Visit 6 restaurants and bars featured in Murakami's stories.

In Haruki Murakami's novels, characters often frequent upscale French restaurants in Aoyama, hotel bars in Shinjuku, or cafes in Ginza. However, in most of his works, Murakami rarely mentions the names of specific restaurants or bars. Fortunately, most of the following locations are explicitly named in his books and are still situated around present-day Tokyo.

DUG jazz cafe & bar (Norwegian Forest)

Fans of the novel Norwegian Wood can visit the bar that Watanabe and Midori frequented in the novel. The Dug Bar was established in the 1960s and still exists today, although it has changed locations a few times since opening.

It is known that the bar still hosts live jazz performances, although not regularly and without a fixed schedule. Nevertheless, it promises to be a suitable space for jazz lovers.

Address: 3-15-12 Shinjuku
government:DUG

NAKAMURAYA CAFé (1Q84)

Nakamuraya Cafe, where Tengo and Fuka-Eri first met in the novel.1Q84It is located directly opposite Kinokuniya Bookstore in Shinjuku.

Actually, there are several cafes with the same name, all located in the Nakamuraya building. It's unclear which floor the scenes in the novel take place on, but Nakamuraya is the most famous – for its Indian-style curry, which you can enjoy at the restaurant in the basement. Prices are slightly higher than elsewhere, but the quiet atmosphere and attentive service are a plus.

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Address: 3-26-13 B2F Shinjuku
government:Nakamuraya Café

DENNY'S (After Midnight)

The opening scenes of the novel After Midnight (After DarkMurakami's 2004 film took place at a Denny's restaurant in Shibuya. There are two Denny's restaurants in central Shibuya – one in Nanpeidai and one in Jinnan. It's highly likely that Mari and Takahashi met in Jinnan, which is about a ten-minute walk from Love Hotel Hill.

Additionally, foreign visitors might be surprised to find that Denny's in Japan specializes more in steaks than breakfast meals.

Address: 1-16-3 Jinnan, Shibuya
government:Denny's

SHAKEY'S PIZZA (Jump Jump Jump)

At the end of the novelJump Jump JumpThe narrator and his famous actor friend Gotanda meet at a Shakey's Pizza restaurant. While it's not known exactly which branch they met at, there happens to be one 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 to his crimes in the book.

Address: 32-15 Udagawacho
government:Shakey's Pizza

KOMATSUAN (Norwegian Forest)

InNorwegian ForestAfter Watanabe and Naoko finally arrived at Komagome, they stopped at a soba noodle restaurant. This restaurant is revealed to be called 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 noodles. It's worth noting that Komatsuan is relatively expensive for a noodle shop, with the cheapest dishes costing around 1,000 yen. Set meals, on the other hand, start at 3,000 yen and up.

Address: 1-43-16 Komagome
government:Komatsuan

KEIKYU EX INN SHINAGAWA (Chronicle of the Wind-Up Bird)

InThe Wind-Up Bird ChronicleToru first met Malta Kano in person at a tea room in the Pacific Hotel near Shinagawa Station. The Pacific Hotel closed in 2010, but the Keikyu Ex Inn Shinagawa is operating in the same building.

Today, you can still visit the tea room on the first floor, called "Garden Tea Shinagawa," although it might not seem suitable for budget travelers.