Understanding a value of JPY560 (USD6.3) 200ml Cup of Coffee
by Hiroki Yanagisawa on July 14, 2010 6:15 PM
Consider it as a tourist attraction with a cup of coffee.
Once upon a time, people used to say that Japan is really expensive. Paying USD10 for a tiny-tiny cup of coffee. When EDGY JAPAN was based in the US, he was much satisfied with less than USD2-500ml cup of coffee from Dunkin' Donuts -- not understanding the value of this premium roast from Japan. Now, based in Japan and exposed to this expensive cup of coffee -- EDGY JAPAN has begun to somewhat appreciate its value.
Here's what EDGY JAPAN has learnt.
Renoir, a coffee chain, established in 1964, is known to offer a pricy cup. A small cup, containing around 200ml, is around JPY500 (the price varies at each branch.) This particular Renoir in Hamamatsucho (map) offers the cup for JPY560 (USD6.3). McDonalds, located right next to Renoir offers the same cup for JPY100.
What's the catch?
Once upon a time, people used to say that Japan is really expensive. Paying USD10 for a tiny-tiny cup of coffee. When EDGY JAPAN was based in the US, he was much satisfied with less than USD2-500ml cup of coffee from Dunkin' Donuts -- not understanding the value of this premium roast from Japan. Now, based in Japan and exposed to this expensive cup of coffee -- EDGY JAPAN has begun to somewhat appreciate its value.
Here's what EDGY JAPAN has learnt.
Renoir, a coffee chain, established in 1964, is known to offer a pricy cup. A small cup, containing around 200ml, is around JPY500 (the price varies at each branch.) This particular Renoir in Hamamatsucho (map) offers the cup for JPY560 (USD6.3). McDonalds, located right next to Renoir offers the same cup for JPY100.
What's the catch?
1. Hot Oshibori (hot wet towel)
When you walk into any Japanese restaurant, Oshibori (hot/warm/cold wet towel) is ubiquitous. But this particular Oshibori in Renoir is, hot. When it's summer time, wiping your face with this is quite soothing. (But be aware, this ritual is considered as oyaji (old man)'s deed. But it feels good.)
2. Smoking Allowed
Starbucks in Japan only allows you to smoke at terrace seats, Tully's - in a confined room, looking like a caged animal. Renoir -- 70% smoking seat, 30% non-smoking.
You are even allowed to smoke while peeing.
3. Wi-Fi
FON network is available.
4. Power Supply
In Renoir, you'll notice many businessmen with PC -- a power supply is available, converting Renoir to a satellite office.
5. Welcoming Hours of Stay
Once you finish your coffee, a waiter/waitress serves you a cup of hot green tea with this phrase, "Stay as long as you wish." Yes, you can stay at Renoir for hours, without any fuss or destruction.
6. Decor and People
This not-so-modern-decor attracts many ojinsan (old man) and obasan (old lady). If you are a tourist and wish to witness how these segments of people behave, here's the right place.
By looking at these elements -- you may think it's worth the value. If not -- don't wory. There's always McDonalds.
Renoir branches are listed in here but all the texts are in Japanese. If you are interested, contact EDGY JAPAN for the list in English.
When you walk into any Japanese restaurant, Oshibori (hot/warm/cold wet towel) is ubiquitous. But this particular Oshibori in Renoir is, hot. When it's summer time, wiping your face with this is quite soothing. (But be aware, this ritual is considered as oyaji (old man)'s deed. But it feels good.)
2. Smoking Allowed
Starbucks in Japan only allows you to smoke at terrace seats, Tully's - in a confined room, looking like a caged animal. Renoir -- 70% smoking seat, 30% non-smoking.
You are even allowed to smoke while peeing.
3. Wi-Fi
FON network is available.
4. Power Supply
In Renoir, you'll notice many businessmen with PC -- a power supply is available, converting Renoir to a satellite office.
5. Welcoming Hours of Stay
Once you finish your coffee, a waiter/waitress serves you a cup of hot green tea with this phrase, "Stay as long as you wish." Yes, you can stay at Renoir for hours, without any fuss or destruction.
6. Decor and People
This not-so-modern-decor attracts many ojinsan (old man) and obasan (old lady). If you are a tourist and wish to witness how these segments of people behave, here's the right place.
By looking at these elements -- you may think it's worth the value. If not -- don't wory. There's always McDonalds.
Renoir branches are listed in here but all the texts are in Japanese. If you are interested, contact EDGY JAPAN for the list in English.
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