I’m not going that much to Harajuku… The Takeshita Dori is always way too crowded, you can’t barely move and walk there on Sunday and I’m not so interested in « Harajuku Fashion ». However, in a small street behind Takeshita Dori, you can find a small cute café I really love : Voleur de Fleur.

I wasn’t sure to write about it at the beginning. I went there quite often and never really tried to take pictures. However, recently, thinking about writing an article, I went there again… But the barista explained me that I couldn’t take pictures. My husband was with me at this time and tried to insist a little bit, but it was still a no… Finally I decided to write without pictures… But I’m still a bit frustrated after finding out on SNS pictures taken by customers…

Voleur de fleur Harajuku Branch (ヴォルール・ドゥ・フルール 原宿店)
Since 1979 (Showa 54)
Smoking 
 No Wi-Fi & no power outlets
Lively but not noisy 
 Recommendation : café Soda
 Japanese Menu
 Couple, alone
 We love : huge choice of different kind of coffee 
 Special points : Old french songs as background music
Drinks prices: 600-1500 yen

Before even knowing what was a kissaten or going to Sabouru for the first time (and starting to get obsessed with kissaten), I actually came here once. The first week of my first time in Japan, I spent a loooot of time in Harajuku, I was literally obsessed by the place and explored all the tiny streets around.
It was my first Saturday in Japan, the Takeshita dori was so full, it was so hot and humidity was high. I decided to flee in a small street. I was walking just behind two very cute Japanese Lolita, I was mesmerized by their dresses and the ruffles. And suddenly they entered in Voleur de Fleur. I wasn’t sure about what kind of place it was, thinking it may be a store, I decided to get inside as well.
I will always remember this cute place. Old Edith Piaf songs and good coffee smell. I immediately felt cool and refreshed. What a lovely place! With a full Japanese menu in my hand and absolutely no idea of what I could get, I asked for a “hotto kohi” (hot coffee). The barista asked me something in Japanese, I wasn’t sure but I just pointed out something random on the menu… I really hoped I didn’t order something weird without even knowing it but hopefully I finally got a good hot coffee. In my memories, the taste was light, sweet and not really bitter. I really liked it. I remember thinking it may be a kind of european themed café or something like that. It didn’t cross my mind at the time that the place could really be old.

I came back here two years after with more knowledge about coffee and kissaten, and, the most important, I could read the menu in Japanese! The place offers an amazing choices of different kind of coffee but also few cakes (among them a really nice cheesecake) that you can enjoy in a quiet atmosphere, lulled by old French music.
I’m not sure they have an English menu or an English speaking staff but if you can read katakana, it should be fine. Otherwise, you can just ask for the « osusume » (recommendation). The place may seem to be a little bit expensive but it’s actually worth the money, really…

I really like sitting at the counter to observe the barista while he’s making coffee. I’m coming here mostly to relax and rest. I feel like this place is more enjoyable alone to read or study or with your significant other. Long talks with friends do not seem to match the atmosphere; even if the café can get easily crowded, it still stays surprisingly quiet.

Bonus: small turtles near the front door

Voleur de fleur Harajuku (ヴォルール・ドゥ・フルール 原宿店)
Address: 1 Chome-10-23 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
(東京都渋谷区神宮前１丁目１０−２３)
Phone: 03-3404-6949
10:00〜23:00
The cafe has a blog (not regularly updated though)
NB: Voleur de Fleur also has 2 stores in Shimo-kitazawa