Located just a two minute walk from the South exit of Shimokitazawa Station, this three-story billiard house was founded in 1951 by Kinrey Matsuyama, an internationally renowned Japanese billiards champion. It is also one of the oldest of its kind in Tokyo. “If it’s not the first, at least the second”, claims Shouji Matsuyama, the 44-year old grandson of the legendary player.
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![Matsuyama Billiard]()
Matsuyama Billiard
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Matsuyama Billiard is not only interesting because it carries the name and tradition established by Kinrey – a trailblazer for Japanese professional billiards players, it is also quite affordable. The prices start at ¥441/hour (from 12pm to 5pm), then move to ¥567/hour (for students) or ¥630/hour (normal fee), with a special price of ¥693/hour to play on the first floor. “Why is this floor more expensive?”, we asked, “My father Hidemasa is always around and gives “free” lessons to customers”, says Shouji. In other words, for a few hundred yen it is possible to enjoy billiards and learn tricks from a 70-year old international billiard master. Not bad.
![Matsuyama Billiard]()
Matsuyama Billiard
The place also offers a range of reasonably priced alcoholic drinks (but don’t expect anything too fancy) and simple food from cheese on toast (¥400) and spaghetti, to Japanese dishes like yakisoba (¥650) and pork shoga yaki (¥680). The first floor of Matsuyama Billiard has four big American-style tables (with pockets) and is usually frequented by beginners wanting to practice with Hidemasa Matsuyama. The second floor has four big Carom billiard tables (without pocket) and according to Shouji is the least frequented one.
![Matsuyama Billiard]()
Matsuyama Billiard
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Interestingly enough, his grandfather won the Japanese title in three-cushion billiards, a Carom modality widely thought of as being the hardest to master, four times in a row. “Carom comes from Europe, and our customers prefer the American tables”, he says, so the 3rd floor is focused on pleasing them. It has 6 medium-sized tables and is frequented by higher-level (usually professionals or retired) players who seek to play while sipping a beer or two.
![Matsuyama Billiard]()
Matsuyama Billiard
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Matsuyama Billiard is open every day from 12pm to 1am, with the busiest days being Friday and Saturday, while Monday is the least frequented. The establishment, with a cozy atmosphere and 19th century-based interior design, is usually used by customers aged between 30 to 40. “Unfortunately, nowadays the youth is focused on video games and activities like that,” says Shouji, but people from all ages are welcome.
![Matsuyama Billiard]()
Matsuyama Billiard
THE WARDROBE HOTEL Shimokitazawa
3F Kuwata BLDG, Kitazawa Tokyo
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