:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

72 Reviews
Yuh Iwata

17 Sep 2025

A luxurious space where you can enjoy delicious dishes and sake while viewing the Japanese garden.

Yugi

14 Sep 2025

A rare and tranquil experience in the garden. Thank you for creating and maintaining such a lovely space.

Half Rats Studio

29 Aug 2025

This cafe is a perfect 10/10. I saw it by chance mentioned on Google Maps when I was in Nakano the previous week and saw it had a nice garden and cats. So I took my cat-lover friend on a whim the next weekend, and it was one of the most peaceful experiences I've had in a while. Lunch was 1300 yen which came with a salad, a beautiful selection of sides and main, and coffee. The interior was gorgeous and homey, and faces a garden, where the resident cats are free to wander as they please. The outdoor kotatsu seating was so relaxing, even in the winter. We didn't make a reservation but they were extremely accommodating. The food was amazing and a great value, the atmosphere was calming, and the entire experience was so cozy.

Mathilde Herard

26 Jul 2025

The atmosphore and the garden was amazing. The japanese food was delicious and finally the owners were very kind and thoughtful.

Jake Edwards

06 Jul 2025

Cozy and quiet cafe away from the noisy city. Beautiful garden with cat visitors. Owner is patient and his pride for the cafe shows through their hospitality.

Boa Campbell

26 Jun 2025

This is my second time.. I really feel welcome and relaxed.. The hosts (human and cats) are truly kind.. The food and cafe selection was delicious.. Looking forward to trying other items on the menu. As you can see the atmosphere is a calm, artistic feeling with cosy floor seating and garden view. Gorgeous.

Nicholas Whitwell

16 Jun 2025

This is such a cute and cozy cafe run by a delightful owner couple. Perfect for a very relaxing morning overlooking a perfect homey garden

Rebekah Mah

12 Jun 2025

for non-locals, i highly recommend making a call to make a reservation before going down! it’s a home cafe and everything is pretty cosy. i went with my family and there were 4 of us — friday lunch, we were pretty blessed to get a table. the menu was all in japanese and when she realised we didn’t understand japanese, she just asked us to choose one of the sets (curry chicken, fried soba w tomato relish, stir fried pork) and it came with coffee/tea at the end too. as it was wintertime there wasn’t much of a view but the interior and cosiness was still great. the basque cheesecake was rly good too! do note they’re only open on certain days so i suggest calling before heading down. would love to visit this place again in the spring or summer!

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