Mokkado
Mokkado is a minimalist cafe located in Toyama, Japan, designed by MUKU design studio. The space, which once served as both the founder’s birthplace and a factory for traditional Toyama-style medicine production, has been transformed into a café that reflects both heritage and modern sensibilities. The company, known for its Chinese herbal medicines and health-focused food products, now offers chai and shaved ice based on traditional herbal practices. A small retail area also allows visitors to purchase medicines. The design of the café emphasizes accessibility and openness, aiming to create a welcoming environment. Materials from the original structure were carefully dismantled and reused in the renovation, preserving the character of the old house while creating a new spatial experience.
The goal was to maintain the historical essence of the building while adapting it for contemporary use. At the heart of the café is a doma, a traditional Japanese space where visitors can walk with shoes on, typically featuring an earthen floor. The doma is framed by steps and benches, creating natural zones for relaxation and interaction, while also blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. A central art installation, composed of stones and timber unearthed during the renovation, serves as a focal point, connecting the café’s modern design with its past. Medicinal herbs planted within the artwork further tie the café to its roots in Chinese herbalism. Additionally, an ivy-covered rope partition around the doma offers a visual element that evolves over time, enhancing the café’s atmosphere.