Hyperlocal Tokyo

Located a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line, you'll find "Coffee Hatoya," established in 1927. I wondered what time they opened. While it seemed to be 10:30 am, they actually opened at 11:30 am on this day. Stepping inside, you're greeted by a retro atmosphere, complete with records. Of course, I ordered the hotcakes, ¥600, and the boiled azuki beans, ¥500. The hotcakes were two fluffy, moist, nostalgic-feeling cakes. Each cake was over 10 centimeters in diameter and quite thick, making for a satisfying meal. I enjoyed them simply with the butter on top, which had a nice salty flavor. Maple syrup is provided separately for those who prefer it. I chose the boiled azuki beans as a drink because: 1. I was curious about them. 2. The hotcakes were simple, so I thought adding azuki beans would create an an-butter (red bean and butter) combination. The owner told me that boiled azuki beans were popular during wartime, and they're basically just sugar and azuki beans. Think of them as a sweet, thin version of o-shiruko (sweet red bean soup). I did, in fact, have them as an-butter, and it was a good choice, I'd say. When I ordered coffee, I noticed that the cup had two pigeons kissing, which looked like a heart, and it was adorable. These hotcakes might not be Instagram-worthy, but it was a valuable experience to visit this unique place. I'm grateful to my followers who indulged my interests. Thank you! It was delicious! Thank you for the meal.

A hidden gem of a coffee shop…☕︎ The prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was very relaxing. The staff were friendly and it was heartwarming to see them chatting with customers. I'm definitely going back to try their pancakes next time! ▷ Milk coffee 550 yen

This place feels more like a down-to-earth, old-fashioned, working-class coffee shop than a purely retro-style one. It's simple and I like it.

This place perfectly embodies the words 'Showa retro,' 'pure coffee shop,' 'cream soda,' and 'pancakes' – a must-visit for anyone who loves these things. The height of the chairs and tables, the color scheme, the name and logo – everything sets it apart from modern cafes. It's a place where you can relax and unwind, but there's also a certain tension that comes from the gap between the past and the present. It's located near Asakusa Station and Tawaramachi Station, right in front of Asakusa ROX 3G. If you're feeling a little peckish or just need a break, be sure to stop by. If the shop is full, it's important to be mindful and leave promptly after finishing your meal to ensure the longevity of this charming establishment.

The coffee used to be 350 yen, but it recently went up to 400 yen. You can get authentic coffee here. Plus, the food is cheap. Toast with jam is 250 yen. I always order these two, and they're delicious. There are six tables in the seating area, and it's full with 20 people. Like many places in Asakusa, this shop is popular with foreign tourists. On weekends, it feels a bit daunting to go in alone, but the owner is very welcoming. He loves his grandchildren, and when they come home from daycare, he closes the shop for a while. He reopens when they leave. He prioritizes family time and doesn't care much about making money. As long as he's there, I'll keep coming back to this shop.