The Best 8 Cafes in Ueno! Enjoy a Mix of Cafes and Kissaten
Ueno, located in Taito-ku, is a district that offers a variety of attractions, including cultural facilities like zoos and art museums, lush parks, and lively drinking alleys beneath the train tracks.
Popular spots in Ueno include Ueno Zoological Gardens, The National Museum of Western Art, and the bustling Ameyoko Shopping Street. Close to Asakusa, Ueno is a part of Tokyo known as a "shitamachi" (old downtown), where visitors can enjoy a retro cityscape.
Amidst this nostalgic setting, you'll find a mix of traditional kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shops) and cafes where you can enjoy Japanese sweets. Today, we’ll introduce some of the best spots in Ueno, perfect for taking a break during sightseeing, from retro kissaten to cafes nestled in nature within the park.
Ueno: A Blend of Retro Charm and Modern Cafes
Ueno is a unique area where old, retro buildings coexist with modern architecture. From long-standing kissaten to trendy cafes, the district offers a wide range of options.
Many of these cafes and kissaten pride themselves on offering specialty menus, such as in-house roasted coffee, light meals, and desserts. Whether you're taking a break from sightseeing or work, these cafes are beloved by both tourists and locals.
The interior design of each cafe is also part of their charm, so cafe hopping can be a fun experience!
What is a Kissaten?
A kissaten is a Japanese-style coffee shop that not only serves drinks but also focuses on meals. The food typically includes Western-style dishes like pasta, sandwiches, and omelets.
The dessert menu often features cakes, parfaits, and puddings, with elaborate presentations such as whipped cream and chocolate sauce-topped desserts.
Many kissaten offer morning sets, where you can enjoy toast and salad with a drink, making them popular among locals in the early hours.
3 Classic Kissaten in Ueno to Experience Japanese Nostalgia
Kojyou
Source:Tabelog
Founded in 1963, "Kojyou" is a long-established kissaten. Enter through a narrow exterior door, and descend into a basement decorated with marble walls and stained glass, where you’ll find a luxurious interior filled with elegant furniture and chandeliers.
Kojyou offers a variety of menu items, including sandwich sets, Napolitan (a Japanese-style pasta dish with onions, green peppers, and bacon, flavored with tomato ketchup), and delicately sweet pancakes and milkshakes (a Japanese dessert drink made with milk, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla essence).
Why not enjoy uniquely Japanese dishes in this historically rich kissaten?
- Address: 3-39-10 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Kowa Building B1F
- Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00–20:00
- Closed:Sundays and Holidays
- Phone: 03-3832-5675
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kojyo_kyoko/
Oujyou
Source:Tabelog
"Coffee Oujyou," founded in 1975, is just a 4-minute walk from Ueno Station. The interior features a calm, retro atmosphere with plush velour chairs. You can enjoy a relaxing cafe experience in this vintage setting.
Oujyou’s famous menu item is the chocolate parfait, topped with ice cream, oranges, and chocolate sauce. The whipped cream is piled high, making it a visually stunning dessert, perfect for photos!
Oujyou also offers a popular morning set, where thick toast and a boiled egg are served with a drink. This limited-time menu is available from 8:00 to 11:30, so if you're staying nearby, it's a great breakfast option.
- Address: 6-8-15 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Opening Hours: 8:00–19:00 (Last orders: Food 18:00, Drinks 18:30)
- Phone: 03-3832-2863
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeeoujyou/
- X:https://x.com/coffeeoujou
Fujyunkissa Dope Ueno Okachimachi Branch
Source:Tabelog
Located on the first floor of a brick building, "Fujyunkissa Dope" is a kissaten where you can enjoy colorful soda floats topped with ice cream, as well as homemade puddings.
With green wooden window frames and doors, the cafe’s design takes you back in time. Inside, leather sofas and stained glass lamps create a nostalgic ambiance. The famous egg sandwiches, omelets, and Napolitan are must-try dishes here.
Enjoy a fun cafe experience in this pop-style interior, where the food looks as cute as the decor.
-Address: 1-8-3 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Ueno Suzuki Building 1F
- Opening Hours: 12:00–21:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kissadope/?hl=ja
- X: https://x.com/kissadope
Note:
For inquiries, only accepted through This page.
Three Recommended Cafes for Authentic Coffee Lovers
Usagiya CAFE
Source: Official Website
"Usagiya CAFE" is a cafe where you can enjoy Japanese sweets made with the signature red bean paste from "Usagiya," a long-established wagashi shop founded in 1913. Their menu features unique items like French toast made from their moist dorayaki pancakes grilled with butter, and shaved ice made with Hawaiian water.
As for drinks, you can choose from various Japanese teas such as genmaicha (green tea blended with roasted brown rice), hojicha (a roasted tea with a toasty flavor), and sencha (a refreshing green tea).
If you want to indulge in traditional Japanese sweets and tea, this is a must-visit spot.
Shop Information
- Address: 1st Floor, 1-17-5 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone Number: 03-6240-1561
- Official Website:http://usagiya-cafe.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usagiya_cafe/
- Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usagiyacafe?fref=ts
Café Lapin
Source: Tripadvisor
Café Lapin is a cozy coffee shop tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, famous for its freshly roasted coffee and light meals. The interior, adorned with antique furniture and a variety of coffee cups, creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The most popular items here are their house-roasted coffee and homemade desserts. You can enjoy a carefully brewed cup of coffee paired with their creamy strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, or tiramisu. The delightful pairing of coffee and desserts is sure to satisfy any coffee lover.
Shop Information
- Address: 3-15-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays, Holidays, Obon, and Year-End/New Year Holidays
- Phone Number: 03-3832-7605
- Official website:https://cafe-lapin.shop-pro.jp/
Hard Rock Cafe Ueno Tokyo
Source: Official Website
Located inside Atre Ueno, right next to Ueno Station, Hard Rock Cafe Ueno Tokyo offers classic American dishes such as burgers, fish and chips, and steaks in hearty portions. The extensive drink menu, including alcoholic beverages, makes it an ideal place for group dining with shareable, large meals.
If you enjoy dining to the sound of loud rock music and an entertaining atmosphere, this is the place for you. With long operating hours from breakfast through dinner, it’s convenient to visit anytime.
Shop Information
- Address: 1st Floor, 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Atre Ueno)
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)
- Closed: Follows Atre Ueno’s holiday schedule
- Phone Number: 03-5826-5821
- official website：https://cafe.hardrock.com/tokyo-uyeno-eki/jp/
- Official Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/hrcuyenoekitokyo/?hl=ja
- Official Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/hardrockcafe.uyenoeki.Tokyo
Two Recommended Cafes to Enjoy Nature in Ueno Park
EVERYONE's CAFE
Source: Official Facebook
EVERYONE's CAFE is a restaurant located within Ueno Onshi Park. The restaurant highlights the charm of Tokyo's agriculture and livestock industries by offering dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Tokyo.
Their menu includes lunch plates featuring pork or fish, seasonal vegetable curries, and other dishes that emphasize Tokyo-grown ingredients. For dessert, you can enjoy pancakes topped with fruits and whipped cream, or milk gelato made from Tokyo's dairy milk—perfect for tea time.
During pleasant weather in the spring and autumn, it's highly recommended to enjoy your meal on the terrace. Surrounded by trees, it’s a great spot to relax and unwind.
Shop Information
- Address: 8-4 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Weekends and Holidays 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed: Follows facility holidays
- Phone Number: 03-5815-8251
- Official website:https://shop.create-restaurants.co.jp/0941/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyonescafe_ueno/
- Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eoc.ueno/
Starbucks Coffee Ueno Onshi Park Branch
Source: Official Website
The Ueno Onshi Park branch of Starbucks Coffee is located in Takenodai Plaza within Ueno Park, offering a peaceful spot surrounded by nature to enjoy your coffee break.
Nearby, you'll find cultural attractions like the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and Ueno Zoological Gardens, making it a convenient resting place during sightseeing or a leisurely walk. On nice days, it's especially recommended to sit outside on the terrace, where you can take in the scenery of the surrounding nature and fountains while enjoying your drink.
Step away from the bustling city and relax in the serenity of nature at this location.
Shop Information
- Address: 8-22 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 03-5834-1630
- Official website:https://store.starbucks.co.jp/detail-1087/
Areas Near Ueno Full of Stylish Cafes
The area surrounding Ueno is not the only place with trendy cafes. In this section, we'll introduce nearby areas with unique cafes and coffee shops that have their own distinctive charm.
Each area has its own vibe, so enjoy exploring the atmosphere of the streets while finding your new favorite cafe. These areas are only a short train ride away, making them perfect for a combined trip with the Ueno area.
Kuramae Area
About an 8-minute train ride from Ueno Station, the Kuramae area retains the charm of traditional downtown Tokyo, with a growing number of new cafes attracting coffee lovers and tourists alike.
Cafes like **Dandelion Chocolate Factory & Cafe Kuramae**, where a chocolate factory is combined with a cafe, and **Kuramae Cannele**, offering authentic cannelés with coffee, stand out for their unique appeal.
Kuramae is also known for its array of antique shops and small local stores, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy shopping and cafe hopping.
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Area
Located about 15 minutes by train from Ueno, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is famous for its many cafes and bakeries. Originally filled with warehouses, this area has transformed with many cafes incorporating large coffee roasters in these high-ceilinged buildings.
Cafes like **Blue Bottle Coffee** from California and **Allpress Espresso** from New Zealand offer exceptional coffee and sweets in this trendy area.
After visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo or strolling through Kiba Park, why not relax at a cozy cafe?
Asakusa Area
Asakusa, filled with sightseeing and gourmet spots, is a mix of traditional kissaten (Japanese-style cafes) and trendy new cafes.
One recommendation is Sukemasa Coffee, tucked in the backstreets near **Sensoji Temple**, where you can enjoy rich espresso drinks and seasonal fruit sandwiches.
For bread lovers, Pelican Cafe, run by a long-established bakery founded in 1942, serves delicious thick slices of crispy, charcoal-grilled toast. It's a must-try for toast lovers!
A Unique Way to Explore Asakusa: "Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour"
The Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour takes you through the famous Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping stree, concluding with an authentic matcha-making experience at a local cafe.
For lunch, you can enjoy okonomiyaki or monjayaki, cooked right in front of you on a hot plate.
This tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the history of Asakusa and experience traditional Japanese flavors beyond typical sightseeing.