Experience the traditional delights of Japanese summer nights at Suzumushi Cafe

For those who live in the Tokyo area, the novel coronavirus pandemic has put limits on summer vacation plans. Many residents do not wish to travel to other areas for their own safety and the safety of others. As a result, options closer to home are an attractive alternative.

One such option available this summer is Suzumushi Cafe

One of the unmistakable sounds of late summer and autumn, the high-pitched and gentle trill of the suzumushi 鈴虫, otherwise known as bell-ring cricket (Meloimorpha japonicus), provides a soothing background to a pleasant evening in the Japanese countryside. You can listen below:

For the month of August, the Suzumushi Cafe will open at the Shinto Temple on the premises of the Prince Park Tower Tokyo, the grounds of which provide a green oasis within the city where suzumushi crickets are free to roam and make their pleasant sound.

In addition, you'll also be able to rent a yukata, enjoy a footbath, try the traditional Japanese pastime of lighting subtle senko-hanabi string sparklers, and enjoy a light meal and refreshing summer drinks and cocktails as you look up at Tokyo Tower.

Suzumushi Cafe

When: August 1st to August 30th
Times: First session: 18:30 to 19:45 (last order 19:30), Second Session: 20:00 to 21:15 (last order 21:00) - online reservations required
Where: Shinto shrine
Price: 3,000 JPY per person (includes one food plate, one drink and a gift (scented pouch), optional dessert "Blossom Fruit Jelly" for 3,000 JPY

Listen to the sound of the suzumushi and Japanese furin wind chimes while you gaze at a projection mapping show representing rippling water. You'll receive senko-hanabi string sparklers to light in the garden.

Lighting senko-hanabi

A view of Tokyo Tower

Features

Projection mapping show
Senko-hanabi in the garden
Foot baths on the eaves of the shrine
Sound of suzumushi crickets and furin wind chimes
Light meal and drinks (caprese of uncured ham, salmon roll crepes, lilly root & corn, tropical parfait)
Melon soda "for adults" (with melon liqueur), beer drops (fruity beer cocktail), Yuakari (a cassis tea soda made in the image of the dusk sky as seen from the Prince Shiba Park)

Footbath

Projection mapping show

Suzumushi Cafe light meal and drinks

Moonlight Park

A first this year, the Moonlight Park area is open for you to bring in your own (legal) fireworks. Buy an original picnic sheet or bring your own and enjoy an evening picnic in Prince Shiba Park.

Times: 17:00 to 20:00
Price: Drink & snack set 2,500 JPY, alcoholic beverages from 800 JPY, non-alcoholic drinks from 500 JPY, picnic sheet 500 JPY