Zanpano is on Higashioji Dori overlooking the railway crossing at MotoTanaka. Take a seat by the windows, order a coffee and watch the cute little toy-like trains of the Eiden line busily rumble by. The café is decorated with instruments, lots of vinyl records and the owner’s own manga collection. It feels like a treasure trove. Spend a little time listening to the music here and have your musical horizons expanded. I’m certainly going to have to get a copy of the Tribute to Joni Mitchell
being played today, if only for Prince’s rendition of “A Case of You”.
Here are some pictures for your twilight-viewing pleasure. Click through to flickr for a better look.
Zanpano is also a live music venue with frequent shows and will host art exhibitions for free. The owner, Kawashima-san’s aim is to encourage obscure talents and give them a chance to grow. To find out about the up-and-coming shows, pop in to check the schedule, then order a light meal by the window and watch the world roll by…
To find it, go north on Higashioji Dori, past Hyakumanben, past Mikage Dori, until you get to the railway intersection at MotoTanaka. Zanpano is on your right, on the second floor above an udon noodle shop.
Zanpano is open from 14:00 – 24:00 every day except Tuesdays. On performance days it will be closed an extra two hours for rehearsals. Tel: 075-721-2891
Here is a map: