A new tea café called Gaya has opened in Asagaya, Tokyo, breathing new life into a 97-year-old traditional Japanese house. The café aims to create a welcoming community space where tea culture and creative craftsmanship come together.
A 97-Year-Old Traditional House Reborn as Gaya
Located just a 4-minute walk from JR Asagaya Station's north exit on Kitanaka Street, Gaya has transformed a historic building into a unique venue. The first floor serves as a café and multi-purpose space focused on "expanding the world of tea," while the second floor houses the design office of novact, the company operating the café.
The name "Gaya" has three origins. First, people who frequented this traditional house had affectionately called it "Gaya" for years. Second, the location is in Asagaya (Asa"gaya"). Third, the word evokes the lively atmosphere of people gathering together (gaya-gaya in Japanese). The name continues this tradition with warmth and familiarity, welcoming visitors to casually drop by.
Gaya offers an extensive selection centered on Japanese tea, featuring varieties from different regions and production methods, as well as original drinks. The café is designed to make tea accessible even to those unfamiliar with traditional kyusu (teapot) brewing, serving as a small community hub gently opening to the Asagaya neighborhood.
See, Gather, Create - A Space for Everyday Life
See
The space can function as a gallery for displaying photographs, artwork, products, zines, and hosting pop-ups. It's ideal for small-scale showcases and exhibitions.
Gather
The venue welcomes small talk events, study sessions, and casual meet-ups, whether for focused purposes or simply to connect with others. The space aims to gently open to the community and adapt to various needs.
Create
Consultations are available for prototyping and small-scale production. As a space supporting everyday life, Gaya provides equipment and creative support for printing, photography, crafts, and other making activities.
Design to Community Building Consultations
The second floor houses the design office of novact, which operates Gaya. The company handles branding, community development, and design-centered solutions ranging from problem-solving to concept realization and application development. Visitors can casually discuss business, design, and web projects with the creators upstairs while enjoying a tea break at the café.
About the Location
Name: Gaya
Address: 2-17-1 Asagayakita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0001
Access: 4-minute walk from JR Chuo/Sobu Line Asagaya Station (North Exit). 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Minami-Asagaya Station. Located on Kitanaka Street, in a quiet residential area just past Star Road shopping street.
Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (Check Instagram for the latest information)
Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Website: https://gaya.tokyo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaya.asagaya/
From interior work to signage, Gaya has been renovated piece by piece by hand. The journey to completion and scenes from the neighborhood can be viewed on Instagram.
