I visited “Shippo” (四歩), a cafe and lifestyle goods store located about a 10-minute walk from Kichijoji Station in Tokyo, and tried their classic rare cheesecake.
About Shippo (四歩)
Shippo is tucked just off Itsukaichi Kaido Avenue.
Opened in March 2018 in a renovated former warehouse, the building has a distinctive layout that is quite unusual for a cafe.
The entrance is unique, designed like a ramp leading down into an underground parking garage. Step inside, and true to its repurposed warehouse roots, the high ceilings create a wonderfully spacious and open atmosphere.
The expansive interior is split evenly: one half functions as a cafe for meals and tea, while the other half sells lifestyle sundries, kitchenware, and tableware.
The food and drink menu offers Japanese set meals (teishoku), beverages, and desserts. During my visit, dessert options included parfaits, matcha cake, baked cheesecake, rare cheesecake, pudding, and cassata. Drink selections ranged from house blend coffee, decaf coffee, hojicha, genmaicha, and Japanese black tea (wakoucha) to homemade lemonade—there are no espresso-based drinks.
On this visit, I ordered the rare cheesecake.
Rare Cheesecake (690 yen)
According to the shop, this rare cheesecake is crafted using yogurt.
Cut from a whole cake into a classic triangular wedge, it rests on a crumbly cookie crust base. The only garnishes on the plate are a quenelle of whipped fresh cream and a sprig of mint, keeping the cheesecake itself remarkably minimalist. While many cafes serve rare cheesecake, finding such a classic, unadorned, orthodox style has become surprisingly rare these days. It has been quite a while since I enjoyed such an unpretentious rare cheesecake outside. Meanwhile, the clean, sharp cut of the cross-section exudes a quiet beauty even without lavish toppings.
Here are my impressions after tasting it.
The texture is exceptionally smooth. As a self-standing chilled cake, it retains a pleasant firmness and gentle springiness—distinct from the molten, gooey Basque cheesecakes that have trended recently. At the same time, it dissolves warmly and effortlessly on the tongue. The cookie crust at the bottom crumbles easily, offering a crisp, delicate crunch rather than a hard, gritty bite.
Flavor-wise, the sweetness is understated and restrained, allowing a deep, comforting richness to emerge from the gentle creaminess. The toasted, buttery notes of the crust further elevate the flavor profile. Simple and soothing yet possessing genuine depth without feeling repetitive, it was an uncompromising dessert that showcases true craftsmanship.
Shop Details
- Shop: Shippo (四歩)
- Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from Kichijoji Station
- Featured Item: Rare Cheesecake
- Price Range: Rare Cheesecake 690 yen, House Blend Coffee 550 yen
- Reference Links: Official Website | Google Maps