Morning MAGIC

Marufuku Kissaten

My first reaction to this Taisho period modern building, is that it is so defined in its unique identity with confidence, charm and classical elegance oldish. The building itself winks at you with handsome allure, and is entirely covered in genki-green-gigantic climber ivy leaves.

Marufuku coffee shop has been here since 1934, but the building was originally a residence. If you peek about around the entrance area, you can see the chunky old stairwells, the high dimensioned ceilings, and the perfectly matched choice of lighting fixtures to stir memories of halcyon day nostalgic colourings.

When you walk inside the coffee shop, there is a distinct accent of another era within the seating layout, the musical welcoming, and the hand picked ornaments and decorating features. There is the shiny Big Ben clock near the covered-in fireplace, tea cup displays behind glass, mantelpiece proud porcelain figurines of smiling maidens, stained glass accenting here and there, and ivory-coloured mini busts of smart-looking children.

There are lovely rounded bucket seat formations, a front area nookie for complete privacy or date time, and a feeling somehow that you needn't rush away before you are ready. There is a good magazine selection to slow down your time, and daily newspapers.

I had the simple A-set with toast (5cm wide with melty butter indulgent), very well made tea (with a very fancy teaspoon), and a boiled egg for the 'morningu' price of 450 yen. Other sets include mini sandwiches and salad.

Marufuku Kitahama opens from 7:30 – 20:00 on weekdays.

Closed on Public Holidays and weekends.

Marufuku coffee shops are all over Osaka. The Kitahama location information is second down on the right.

http://www.marufukucoffeeten.com/shop/index.html

If you are taking Subway Sakaisuji, get off at Kitahama station and leave through exit 6. Upon reaching street level, the Kitahama Plaza will be in front of you. Go right, and turn right at the first corner (Sumitomo Bank). Marufuku Coffee Shop is on the left side in all its wild-ivy-style glory green.

It is a bit further to walk, but you can also use Midousuji Subway line, and use exit 11 at Yodoyabashi station. With your back to Midousuji street, walk up four and a half blocks. Check out the stunning 1927 “The Court” building on the right side corner for some eye candy. You will pass Sunkus convenience store on your right, and APA Villa Hotel on your left. Marufuku will be on the right side.

If you are on your bicycle, Lisbon Cafe is quite close by if you want to go for a look (or perhaps another cuppa?).