Hyperlocal Tokyo

This is a small, dimly lit coffee shop tucked away in a back alley of Shibuya. I visited for the first time on a Saturday afternoon, and about 90% of the seats were filled. There was no greeting of "Welcome," nor a simple "Please wait" to acknowledge my arrival. The staff's voices were hard to hear and lacked energy, leaving a rather unenthusiastic first impression. I came specifically for the scones, but finding the tongs and plates was a complete mystery for a first-timer. Instead of the standard placement near the entrance, as found in every bakery and coffee shop, they were unusually located next to the register. Despite being near the register, customers are expected to grab them themselves, which is confusing for newcomers. A simple sign would have prevented this kind of confusion, a missed opportunity for this otherwise decent establishment. The interior was clean, and the background music was at a comfortable volume. I ordered a scone, a panini, and a latte. The taste was average, nothing particularly special or noteworthy. It was simply decent, so neither good nor bad. The scones are warmed up, so I recommend requesting that. Things to note: the staff lacks any charm, customers are responsible for grabbing scones from the counter near the register, cash only, and customers are expected to take their finished plates to the designated area.

A long-established cafe and bar in Shibuya's Spain-zaka, loved for over 30 years. The secret to its popularity is its "great value for money" and "scones." 👏 The lunch menu features a sandwich and drink set for just 640 yen, which is incredibly cheap! 😳 Individual drinks are also reasonably priced, starting from 280 yen. This is a steal even for Shibuya! 🤣 Right by the entrance, there are over 10 types of scones lined up, ranging from classic to unusual flavors like chocolate mint. 🌈 Scones are only available for takeout on weekdays, so you'll have to eat them inside on weekends. This place operates on a pre-payment system. After paying, you'll receive a number tag and your drink, then find a seat yourself. Food will be brought to you. There are many seats, but the spacing is still narrow, making it difficult to move around. 😅 ☑ Hot Sandwich Set (640 yen) Mustard chicken and tartar sandwich with crispy toasted bread, homemade tartar sauce, and chicken. 🍗 The chicken isn't particularly thick, about 1 cm, but it's still tasty. 😋 There's a wide variety of drinks to choose from, making this truly great value for money. 🥹 This time, I went for hot chai. The pouring was a bit messy, which was a shame, but the taste was fine. 😂 The interior has an Italian cafe vibe, so stylish you'd almost forget you're in Japan. ✨ The clientele is diverse, with people reading alone, studying with friends, on dates, or having girls' nights out. ☕️ The atmosphere and value for money are excellent, but be prepared for long wait times. 😭 Recommended for those who want to eat affordably in Shibuya and love scones. 🙌 ▼ Crowdedness Went at around 11:30 am on a Saturday and there were about 5 groups waiting. Pre-payment system, 20 minutes to pay, 20 minutes for food to arrive. ▼ Atmosphere Can get noisy due to the number of people. ▼ Clientele All ages and genders. ▼ Ease of entering alone Easy (saw women dining alone). ▼ Usage scenarios Dining alone, girls' night out. ▼ Points to note - Cash only payment.

This review is for the morning service. I ordered the egg sandwich. It was quite filling and fluffy, but the sour flavor didn't suit my taste and left an unpleasant aftertaste. The iced coffee had ice, but the coffee itself was lukewarm, which was unpleasant. The wooden bench was also uncomfortable, and I left as soon as I finished eating. It seems to have a good reputation, but I didn't feel that way.

This cafe has been a favorite of mine for a long time. Ever since I stumbled upon it after getting completely exhausted in the hustle and bustle of Shibuya all those years ago, it's been like an oasis in the city. It's the place I think of when I need a break from the world. The words "100-year cafe that will forever endure" are written on the register, and it made me incredibly happy to see that they are committed to carrying on the legacy of this cafe in this era. It's an incredibly challenging time to keep a place like this going. The cafe's timeless atmosphere, as if time has stood still, has captured my heart. Cash-only payments, a slow and personal checkout process, a vast menu that hasn't been automated, the old building, the restrooms! (I dream of the day they get renovated, haha). It's definitely not for everyone, especially those who prefer automated and efficient cafes. But that's what makes "Jinkankansai" so special! It's a place where you can truly relax and unwind. It's one of a kind. There are plenty of modern cafes nearby, so we can all coexist happily. I love this cafe! The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially considering its location in the heart of Shibuya. It makes me feel grateful. Thank you for opening your doors every day, and for always welcoming me with open arms. If you're looking for a place to take a break in Shibuya, I highly recommend Jinkankansai!