Commune 2nd

Commune 2nd alternate Aoyama

On walks along Aoyama, I noticed this anomaly a few times. A collection of coffee shops, food stalls, craft beer shops and other eateries crammed into a narrow space on the east side of Aoyama Dori. It's an upscale (expensive) neighborhood, but this collection of bars, eateries, coffee shops and collaborations spaces is something different. And it creates a courtyard space for eating and drinking out of doors with lots of seating. Dogs and kids welcome. Commune 2nd, formerly known as Commune 246, is a project that brings together all kinds of vendors plus a community to promote Freedom University and collaborative work spaces for community projects. I had a cup of coffee at the little shop that fronts Aoyama Dori and was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a kind and friendly barista who chatted with customers. We had a wide ranging discussion about relationships, my home country Canada (which the barista and some customers had experienced), and multiculturalism. The Commune 2nd space encourages this kind of heart to heart, person to person communication. You just have to say hi and start talking. The anomaly may not last long. The contract for the space lasts until the end of this year, a refreshing low-profile village atmosphere in the middle of high fashion Aoyama and Omotesano crossing.