The objective of going to a Japanese “kissaten” (tea/coffee house) or a “cafe” is basically the same – to go to drink a cup of tea or a cup of coffee. However, there is something different. In Japanese “kissatens” of course, they are particular about how their tea and coffee tastes, but they also pay particular attention to the eating and drinking utensils and the décor of the shop. They often have a very retro and Showa Era feel to them. “Kissatens” in Japan have been in business for a long period of time and so they have a very down to earth and comfortable atmosphere. Here, we are highlighting eight such “kissatens” in Tokyo.
1.“Nanatsu no mori” in Koenji
From the outside, it looks like a Showa, retro-style coffee shop. Upon entering, you can see the interior of the café has weathered. It has an atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era, like you’ve just stepped back in time. Inside, is filled with Showa era ornaments and goods. The highly recommended menu item is “Omu gohan” (rice omelet). The flavor of the rice is not ketchup but rather Japanese broth. The rice was mixed with beef, burdock, and enoki mushrooms, as well as a salty-sweet seasoning that tasted like shigureni.
Time passes slowly and restfully at “Nanatsumori,” with its retro atmosphere. You can spend a happy time here surrounded by the shop’s gorgeous interior that makes it seem as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Detailed information:【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #2 “Nanatsumori”—An Attractive Cafe in Kōenji
■Information
Nanatsumori
Address: 2 Chome-20-20 Kōenjiminami, Suginami, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:30-24:00 (Last orders at 23:30)
Holidays: None
Access: 3-minutes’ walk from Shin-Kōenji Station / 7-minutes’ walk from Kōenji Station
2.“Sabouru” in Jinbocho
“Sabouru” is a café we could say is a representative retro cafe. This 62 years historical café was established in 1955. The shop is multi-floored, first floor, semi basement and mezzanine inside. It is a little dark inside, but you can still enjoy reading books.
Sabouru’s most popular menu item is Spaghetti Neapolitan. It is cooked with many ingredients including mushrooms, onions and bacon. It is cooked quite simply with ketchup.
Detailed information:【Tokyo Stroll】The cafe that you want to visit to see someone #1 The popular cafe in Jinbo-cho called “Sabouru” that has retro interior and nostalgic food.
■Information
Sabouru
Address：1-11 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours：9:00AM to 11:00PM
Holiday：Sundays ＆ Holiday Irregular
Access:
0 minutes’ walk from A7 exit of Jimbocho train station, Toei Subway Shinjuku Line • Mita Line
0 minutes’ walk from A7 exit of Jimbocho train station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.
3. “Kissa Housekibako” in Chitose Karasuyama
Here is a shop which displays items related to the 1970s and 1980’s pop idols. Many girls from all over Japan come here to get “drinkable jewelry.” It is a space which overflows with nostalgic items from this time.
The most popular item on the menu here is their “drinkable jewelry” as known as “cream soda” which was everyone’s favorite food when they are little. The standard color of cream soda is supposed to be green, but the ones in “Kissa Housekibako” appear in very girly colors. They are offered in cute and shiny spring colors. This shop is popular not only with Japanese guests but also with tourists from abroad.
Detailed information:【Tokyo Cafe】Visit the café which has a menu that gives you great impact Vol,6 “Kissa Housekibako”
■Information
Kissa Housekibako
Address：4-18-18 Oyama Mansion102, Minorakuyama Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Tel：03-5969-8577
Hours：10:00AM to 6:30PM
4.“Kissa You” in Ginza
“Kissa You” which is located in Ginza, next to Kabukiza has been making kabuki actors’ stomach full for the last forty-seven years. “Kissa You” which is located next to Kabukiza is now a part of the Kabukiza scene. Many gourmet actors who crave for the food in this café are always waiting in line before the café opens. The main reason why most people come here is to order their “soft and melty omelet-rice” which represents Japanese food nowadays.
It is a very good combination of creamy and rich tasting omelet and simply cooked rice. You can hardly encounter this type of omelet-rice which is so smooth and light in texture. In one word it could be described as being like a “soup.”
Detailed information:【Tokyo cafe】Visit the café which has a menu that gives you great impact Volume5 Ginza”You”
■Information
Kissa You
Address: Takano Build. 1F 4-13-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 (meal start time 11:30~) ~ 21:00 (L.O. 20:00)
Holiday: none
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5.“Tengoku”in Asakusa
Asakusa which is considered to be the town that has a lot of good places to eat is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo. This little and warm appearance café is an oasis for many tourists who try to take breaks from walking in this town.
Inside the “Tengoku,” you can smell something sweet. The feast of this paradise is a special pancake which has a burnt in mark of “Tengoku.” (550yen)
They start mixing the ingredients after getting an order, and cook on copper sheets. It tastes crunchy on the outside, and fluffy inside. When I put butter and maple syrup, the flavor of the milk gets stronger. The owner, Rumi Ueno was particular about this orthodox pancake. The taste of this pancake really made me relieved and reminds me of my mom who made pancakes for snacks when I was little.
“Tengoku’s special hotdog” which has a sausage about 25centimeters long sticking out from the hotdog bun is a must eat!
Detailed information:【Tokyo Cafe】Visit the café that has an original menu which gives you great impact volume 4 Asakusa “Tengoku”
■Information
Coffee Shop “Tengoku”
Address: 1-41-9 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 12:00~18:30 (L.O.)
Holiday: Tuesdays
6.“Kissa Knit” in Kinshi-cho
The signboard of this kissaten glows like a fireplace – Kissa Knit. The moment you open the door the sound of a bell will make you feel as if you have been transported through time to the Showa period. The first few years after they opened this café, they only served several light meal menus, but now there are so many menus such as “Barbeque set” and “Kani zosui” (crab hotpot and rice porridge), menu items you don’t usually see at this kind of café.
The special “Hot cake” (750yen and includes a soft drink)” with a toothpick sticking through the butter on top is the trade mark menu item of this shop. The two pancakes that are cooked in a copper plate are about five centimeter’s thick. You pour syrup on the top of butter which melts with the heat of the pancakes.
Detailed information:【Tokyo Cafe】Visit the café which has an original menu that will give you great impact volume 3. Kinshicho “Kissa Knit”
■Information
”Kissa Knit”
Address: 4-26-12 Kotobashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:00~20:00 Sundays and holidays 8:00~18:00
Holidays: Designated Sunday and national holidays
7.“LA MADRAGUE” in Kagurazaka
The commercial facility, “la kagu” located in Kagurazaka, is a renovated building which used to be a storage house for books. The café, “LA MADRAGUE” is inside this facility.
The main store of “LA MADRAGUE” in Kyoto is the café which has passed down three traditions. This café was built in the site where a café called “Jun-kissa Seven” was located. And a kissaten called “Meikyoku Kissa MUSE” was closed and it was being missed by many people, so they contributed their furniture to “LA MADRAGUE.” They also took over the egg sandwich recipe from western style restaurant called “Corona.” This place which has both of retro and modern atmosphere is being loved by people in Kyoto for a long time.
It is good to sit down on the sofa inside, but you also can spend time on the terrace when it is good weather. Why not enjoy this traditional café in Kagurazaka, away from the bustle of the big city.
Detailed information:【Tokyo Cafe】Visit the café which has original menu that give you great impact 2 Kagurazaka”la kagu”
■Information
LA MADRAGUE
Address: La Kagu 1F, 67 Yaraicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Kissa Madrague
Address: 706-5 Kami Matsuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
8.Yurakucho [ Hamano Ya Para]
Long-established store with inherited skills, they didn’t changed their own flavor in these past 50th years.
You can spend relaxing time in this calm cafe while listening vinyl disc’s music.Hamanoya Para’s speciality is [ Fruits sandwich and Egg sandwich mix] and Cream soda.The cream soda is light pink and peach flavor, is a really unusual flavor.
The sandwich which combine the texture of volumened egg with lettuce is the most popular one.
Detailed information:
http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/54419
■Information
Hamano ya para
Address: Tokyo-to chiyoda-ku Yurakucho 1-12-1 shin yurakucho building B1F
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 -18:00 / Sunday 10:00-17:00
Holiday: National holiday and New year’s day
TEL：03-3212-7447
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BEY SOLO EXHIBITION ‘NEW WAMERICAN’
Dates: November 1 ~ November 4, 2024
Hours: 10:00~20:00
Venue: TRUNK (HOTEL) CATSTREET
5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo[Reception Party]
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FRUITS ZIPPER Holds First Anniversary Concert, Announce Appearance at the ‘Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival’ in June
On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.
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<Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival Performance Information>
Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival
Date: June 26, 2023
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Streaming Date: May 4, 2023
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ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28. The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO's concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.” Additional performers may be announced in the future.
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ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
Admission: ¥3,000 (Presale) / ¥3,500 (Day-of)Buy Tickets
https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/ASOBIZA-230428Event Details
https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear! The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
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Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
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Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Information
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.Online Shop: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp/online_store/
Sales Open: March 9, 15:00 – April 16, 23:59
(Items will ship starting in early May 2023.)
Official Site: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp -
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The first participant in the Tokyo Diary Map series is Atsushi Ogata, a multi-talented TV personality and actor. Last year, he appeared as a beauty-concious man on Nippon TV’s DANCING SANMA PALACE, spurring a major buzz by revealing his cosmetic routine. He’s also a notable actor, having appeared in the papercraft theater company's 7th performance Sekai ga Asa wo Shiroutomo (Though the World May Know Morning), telling the story of a man and a woman, a couple of friends, and a certain woman “until morning.”
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Ivy Place
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https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/
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Ryo Ogata
In 2021, Ogata began his career as an actor and model.
His upbringing exposed him to dance, English, and art from an early age, helping to craft his current appeal.公式Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/ryokun_39
公式TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@ryoogata -
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition “Tokyo Girlfriend” Coming to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, New Works to be Exhibited for the First Time
From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.
GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)
A LONG VACATION - Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi
Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.
The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi's favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.
During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.
Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!
©2023 Eguchi HisashiInformation
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition ‘Tokyo Girlfriend’
Running: March 14 – April 23, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/