Most visitors come to this part of Aoyama for the Nezu Museum. But just a few minutes away is Buik, a tiny neighborhood cafe that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.
I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s one of those places I’m always happy to return to.
A Tiny Cafe Worth Knowing About
Buik is small — really small. You can eat in, but there are only a handful of seats, so if you’re lucky enough to get one, stay for coffee and something from the pastry counter.
And if it’s full, don’t worry. Get something to take away. Honestly, I’ve never had a pastry here that I didn’t like.
The selection changes with the season, and right now, they have a passion fruit cheesecake that I genuinely think is the best cheesecake in the world.
It’s Also Very Good for Lunch
Buik isn’t just a coffee-and-cake stop. They also serve quiche and brown rice bowls for lunch, both available to eat in or take away.
So whether you want to sit down for lunch, have coffee and cake, or simply pick up a pastry to take away, it’s a very useful place to know about when you’re in this part of Aoyama.
And About the Nezu Museum
I live nearby, and the Nezu Museum is one of my favorite museums in Tokyo.
The bamboo-lined entrance is beautiful, but what I love most is the garden. Every time I’m there, I look at the apartments beyond it and think how ridiculously lucky the people who live there are — they basically get to borrow the Nezu Museum garden as part of their own view.
To be completely honest, the collection itself isn’t particularly aligned with my personal interests, so it’s not a museum I visit all the time. But every once in a while, I go back, and each time I’m reminded of how much I like being there.
If you’re planning a visit to the Nezu Museum, keep Buik in mind. If there’s a seat, stay for a while. If there isn’t, take something with you.
Nezu Museum and Buik make a very good Aoyama afternoon.
FAQ
Is Buik near the Nezu Museum?
Yes. Buik is just a short walk from the Nezu Museum, making it an easy stop before or after your visit.
Can you eat inside Buik?
Yes, but Buik is tiny and has only a handful of seats. If it’s full, you can take your food and pastries away.
Does Buik serve lunch?
Yes. Buik serves quiche and brown rice bowls for lunch, both available to eat in or take away.
Can I get takeaway from Buik?
Yes. Both the lunch dishes and pastries are available to take away, which is especially useful if the cafe is full.
Is Buik good with kids?
Kids are welcome, but the cafe is very small and there are a few steps at the entrance, so I wouldn’t recommend bringing a stroller inside. If you’re visiting with a baby or small child, takeaway may be the easier option.