Hyperlocal Tokyo

I visited around 11:30 AM on a Thursday, a weekday. This is a famous old-fashioned coffee shop, known alongside "Oujou" in this area, but this was my first time visiting. I ordered the daily pasta with a drink, which was a mentaiko pasta today. The portion was a bit small, so it might not be enough for younger people. The pasta was cooked a bit firm, which I liked. It was delicious. The sofas are comfortable and allow you to sink in, so it might not be suitable for eating at the table or working. Here, it's best to relax, enjoy the interior decorations and the music. The young female staff member was very kind, which was refreshing. It has a different atmosphere from "Oujou", so if you're a fan of old-fashioned coffee shops who haven't been here, I highly recommend you visit!

This is a retro coffee shop that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Showa era. I visited for morning coffee. It was a bit late on a weekday, so it was empty. The coffee was delicious, and I was very happy to be served in such a beautiful cup. The shop allows smoking, so the air was filled with the smell of cigarettes. For someone like me who doesn't like smoke, I couldn't stay for long. However, even that is part of the Showa atmosphere, making it a truly nostalgic place.

I visited this cafe located in the basement of a building near the ward office, east of Ueno Station, on September 28, 2024, in the afternoon. It was crowded that day, but I was able to get in quickly and sat at a seat in the very back of the store, in front of the electric piano. I wonder if they have live performances here? The interior was very luxurious and had a sense of grandeur, with chandeliers and stained glass that were truly magnificent. The cafe was very lively, and I enjoyed a cup of coffee and a slice of cheesecake. The menu file included copies of magazine articles featuring the cafe, which I read and found quite interesting. The restroom was of the old style, with a men's urinal in front of the unisex toilet.

Kissa Kojo is a coffee shop located just a one-minute walk from Ueno Station. The interior is spacious and exudes a retro, classic coffee shop vibe. Smoking is allowed, making it a welcome spot for smokers. This time, I visited with the intention of trying their parfait. Since I went on a weekend, it was quite crowded and I had to wait about 10 minutes, but it was worth it. The parfait was generously sized, not overly sweet, and delicious. They also have food on the menu, which looked appetizing, but I didn't try it this time. If you go, weekdays might be a better option for a more relaxed experience. It's a perfect spot for a break, so if you're looking to take a breather in Ueno, be sure to check it out.

My journey began at Ueno Station. I decided to stop by a place with a sign that read "Old Castle." I love this sign! It says "High-Class Coffee Shop" and it feels like it's stuck in the Showa era, in a good way. Turning the corner, I found the entrance. It's a basement entrance to a building surrounded by signs, fitting for the bustling Ueno. High-class equals a glamorous coffee shop. It feels like I'm in Ginza! But this is Ueno. The building is amazing. The menu is also classic. A truly elegant experience at the Old Castle. It opens at 9 am and there were a decent number of customers already. You can choose any seat you like. The electric organ is also a bit Showa-esque. I can imagine the smell of cigarette smoke and the chatter of older gentlemen. It feels like there are more meticulous people now that we're in the Reiwa era. Morning service is until 11 am. I ordered the B-morning set for 850 yen. It came with coffee, a slice of toast, a boiled egg, and a salad. The thinness of the toast is a bit of a mystery. It's easy to eat, but it's like they cut a single slice of toast into four pieces. Back in the day, Ueno was a transit point for travelers arriving from the countryside in the morning and leaving for the countryside at night. It was a city of travelers. It was also a place where people who drank around Ueno would gather. It served many purposes. It's a glamorous Showa-era coffee shop, but it's in Ueno. The behind-the-scenes bustle is undeniable.