Hyperlocal Tokyo

This cafe is located in the Marui department store, just a few minutes' walk from Ueno Station. The entire second basement floor is almost entirely dedicated to Muji, and this cafe is run by Muji. I happened to be in Ueno, so I stopped by around 2:30 pm on a weekend for a break. Since it's located inside Marui, there were families with children, and it was quite crowded. There are many seats, but only a few were available. Even so, it wasn't completely full, so I was able to find a seat without waiting. You can reserve a seat by placing a reservation tag at the entrance, and then order at the counter. This time, I just wanted a quick break, so I only had ginger ale, but their Jersey milk soft serve, pudding, and cheesecake looked delicious. They also have lunch menu options with rice dishes. The ginger ale was definitely homemade. Or maybe it was Muji's own brand? I took a picture, but the ginger ale was gone by then. It's not completely transparent. Sorry about that.

This is a self-service cafe located in the basement of Marui in Ueno. Even after 2 pm, there were quite a few people. The taste wasn't bad, but the price was quite high for a retort curry and self-service. During lunch, drinks are only 100 yen off. Maybe it's because of the brand power? I was able to relax there.

This is a basic self-service restaurant where you first secure a seat, then order and receive your food at the counter, and finally return your dishes to the counter after your meal. While not very spacious, the table arrangement seems well-designed, creating a sense of calm for dining. Currently, the dining time limit is 60 minutes. The menu has changed to a plate format with "Main (choose from today's meat, fish, vegetable dish, or karaage) + 1 or 2 selectable deli items + salad + rice + miso soup." I'm not sure if it's just me, but I feel the value and satisfaction have diminished compared to the previous menu. The salad included in the set is also a disappointing, meager portion. I hope they bring back the previous menu with "4 or 3 selectable deli items + rice + miso soup."

While searching for a cafe in Ueno, I stumbled upon a Muji cafe inside the Marui department store. It's the kind of cafe you'd find in a shopping mall. Next door is a Muji store. The prices are a bit high, but the atmosphere is calm and relaxing. I had dessert after lunch.

Minimizing chemical seasonings and avoiding preservatives, this restaurant prioritizes health and sustainability while delivering delicious food. It's a true reflection of Muji's philosophy. The 4-Dish Deli Set (¥1,000) includes rice and miso soup, both refillable. You can choose between white rice or a cooked rice dish, and I opted for the sweet potato cooked rice. They aim to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients by keeping the cooking simple. However, deliciousness and satisfying portions are essential for a fulfilling meal. The set featured classic chicken breast karaage with sweet chili mayonnaise, pork and root vegetable stir-fry with a sweet and spicy sauce, and thick omelet. The pear and celery salad with walnuts provided a delightful crunch. Fruit in salads is always a welcome addition. The 3-Dish Deli Set (¥900) comes with rice and miso soup. As I was in the midst of a health check-up, I chose white rice and opted for a chicken and kale tofu hamburger for a health-conscious main course. The curry in the top right corner was a small act of rebellion. (T_T) Cafe & Meal Muji pushes the boundaries of flavor, offering dishes that are just flavorful enough without being overly bland. It was delicious.