Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

　In 1910 (1910), the first cafe in Tokyo, "Maison Konosu" opened in Koamicho, Nihonbashi-ku, as "Ginza has regained its liveliness through the reconstruction project." In March of the following year, Ginza's first cafe "Cafe Plantin" opened, and in August of the same year, a three-story "Cafe Lion" opened on the corner of present Ginza 5-chome. ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ In the Taisho era, the success of "Cafe Lion" became a buzzword, and cafes opened one after another in Ginza Brick Street. Ginza is going to enter a gorgeous era with the scent of Taisho romance." (page 122), "Ginza's first cafe" was "Cafe Plantin".

 

　"Cafe Plantin" was opened by Shozo Matsuyama from Tokyo Bijutsu School and is located at 20 Hiyoshicho, Kyobashi-ku, Tokyo (currently 8-6-24 Ginza, Chuo-ku, near Ginza Kaikan). It was named by Kaoru Osanai, the counselor.

 

　At the beginning of the Showa era, it became a customs business exclusively for women's entertainment, but until then, cafes were also served as restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

 

　"Maison Konosu" was close to Western restaurants, but "Cafe Plantin" served coffee and Western sake, and dishes served rare menus such as sausage and macaroni gratin. Later, grilled sandwiches became a specialty.

 

In-store of "Cafe Plantin" (copy from wikipedia, public domain confirmed)