Usually, in America, gothic-themed locations are popup shops for the sake of Halloween. Permanent establishments are only in major cities with a population big enough to cater to a specific audience. In Japan, gothic lolita and maid cafes are a staple in areas like Akihabara and Harajuku for such a reason. Elsewhere, it can be rare. Yet way up north in Sendai, Miyagi prefecture, is a little hidden gem of quiet and relaxation. Tucked away in what looks like an aged apartment complex is café CYAN. It may be just a normal cafe, but the enjoyment is in its rich and unique atmosphere. Presented as an indoor botanical garden, visitors will find it has much more than a few dozen house plants around the coffee bar and seating area. café CYAN’s concept is a “Room of Curiosity.” By using a unique arrangement of greenery and mysterious displays, café CYAN staff says their guests can feel they’ve stepped away from their daily lives and into an enjoyable new environment.
From first-hand experience, they succeed.
The walk-in area is a small waiting space closed off from the rest of the cafe by tall iron bars. Guests can pass through at any time. The cage-space is there to ensure the cafe’s two cats don’t try to escape, though that’s hardly a problem as they love napping on the armchairs together. Feel free to pet them, they are both friendly. The seating area is very homely, with small couches and coffee tables. Don’t feel self-conscious if you only came with one friend, or alone. There are still plenty of small tables for two, and even single-person desks. It’s perfect for those planning to relax a while and study or read. Just like any other normal cafe, CYAN has no time limit per stay.
Everything about the cafe shows their attention to detail in building a curious atmosphere. Each sitting space is surrounded by unique decor. Nightstands are cluttered with (fake) animal skulls, plants, candles, and even taxidermy birds on preserved tree branches. The walls are covered with works of art done by local artists, deer heads, and more animal skulls that have been decorated with various plant life, living and dead. A consistent, but not overpowering scent of lavender incense wafts throughout the establishment as a playlist consisting of low beat synth and darkwave electronica plays, as does the occasional classical medley. It’s a perfect place for those looking for a darker appeal, but it’s still warm and welcoming.
Even the menu is well thought out, and bound in a flimsy and worn black leather jacket. Each page is stained, aged, and preserved in wax. While there are no pictures like many cafes and restaurants in Japan, item names at the very least are listed in English with descriptions in Japanese. Aside from the usual menu, you can expect (latte, cappuccino, etc), there are plenty of organic teas (their lavender milk tea is divine), beers, and wines. Food includes pastries such as cakes, pie, and jello. They even serve pasta, pizza, curry, and plenty more. If you can read Japanese (or at least katakana), then take note of the special deal on the front page. For 1,500 yen you can get one cake item, a drink, and a mini bouquet. It might be a perfect charm if you’re looking to impress your date. All drinks are served in a fine China or European teacup. Any coffee will be topped with elegant latte art, and teas coming with a rose-shaped spoon.
If that wasn’t enough, the cafe has a small shop featuring local artist’s work. Goods include handmade candles in the shapes of cats or the Virgin Mary, dried plants, feather quills, jewelry, and accessories. The cafe is even known to host exhibitions for those whose art they display, from time to time.
Though a visit can be a bit pricey, with the cheapest drink or pastry costing five hundred yen, café CYAN is without a doubt a worthwhile experience. They are open six days a week, and closed on Thursdays. For more information, check out their website (Japanese only).
Location: 1-chome-6-22 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
