月と六ペンス

I was talking to my friend Yutaka one day and telling him that I couldn’t find the right sort of cafe. “Of course, I know lots of nice cafes,” I said, “but they don’t serve my needs. They are too popular, and crowded. I want somewhere quiet, and unpopular, where I can go by myself, be anti-social and just lose myself in a book without being bothered by anyone. I can’t find anywhere like that where I live now. I’m too central. Everywhere is too busy.”

“I know just the place though,” said Yutaka looking very pleased with himself, ” – near where I live. It’s called Tsuki to Roku Pensu.”

What a wonderful name for a cafe, I thought.

It turns out that the owner of the cafe, Shibagaki-san, named it after his favorite book: The Moon and Sixpence. 月と六ペンス is a cafe for bookworms you see. It’s important you realise that right away.  Because you need to be quiet! And if you must talk here – do it quietly. Better not to talk at all. This is a place where people come (mostly by themselves) to lose themselves in literature. Respect that and respect the quiet and let them read in peace.

The menu is simple. I generally get the same old thing: a bottle of Guinness and a vegetable sandwich. Simple is good though. It focuses the mind.

Again the interior has clearly been designed with the needs of the bookworm in mind. Most of the seating is at a counter that circles the room and faces only the walls and the windows. Take a seat here, pick up a book and read. You need never be distracted by the people around you because they exist only in the periphery – and besides they, like you, are here to read. This is not a place to meet people. That’s why I like it.

Take a look at some pictures of the interior and see if you like it too.

月と六ペンス is open every day except Sundays between 12:00 and 8:00 pm. Tel: ０９０－９０５８－８９７６

月と六ペンス is on the second floor of this building (杉野ビル ~ the Sugino Buidling） on the north-west corner of Takakura/Nijo.

It’s not easy to find by yourself! There is a map at the bottom of this page from the website.

If you have come by bicycle, you can park in a designated area of the parking space under the Sugino building. That area is designated as in front of the car in space number 3 – and that is the only place you may park your bicycle!

Now, find the stairs on the east side of the building and go up!

Then on the next floor up it’s the (only) door on your left. Go in, sit down, and the master of the premises, Shibagaki-san, will bring you a menu presently. And remember – Shhhh!