6 Retro Cafes in Nippori! A Blissful Day Off Enjoying the Charm of Yanesen

Photograph:ツカレビュー

Kissa Nikai is a retro cafe on the second floor of a building about a 10-minute walk from Nippori Station. The first floor is a space lined with tableware and glassware.

Climb the stairs, and you will find turquoise blue wallpaper and vintage lamps adding color to the space. A retro modern world opens up, where you can enjoy time that feels out of the ordinary.

Photograph:sakae111

This is Nikai no Cream Soda. It is said to be a popular menu item that many people order. The topping, which combines a nostalgic feel with stylish flair, leaves an impression.

The clear blue soda has a light fizz, and it seems to pair well with the gentle tang of the yogurt ice cream on top.

Photograph:ツカレビュー

The photo shows "Nikai no French Toast Matcha Choco (French Toast with Matcha Chocolate)".

The bread is said to be light and soft, and when you cut into it, warm chocolate slowly flows out. The buttery aroma blends with the slight bitterness of matcha, giving the sweetness a gently bittersweet note.

Photograph:piropedia

Cafe & Restaurant Danwashitsu Newtokyo is just steps from the East Exit of Nippori Station. This Showa retro cafe features a large chandelier and red damask-pattern chairs. The copper tables add to the atmosphere.

Another draw is the calm space, where you can relax and enjoy your meal and conversation.

Photograph:孤独なキャンパー

The Breakfast that lets you enjoy a relaxed morning is well liked, and you can choose from a wide range of menu items.

The photo shows the "Grilled Sandwich." The nicely toasted bread is crisp on the outside and goes well with the filling inside. The ingredients are well balanced too, making for a satisfying breakfast you can really enjoy.

Photograph:所長114068

This is the "jumbo ebi-furai (deep-fried shrimp) & pork stamina-yaki (grilled pork with savory sauce)." It is a popular menu item that brings favorite yoshoku (Japanese-style Western dishes) together on one plate.

The ebi-furai has a crisp, light coating, and the more you bite into it, the more flavor comes through. The stamina-yaki features tender pork well coated in a sweet and savory sauce, making it a great match for rice.

Photograph:ツカレビュー

Cafe de Parc is a retro cafe on the second floor of a building just outside the west exit of Nishi-Nippori Station. It has a calm space with a dark brown color scheme, and the location also offers a nice view.

It is also well known for its nostalgic yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food) menu and sweets, and you can order everything on the menu from opening time.

Photograph:みかたく2025

The apple pie is a carefully made item that is baked from the dough for each order. The pastry is crisp and fragrant on the surface, and said to be filled with soft, sweet cooked apples inside.

As the vanilla ice cream melts, it adds a mellow touch to the flavor.

Photograph:KIKI_poyo◡̈⃝︎

The "custard pudding" is said to be made in the old style, with a firm set.

It has a rich egg flavor and a pleasantly springy texture. You can choose the fruit on top from several kinds.

Photograph:ぷらっとQちゃん

Mukashinagara no Kissaten Toryu Nippori Ten is easy to spot in the white glass-fronted building immediately to the left after exiting the South Gate of Nippori Station. This retro cafe with the feel of a jun-kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee shop) is on the second floor.

Reviews also mention that the interior, with its warm lighting and classic decor, creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Photograph:annapnolem

This is the "French Toast," a popular menu item loved for its simple, approachable flavor that is not too sweet.

When you take a bite, a gentle sweetness and the rich taste of egg spread across your palate. Its light and moist texture is also said to be irresistible for French toast lovers.

Photograph:サヌキー

The "Kissaten no Napolitan" has a nice balance of tangy and sweet flavors from the tomato sauce. The ingredients are simple, with bacon, onion, and green pepper, and you can also change up the flavor with grated cheese and Tabasco.

At lunchtime, it comes with a drink set, so you can enjoy it at a good value.

Photograph:y31-t775

Azumaya is a Showa retro cafe that has been around since 1945, located about a 1-minute walk from the west exit of Nippori Station and close to Yanaka Ginza Shotengai (Yanaka Ginza shopping street).

Inside, rows of four-person tables create a nostalgic and relaxing space. Time seems to pass slowly here, and many people stop by while taking a break from shopping.

Photograph:happy789753

The specialty here is anmitsu (traditional Japanese dessert) topped with a cat-shaped monaka (crisp wafer). The photo shows the “Shiratama Anmitsu,” and the chewy shiratama dumplings, anko sweet red bean paste, and monaka are said to go very well together, giving it a nostalgic taste.

The fruit also adds just the right accent, bringing a refreshing touch to the sweetness. It comes with warm hojicha (roasted green tea), making it a dish you can enjoy all year round.

Photograph:米之里湊町43番地先

Although it is an amamidokoro (Japanese sweets cafe), it also has a full food menu with set meals, ramen, and Western dishes.

The photo shows the “Omurice.” It features simple ingredients centered on onions and bacon. The soft egg blends well with the fragrant fried rice, for a classic old-style Omurice.

Photograph:黒猫 あずき

Sanpota Cafe Nonbiriya is a retro cafe set in a renovated kominka (traditional old house) more than 100 years old. It stands near Teramachi Bijutsukan (Teramachi Art Museum) in Yanaka, an area full of Edo period charm.

The cafe also serves creative dishes, coffee, and wine. In addition to counter and table seating, kotatsu (heated table) seating is available in the colder seasons, so you can fully enjoy your time in this old house.

Photograph:23b63769263

The photo shows “Omurice [Black].”

Under the egg is rice in a seafood risotto style mixed with ikasumi (squid ink). It has just the right touch of garlic, with a rich and mellow flavor.

Photograph:しょこらとる

The "crème brûlée" is known for its fragrant caramelized top. Inside, it is rich and smooth, with a full sweet flavor that spreads across the palate.

Reviews said the hot ginger drink had a clear ginger flavor and paired well with the sweets.