Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2013

Cyclist and cafe owner Takayuki Nakamura combined two passions for his latest venture. Named after the French word for saddle bags, Cafe Sacoche (2-39-15 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku; www.cafe-sacoche.com) is a mecca for Tokyo cyclists on a Shimokitazawa back street. Riders can stop by to refuel with the shop’s signature mushroom and vegetable curry (¥1,000) or restore depleted glycogen supplies after exercise with a café au lait using sakura (¥580) or pistachio mocha (¥680) ice cream. After a long tour de Tokyo, cool down with a glass of Cono Sur wine from Chile (¥500)—complete with bicycle illustration on the label. Also: Tour de France videos and free Wi-Fi. Nakamura likes to snap a photo of customers who arrive by bike and his photo album already has over 1,000 people and 2,000 wheels. MAMIL (middle-aged men in Lycra) and non-cyclist friendly.