[8 Retro Cafes in Tokyo to Experience the Showa Era’s Charm: Good Old Classic Shops]

While the number of retro Showa-style cafés has been decreasing over the years, Tokyo still hosts a number of nostalgic and classic pure cafés that evoke the scent of the Showa era.

Menus at these cafés feature items like “cream soda,” “Showa-style curry,” “hamburger steak,” “spaghetti Napolitan,” and “pizza toast” — dishes that are reminiscent of the Showa era, offering a sense of nostalgia that both adults who were born in that time and children who don’t know Showa can enjoy.

If you’re wondering where you can enjoy Showa-era nostalgia, you’ve come to the right place! Here, TOKYO LOCAL introduces several “pure cafés” with interiors and drinks that exude the retro atmosphere of the Showa era.

Brown Café Der Koffer (Honjo Azumabashi)

Located in Honjo Azumabashi, within walking distance of Asakusa and Oshiage, Brown Café Der Koffer is a charming retro café.

When you peek inside, you’ll notice the beautiful retro floor patterns and the floral-patterned window grilles, which create a “retro cute” atmosphere, spreading a sense of warmth and deliciousness typical of an old-fashioned café.

The café’s interior is bathed in soothing “brown color,” and there’s even a small shop space where you can enjoy shopping while relaxing in this cozy setting.

Additionally, the café offers a variety of menus, such as the Morning Dog (¥350, including tax), homemade copper pan-fried pancakes (¥700, including tax), and homemade coffee jelly (¥650, including tax), perfect for a relaxing morning.

Pair a meticulously crafted coffee with fluffy pancakes that are crisp on the outside.

Seasonal Fresh Juice and Walnut Bread Café Kado (Mukojima)

Lcated at the base of Tokyo Skytree in Sumida’s Mukojima, the retro café “Kado” is steeped in Showa nostalgia, right down to its appearance.

The brick and stone wall, along with the uniquely Showa-style font sign, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Upon entering, you’ll be struck by the impressive display of portraits and chandeliers that decorate the ceiling and walls, evoking a sense of retro luxury.

This café’s connection to the world of literature is noteworthy, as it is said to have been designed by Naoki Shiga’s brother, Naomitsu Shiga, who was also an accomplished architect known for works such as “Kozo no Kami-sama” and “Kinosaki ni Te.”

The café’s popular drinks include “active fresh juice” with a strong celery flavor and the rich “banana shake.” Enjoy them alongside the café’s famous “walnut bread” to experience the delightful taste of nostalgia.

Sabouru (Jimbocho)

Located in Jimbocho, a famous district for second-hand bookstores in Tokyo, “Sabouru” has been a beloved retro café since its founding in 1955.

With a warm, wood-toned interior and lantern lighting, it feels like stepping into an old-fashioned home, reminiscent of a time long past.

The mix of Showa retro, mountain cabin, and Polynesian elements creates a distinct atmosphere. The café’s popularity is still strong today, and young customers have also discovered it, promoting it on Instagram and Twitter.

Popular menu items include classic spaghetti Napolitan and cream soda — true Showa classics that remain a staple.

Café Mountain (Asakusa)

Asakusa’s “Pure Café Mountain” has been in operation for over 50 years.

Upon opening the door, you’ll instantly feel as though you’ve stepped into another world, either into the back alley of a local shopping street in a rural town or into the Showa era itself.

With a ceiling and lighting reminiscent of a folk-style soba shop and a space filled with Showa-era stained glass and photos of Showa-era stars, the atmosphere is surreal yet nostalgic.

The café’s popular items include a variety of desserts like pudding, parfaits, cream soda, and the famous hotcakes topped generously with red bean paste.

If you’re visiting Asakusa, be sure to stop by for a delightful taste of retro nostalgia.

Monozuki (Nishiogikubo)

“Monozuki,” located in Nishiogikubo, has been a cherished pure café since its founding in 1975.

The café features antique lanterns hanging from the ceiling and an array of antique clocks adorning the walls. With an antique ambiance that feels as though you’ve wandered into a Studio Ghibli world, this café is a beloved spot for regulars.

Offering more than 10 varieties of coffee, this café is not only known for its excellent drinks but also for its unbeatable prices, with toast served with butter and jam for just ¥280.

Recently, the café has seen an influx of younger customers, drawn by its photogenic atmosphere and its delicious red cream soda.

Takase Western Confectionery Ikebukuro Main Store

“Takase Western Confectionery” was founded in the 9th year of the Taisho era, and it has been a long-standing confectionery store for over 100 years.

The Ikebukuro Main Store consists of the following: the first floor for bread and western sweets, the second floor as a café, the third floor as a restaurant, and the 9th floor as a coffee lounge.

On the second floor café, light meals such as pizza toast and sandwiches are available, and for dessert, alongside cake sets, there is a fruit parfait with an apple shaped like a rabbit, which carries a distinctly Showa-era atmosphere.

Why not immerse yourself in nostalgia while enjoying a classic drink like cream soda or coffee float, all while gazing at Ikebukuro Station from the retro space?

Meikyoku & Coffee Shinjuku Ranburu

“Meikyoku & Coffee Shinjuku Ranburu” is one of the relatively large pure coffee shops in Tokyo, marked by its yellow sign at the storefront!

Located in Shinjuku since 1950, “Meikyoku & Coffee Shinjuku Ranburu” saw a big surge in popularity during the early Showa period and continues to maintain strong popularity.

The silver containers for sugar and milk, as well as the cups, have a Showa retro atmosphere, offering a nostalgic taste reminiscent of the Showa era. Popular menu items include the egg and tuna sandwich set and pilaf.

The shop is often used for meetings or gatherings, so it’s expected that there will be quite a line during weekends.

Authentic Western Cuisine & Sweets Parlor Ohashi (Shibuya)

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Located on the 6th floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya, this retro-style pure western cuisine restaurant offers Showa-era inspired dishes.

Despite the building being modern, the restaurant’s interior features a retro pop atmosphere filled with the owner-chef’s dedication, and it serves classic Showa western cuisine and sweets.

The menu includes quintessential Showa dishes like fried shrimp, spaghetti Napolitan, omelets, and hamburgers, along with the iconic “THE Cream Soda,” which appeals to people of all ages.

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This is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of a pure coffee shop without venturing far, offering a quick and satisfying experience close to the station.

Summary

These are eight selected pure coffee shops in Tokyo.

Tokyo still has countless pure coffee shops and classic cafés, and we hope to introduce more in the future. Although the number of pure coffee shops has declined since their peak, we hope they continue to thrive, and we should continue to support and protect these old, cherished establishments by visiting them regularly.