In Haruki Murakami’s novels, characters frequent fancy French restaurants in Aoyama, hotel bars in Shinjuku, and cafes in Ginza. However, in most of his works, Murakami rarely mentions the names of specific restaurants or bars. Fortunately, most of the following places are mentioned by name in his books, and they are still around Tokyo today.
DUG Jazz Cafe & Bar (Norwegian Wood)
Fans of the Norwegian Wood novels can visit the bar that Watanabe and Midori frequented in the novel. The Dug Bar was established in the 1960s and is still around today, although it has changed locations a few times since it opened.
It is known that the bar still organizes live Jazz performances, although not regularly and without a fixed schedule. However, this still promises to be a suitable space for Jazz lovers.
- Address: 3-15-12 Shinjuku
- Website:DUG
NAKAMURAYA CAFE (1Q84)
Nakamuraya Cafe, where Tengo and Fuka-Eri first meet in the novel1Q84, located right across from the Kinokuniya bookstore in Shinjuku.
There are actually a few cafes with the same name, all located in the Nakamuraya building. It’s unclear which floor the novel takes place on, but Nakamuraya is most famous for its Indian curry, which you can enjoy at the restaurant in the basement. Prices are a bit higher than elsewhere, but the quiet atmosphere and attentive service are a plus.
- Address: 3-26-13 B2F Shinjuku
- Website:Nakamuraya Café
DENNY'S (After Midnight)
The first scenes from the novel After Midnight (After Dark) takes place at a Denny's restaurant in Shibuya. The Shibuya area has two Denny's restaurants - one in Nanpeidai and one in Jinnan. It is likely that Mari and Takahashi met in Jinnan, which is about a ten-minute walk from Love Hotel Hill.
Additionally, foreign visitors may be surprised to find that Denny's in Japan specializes in steak rather than breakfast meals.
- Address: 1-16-3 Jinnan, Shibuya
- Website:Denny's
SHAKEY'S PIZZA
At the end of the novelJump Jump Jump, the narrator and his famous actor friend Gotanda meet at a Shakey's Pizza. While it is not known which branch they meet at specifically, there happens to be a restaurant in Shibuya, a few minutes' walk from Tokyu Hands. Since the protagonist also lives in Shibuya, this could be the same restaurant where Gotanda confesses his crimes in the book.
- Address: 32-15 Udagawacho
- Website:Shakey's Pizza
KOMATSUAN (Norwegian Wood)
InNorwegian Wood, after Watanabe and Naoko finally reach Komagome, they stop at a soba noodle restaurant. This restaurant is revealed to be Komatsuan in the original Japanese version.
Located right next to the entrance of Rikugien Garden, Komatsuan is known for its peaceful atmosphere and delicious soba. Be aware that Komatsuan is particularly expensive for a noodle shop, with the cheapest dish costing around 1,000 yen. Meanwhile, set meals cost around 3,000 yen and up.
- Address: 1-43-16 Komagome
- Website:Komatsuan
KEIKYU EX INN SHINAGAWA (The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle)
InThe Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Toru first met Malta Kano in person at a tea room in the Pacific Hotel near Shinagawa Station. The Pacific Hotel closed in 2010, but Keikyu Ex Inn Shinagawa is still operating in the same building.
Today, you can still visit the tea room on the first floor, called “Garden Tea Shinagawa”, although it may not be suitable for budget travel.
- Address: 3-13-3 Takanawa
- Website:Keikyu Ex Inn Shinagawa
