Walk through the doors of Fab Café and into the welcoming interior of the joint, you will immediately realize that Fab Café is different from every other café you have ever stepped foot into. Perhaps the unique décor would have clued you in, such as the laser-cut wooden menu, or the pair of jeans with custom designs etched on. But if you really needed an in-your-face hint then look no further than the big yellow laser printer and two 3D printers in the café to clue you in.
The word ‘Fab’ in Fab Café stands for both ‘Fabulous’ and ‘Fabrication’. The concept of the café is built upon the idea that the resources to fabricate of one’s ideas and designs should be made readily available and affordable. Since this idea is hipster enough as it is, why not through in some good coffee, tea and cakes while you are at it right?
Honestly, Fab Café is amazing, so much so that trying to organize its sheer wonderfulness into a coherent piece without gushing like a school girl in love is almost impossible. Part of it is in its atmosphere. A distinctively cozy and artistic atmosphere lingers in the café, from the staff to the patrons whom are all involved in some form of design work or another (except perhaps the one taking your order).
The café is constantly home to events, gatherings and workshops for ‘fabrication’ enthusiasts. Of course, as a tourist you may or may not be privy to this events, however this does not mean that the wonders of Fab Café is closed to you. Quite the contrary.
If you are looking for a unique souvenir to take home from your trip, or a unique present for that special someone then look no further. Whilst the many seemingly professional designers in the café may seem intimidating, Fab café is well-equipped to help the complete beginner get started on their first fabrication experience. Once you approach the staff about your intent, they will help you with picking out your choice of materials and ship you off with and i-pad and a stylus to get you started on your artwork. Of course, now that you know about Fab Café’s wonders, you can also simply bring designs you have done beforehand to be printed, but what is the fun in that?
4 cork coasters, which takes 10 minutes to print (designing time not included) using the laser cutter sets you back at a humble ¥1200. Detailed costs can once about be found on the informative website. It is worth noting that if you intend to go between Mondays-Wednesdays, you will be required to book your printing session before hand, however Thursdays to Sundays is open printing, so it is recommended that you visit in the later half of the week.
Of course, we regardless of what amazing contraptions that lies inside, we simply cannot talk about a café without talking about its food. The price and the serving size are both very modest, as with most foods in Japan, Fab Café’s food fair, although not mind-blowing, is still delicious. Although in hind-sight, you will likely be too busy crouching over the i-Pad, stylus in hand, to remember to put the food into your mouth. The food and drinks are a great way to pass time as you wait for your design to be printed and they serve this purpose beautifully.
You must now be wondering how you will you navigate the language barrier to gain access to Fab Café’s wonderful services. The best part is, you do not have to. Their staff speaks great English and at your first stutter in Japanese, will pull out the trusty English menu for your viewing leisure.
The people are wonderful, the services are great, the concept is amazing; but of course, life is fair. Fab Café is a bit of a walk from the Shibuya Station, but ultimately this serves the corner-side café well as it simply would have been too distracting had it been in the middle of bustling Shibuya.
Summary? You need to go there.
