Kyoto's Bar & Café Tantei, the secret room of film director Rintaro Mayuzumi

Operating as a café during the day and transforming into a bar at night, “Bar & Café Tantei” is owned by the renowned Japanese detective film director Rintaro Mayuzumi. A fan of detective stories himself, he has not only directed detective dramas and films but also currently serves as a professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design and lives in Sakyo Ward. Years ago, Mayuzumi often visited the predecessor of the space, originally a café called “Sansa.” Later, hearing that the elderly owner was unable to continue running the place due to her age—and being fond of the old building himself—he decided to take it over and infuse it with a distinctive detective theme. He not only created another unique café, but “Bar & Café Tantei” also serves as a meeting and dating spot for the director. According to staff, Taiwanese writer Shu Guozhi, Japanese actress Norika Fujiwara, Korean director Kwak Jae-yong of My Sassy Girl, and others who are friendly with Mayuzumi have all visited.

Contrary to what others might call “eccentric,” Mayuzumi explains: “I’m just sticking to my own style.” And indeed, he has powerfully proven this through “Bar & Café Tantei.” Maintaining the structure and spatial design of the nearly 100-year-old building, Mayuzumi incorporated elements such as detective association membership cards, vintage telephones, 3D anatomical models, books, movie posters, toy guns, and the “Ten Commandments of Detectives” motto. Without going overboard, he infused his personal spirit into the old house.