Oujo from 1975: Ueno’s Retro Japanese Traditional Cafe (Kissaten)

Ueno, located in Tokyo’s Taito Ward, offers a variety of attractions, including the Ueno Zoological Gardens, Ueno Onshi Park, and the bustling Ameyoko Market. Its proximity to Ueno Station, a major transportation hub with access to bullet trains and subways, makes it an ideal base for tourists. Just five minutes by subway from Asakusa, Ueno is a popular stop for travelers exploring both neighborhoods.

Known as one of Tokyo’s traditional downtown areas, Ueno’s old-town charm is preserved amid modern high-rises. Nestled within this district are several long-established kissaten (Japanese-style cafes), beloved by locals and visitors alike. Two standout names among these are Oujo (王城) and Kojo (古城). In this article, we’ll explore the charm, dedication, and recommended offerings of Oujo, a quintessential retro kissaten.

Oujo: A Long-Established Ueno Kissaten Turning 50 in 2025

Founded in 1975, Oujo is one of Ueno’s most iconic kissaten. The cafe has remained true to its roots, offering a nostalgic, serene ambiance with chandeliers, marble tables, and classic furnishings. As the cafe approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, it continues to attract patrons with its timeless atmosphere and comforting menu.

One of Oujo’s most popular offerings is the Morning Set, available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This set features coffee or tea, paired with thickly sliced toast and a boiled egg—a simple but satisfying start to the day that draws both locals and tourists.

Beyond the coffee, Oujo offers a variety of menu items, such as parfaits generously topped with whipped cream and hearty thick toast, ensuring visitors have plenty of delicious options to enjoy.

What is a Kissaten?

A kissaten is more than just a place to drink coffee; it offers a full culinary experience. These Japanese-style cafes typically serve a wide range of food, from morning sets—including toast, boiled eggs, and salads—to desserts such as cakes and parfaits, and even lunch dishes like hamburg steak and pasta.

Many kissaten emphasize high-quality coffee, often allowing customers to choose from several types of beans and offering each cup brewed to order. These cafes are treasured as places where both locals and tourists can relax over a meal or drink, immersed in a uniquely retro vibe.

Oujo’s Timeless Interior: A Journey Back to 1975

One of the most captivating aspects of Oujo is its carefully preserved interior, evoking the charm of 1975 when the cafe first opened. The decor includes ornate wall and ceiling designs, velvet-upholstered sofas, and marble tables illuminated by grand chandeliers, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming environment.

The flooring is an artistic arrangement of multi-colored wood, adding to the cafe’s unique character. The dark-toned walls further enhance the serene atmosphere, making Oujo a perfect retreat from the bustling streets outside.

Why Oujo is Popular with Tourists: A Selection of Three Key Attractions

A Retro “Showa” Ambiance Preserved in Exterior and Interior

The term Showa refers to a historical era in Japan, lasting from 1926 to 1989. Places and objects that evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of the period from the mid-1950s to the 1970s are referred to as “Showa Retro,” and they have become increasingly popular among young people today.

Founded in 1975, Oujo is the perfect place to immerse yourself in this nostalgic Showa ambiance. Visitors are first greeted by brick walls and a red door, showing signs of years of use, reflecting the cafe’s long history. The dignified “Coffee Oujo” sign gives the impression of a well-established kissaten with an enduring legacy.

The warm, nostalgic vibe of Showa Retro makes Oujo a popular destination not only for those reminiscing about the past but also for younger patrons eager to experience a piece of history they never lived through.

Signature Menu Items Packed with Oujo’s Charm

A Kissaten Classic: Chewy and Flavorful Napolitan Pasta

Napolitan is a quintessential kissaten dish, known for its nostalgic appeal. The pasta is stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, bacon, and mushrooms in a rich tomato-based sauce.

At Oujo, the thick, chewy noodles are coated in generous amounts of ketchup, delivering a balanced blend of tomato’s tanginess and sweetness. The dish is served with grated cheese and Tabasco sauce on the side, allowing diners to tweak the flavor to their liking.

If you’re looking to experience a traditional kissaten meal, Napolitan is a must-try.

Selling Over 50 a Day: The Simple Yet Exquisite Chocolate Parfait

One of Oujo’s standout menu items is the Chocolate Parfait, sometimes selling over 50 servings a day. This charming dessert features layers of ice cream and tangerines, topped with a mountain of whipped cream, making it both delicious and photogenic.

The parfait is finished with chocolate sauce and a cherry, perfect for a photo opportunity before indulging. If you’re concerned about portion size, a half-sized parfait is also available.

Whether you’re taking a break during the afternoon or satisfying a sweet craving, the Chocolate Parfait is a must for your cafe visit.

Healthy Dishes Designed by the 3rd Generation Owner and Herbal Medicine Expert

The third-generation owner of Oujo, Mr. Tamayama, is not only the cafe’s manager but also a practitioner at a traditional herbal medicine clinic. In Japanese medicine, herbal remedies (Kampo) are made by blending natural ingredients like roots, fruits, and seeds to treat chronic conditions, prevent illness, and maintain well-being. Below are three health-conscious dishes curated by Mr. Tamayama.

Medicinal Keema Curry: A Flavorful and Healthy Option

The Medicinal Keema Curry is made with a blend of eight herbal ingredients, designed to be hearty yet easy on the digestive system. The curry, served alongside rice, is filled with finely chopped vegetables and topped with a boiled egg.

This dish is rich in protein and includes medicinal herbs that promote healthy blood circulation. While filling, it remains light on the stomach, making it a great option for those looking to eat well without compromising on health.

If you want a nutritious yet satisfying meal, this herbal keema curry is highly recommended.

Natsume Milk

Natsume Milk is a refreshing iced milk tea made with dates, a fruit highly valued in the deserts of Iran as a nutritional staple. Packed with magnesium, potassium, and iron, it’s an excellent stamina-boosting drink, especially to combat summer fatigue.

Despite being sugar-free, the drink has a natural sweetness that offers a pleasant refreshment, perfect for recharging after a long day of sightseeing. If you’re visiting in summer, this drink is a must-try!

Personally, I make sure to order it every time I visit Oujo.

Brown Sugar Ginger Milk

Brown Sugar Ginger Milk is a soothing hot drink that combines the mild sweetness of brown sugar milk with the warming spiciness of ginger. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice will warm both your heart and body with every sip. It’s especially satisfying after a long day of winter sightseeing.

Even in summer, the ginger in this drink helps soothe your digestive system, especially if you’ve indulged in cold food or drinks.

If you’re looking for a healthy drink with moderate sweetness, this is a great choice.

Access and General Information for Oujo

Store Information:
- Address: 6-8-15 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 8:00 – 19:00 (Last orders: Food 18:00 / Drinks 18:30)
- Phone Number: 03-3832-2863
- Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coffeeoujyou/
- Official X: https://x.com/coffeeoujou

Recommended: Kojo, Another Long-Established Kissaten in Ueno

Founded in 1963, Kojo is another long-standing kissaten in Ueno. Descend a narrow staircase to the basement, and you’ll find a retro interior with stone partitions, chandeliers, and stained glass windows that exude a sense of nostalgia and elegance.

Kojo offers classic kissaten items like cream soda topped with ice cream, Napolitan pasta, and fluffy pancakes, providing a taste of traditional Japanese cafe culture.

The solemn, nostalgic atmosphere makes it a place you’ll want to linger for hours, enjoying the ambiance along with your meal.

Kojo Store Information:
- Address: 3-39-10 Higashi-Ueno, Kowa Building B1F, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 – 20:00
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone Number: 03-3832-5675
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kojyo_kyoko/

Explore Ueno After Relaxing at Oujo!

Ameyoko

Ameyoko is a bustling 500-meter-long shopping street between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, featuring about 400 stores selling everything from fresh fish and meat to clothing and sundries.

It’s also a popular destination for street food. Visitors can enjoy snacks like cut fruit, freshly fried menchi-katsu (breaded minced meat cutlet), and crispy, sweet daigaku-imo (deep-fried sweet potatoes coated in syrup).

For those who enjoy drinks, the standing bars in Ameyoko offer affordable and delicious Japanese izakaya-style dishes that make for a perfect food-and-drink experience.

Facility Information:
- Address: 6-10-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: Vary by store
- Closed: Varies by store
- Phone Number: 03-3832-5053
- Official Website: https://www.ameyoko.net/

Ueno Zoo

Founded in 1882, Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and home to around 300 animal species, totaling about 3,000 animals. The zoo features naturalistic enclosures such as the Elephant Forest and Gorilla and Tiger Forest, designed to replicate the animals' habitats and encourage natural behaviors.

The zoo is especially famous for its pandas. The Panda Forest, modeled after Sichuan Province in China, draws many visitors, and panda-themed souvenirs are available throughout the zoo. Every time I visit Ueno, I make sure to pick up some gifts here.

Facility Information:
- Address: 9-83 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (Admission until 16:00)
- Closed: Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a holiday), and Dec. 29 – Jan. 1
- Phone Number: 03-3828-5171
- Official Website: https://www.tokyo-zoo.net/zoo/ueno/
- Official X: https://x.com/UenoZooGardens?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Tokyo National Museum

Founded in 1872, the Tokyo National Museum holds a collection of 120,000 artifacts of high historical value. The museum is divided into six buildings: the Main Building, Heisei Building, Asian Gallery, Horyuji Treasures Gallery, Kuroda Memorial Hall, and Hyokei Pavilion.

Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, from ancient pottery and samurai armor to traditional tea utensils. Even the architecture of the museum itself is a beautiful attraction, making it a great spot for those interested in both art and history.

Facility Information:
- Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours:
  - 9:30 – 17:00
  - Fridays, Saturdays, and Nov. 3 (holiday): 9:30 – 20:00
  - (Last entry: 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Mondays (or the next weekday if Monday is a holiday), Dec. 17, and Dec. 23 – Jan. 1
- Phone Number: 03-3822-1111
- Official Website: https://www.tnm.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnm_pr/
- Official X: https://x.com/TNM_PR

Ueno Toshogu Shrine

Founded in 1627, Ueno Toshogu Shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s most influential shoguns. The shrine is known for granting blessings for career success, victories, and longevity.

The golden pavilion at the heart of the shrine is designated as a nationally significant cultural property. Its intricate carvings showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of the period.

Within the same grounds, you’ll also find the Peony Garden, where various types of peonies bloom beautifully. It’s a wonderful spot for those who enjoy Japanese gardens and seasonal flowers.

Facility Information:
- Address: 9-88 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Visiting Hours:
  - Summer (Mar – Sept): 9:00 – 17:30
  - Winter (Oct – Feb): 9:00 – 16:30
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 03-3822-3455
- Official Website: https://www.uenotoshogu.com/index.html
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uenotoshogu/
- Official X: https://x.com/uenotoshogu?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor