Hyperlocal Tokyo

A spacious, retro-style coffee shop reminiscent of the Showa era. It's rare in Tokyo to find a place where smoking is allowed in all seats. While I could smell cigarette smoke, no one was smoking near me during my visit. However, if you're sensitive to smoke, be aware. Looking at the menu photos, it seems prices have increased quite a bit in the past year. Coffee is now 850 yen, and soft drinks are similarly priced. A 500ml can of beer (Kirin Black Label) is 1000 yen, making the beer seem relatively affordable. The atmosphere is nice, but it's more of a tourist spot where you can enjoy old-fashioned menu items than a place for leisurely relaxation. That said, it's still a fun place to visit!

I stopped by this long-established cafe near Ueno Station for a break. It's conveniently located just a minute's walk from the station. This is a super famous cafe in the area, known for its retro 1977 establishment and the staff's uniforms. I arrived around 3:00 PM and was the fourth group in line. The cafe is spacious, so the turnover is quick, and I was seated after about 10 minutes. I sat at the counter. The menu features coffee, tea, juice, fresh fruit juice, and even canned beer for ¥1,000. Food options include toast, pasta, omelets, pilaf, and sandwiches. The most popular item, judging by the constant orders, was the retro-style parfait. For our break, we ordered iced tea and a coffee float. The iced tea was refreshing and perfect for cooling down. The staff were all incredibly friendly. I wonder why this place isn't on the list of the 100 best cafes? Perhaps due to the location, there are panda figurines scattered throughout the cafe.

This seems to be an old-fashioned coffee shop near Ueno Station. It's located on the second floor and allows smoking. The morning set is relatively expensive, usually exceeding 1000 yen. I ordered the honey toast, which came with a side of vegetables! The delicious coffee and warm toast were a perfect combination for a relaxing time. It wasn't very crowded in the morning, so it's a good place to go if you don't mind the price!

Based on numerous reviews, I visited Ueno Zoo before it opened. It's rare to find a place nowadays where smoking is allowed in all seats. From the moment it opened, customers kept pouring in, creating a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of old-fashioned cafes. The cloth hand towels and milk pitcher brought back a sense of nostalgia. The coffee was rich and the morning menu was extensive. While the sandwiches and pizza toast are popular, I opted for the toast set on this visit, planning to stop by again when I'm in Ueno. With various trains passing overhead, it's a great spot for train enthusiasts and families with children.