Rain — it's enough to strike fear into the heart of the most seasoned parent, as you madly scramble for ways to entertain a child cooped up indoors. Coming to the rescue this rainy season is Cafe Annteana in Tokyo's Daikanyama neighborhood, an establishment that caters to the 12-and-under crowd in a decidedly fashionable way.
Tired of playing at home one particularly rainy afternoon, we headed out for a change of pace to meet some friends at the cafe for dinner. Finding a dinner destination for three or more kids can be something of a challenge, but Cafe Annteana seems to have a more-the-merrier attitude toward kids.
The cafe manages to be long on style while meeting the practical needs of parents with children. It's shabby chic — down to the last detail — with whitewashed walls, chandeliers, elegant-yet-unbreakable glassware, plush sofas, and one of the cutest bathrooms and diaper changing areas I have seen yet. Equipped with a rock-climbing wall for older children, a padded play area with toys for the little ones, two chalkboard walls for drawing, and an endless lineup of Disney movies playing in the background, it is everything a kid (and parent) could wish for.