DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.04.14
A Kissaten Serving Nel Drip Coffee and Homemade Favorites.
Nearest Station
Located in Jimbocho and founded in 1976, “Trois Bagues” is a long-standing kissaten—a traditional Japanese-style café—famous for its carefully brewed nel drip coffee and gratin toast, a recipe passed down from the previous owner’s home kitchen. The café offers a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, with an interior that showcases natural materials and reflects the refined sensibility of its female owner.
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Since opening in 1976, “Trois Bagues” has preserved an interior that celebrates the natural beauty of its materials. The café features unique architectural elements such as beams made from reclaimed railroad sleepers, marble floors, and natural wood framing. Over the years, the space has gained character and continues to warmly welcome every guest. Elegant tableware inherited from the previous owner, along with striped shelving, adds a vibrant touch to the space.
The name “Trois Bagues,” meaning “three rings” in French, is inspired by the surname of the second-generation owner, Miwa.
The café features beams made from real railroad sleepers and flooring framed with natural wood.
Shelves lined with colorful floral and striped dishware also serve as charming displays that add warmth to the space.
“Trois Bagues” has been run by female owners for generations, with a focus on creating a space that balances comfort and aesthetic charm. Inside, classic paintings collected by the former owner blend naturally with contemporary pieces curated by the current owner. Even the menu reflects thoughtful design—shaped like a book as a tribute to Jimbocho, Tokyo’s renowned “book town.” This attention to detail highlights the gentle sensibility that comes from a woman’s perspective. The café also updates its menu to reflect the times, while remaining true to its roots. One of the most popular items—especially among female guests—is the ogura butter toast, created by the second-generation owner and topped with sweet red bean paste and butter. In 2024, a second location opened, specializing in crêpes—perfect for guests craving lighter, dessert-style treats.
A unique painting of the Eiffel Tower, with cherry blossom–like petals shaped as the Japanese characters for “laugh” and “love,” purchased by the second-generation owner in Paris.
The classic paintings on display were collected by the café’s founding owner.
The menu is designed to resemble a book, inspired by Jimbocho—Tokyo’s famed “book town.”
Since opening in 1976, “Trois Bagues” has been brewing coffee using the nel drip method—a traditional Japanese hand-drip technique that uses a flannel cloth filter rather than paper. This method draws out a mellow texture and deep, complex flavors, resulting in a truly satisfying cup. The café also uses aged coffee beans—known as “old beans”—which are blended and rested to bring out their full depth and complexity. Each cup is brewed with care, one at a time—embodying the spirit of Japan’s kissaten (traditional coffeehouse) culture.
One hallmark of the nel drip method is how the coffee grounds bloom, creating a perfect circle of bubbles at the center during brewing.
The café still uses a vintage scale—now rarely seen—reflecting its dedication to traditional tools and methods.
When you order coffee, the owner carefully brews each cup by hand right in front of you using the nel drip method.
The café’s signature “Trois Blend,” brewed using the nel drip method, has been on the menu since day one. 750yen.
To the owner of “Trois Bagues”, the café’s long-standing menu reflects the comforting flavors of home. A standout item is the gratin toast—the café’s signature dish—based on the gratin once made by the previous owner’s mother. It was born from the idea of repurposing leftover gratin by placing it on toast—and it remains a beloved favorite to this day. Another long-loved item is the pumpkin mousse, known for its gentle sweetness. Both dishes pair perfectly with the café’s coffee and embody the warm, homestyle charm that defines “Trois Bagues.”
A customer favorite—especially among women—the ogura butter toast features sweet red bean paste from a local taiyaki shop in Jimbocho. Coffee set: 1,600yen
Gratin toast, adapted from a home-style gratin recipe, has been the café’s signature dish for decades. Coffee set: 1,600yen
The pumpkin mousse, first made by the previous owner using an unexpected surplus of pumpkins, became a surprise hit and remains a popular classic. 750yen
The information contained this article was correct at the time of publication on 04/14/2025
