4 Retro Cafes in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo - Experience the Showa Retro Atmosphere!

Shimokitazawa is a neighborhood where youth culture intersects with nostalgic charm. Within this area, retro cafes offer unique spaces that seem frozen in time. These are perfect places to spend leisurely moments together as a couple. In this article, we introduce four recommended retro cafes in Shimokitazawa for dates. Enjoy your wonderful date while savoring the unique charm each cafe has to offer.

Kissa Tomei Bara

"Kissa Tomei Bara" is a retro-style cafe that opened in July 2023 in the Shimokitazawa South Exit Shopping Street. Located about a 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, the interior features antique furnishings and stained glass, creating a nostalgic space reminiscent of Showa-era traditional cafes.

The menu includes nostalgic cafe classics such as Napolitan pasta, rice curry, and toast. For dessert, they offer coffee jelly, ice monaka, and mini chocolate parfait. The ice monaka is particularly popular—you can enjoy assembling it yourself by placing refreshing ice cream between sweet red bean paste in a crispy wafer, maintaining its crunchy texture until the last bite.

The drink menu is also extensive, offering drip coffee, cafe au lait, and cream soda. The interior has counter and table seating, decorated with antique typewriters and record players, providing visitors with an extraordinary experience. The entire establishment permits smoking, making it accommodating for smokers.

"Kissa Tomei Bara" is a recommended spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Shimokitazawa and spend a relaxing time. Why not enjoy a special moment surrounded by a retro atmosphere while savoring nostalgic cafe menu items?

Kissa Tomei Bara

住所	2-14-5 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Isuzu Building 2F
電話番号	080-6396-0136
営業時間	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 09:00 - 20:00 Fri 09:00 - 22:00 Sat 12:00 - 22:00 Sun 12:00 - 20:00
営業日	whole day
定休日	Please check our Instagram
公式サイト	https://www.instagram.com/toumeibara/

Jazz Kissa Masako

"Jazz Kissa Masako" is a long-established jazz cafe that has been loved in Shimokitazawa for 56 years. Founded by the original owner Masako, after her passing, her partner Shinkichi Fukushima took over as the second-generation owner. However, on September 24, 2009, it regretfully closed due to Shimokitazawa's redevelopment.

In spring 2020, "Jazz Kissa Masako" reopened in a new form. Mr. Hayashi, who was once a part-time worker there, became involved in the operation, carrying on the original atmosphere and concept.

The interior is lined with records, and jazz events are held, creating an irresistible space for music lovers. The menu features nostalgic items such as blended coffee (600 yen) and anko (red bean paste) toast (450 yen).

"Jazz Kissa Masako" is located about a 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, offering a relaxed space where retro atmosphere harmonizes with jazz music. Why not spend some leisurely time at this cafe that has been familiar to local residents for many years?

Jazz Kissa Masako

住所	2F, 2-31-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
営業時間	12:00 - 22:00 L.O. 21:00
営業日	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
定休日	Thursday
公式サイト	https://x.com/JazzKissaMasako

Trois Chambres

"Trois Chambres (CAFE TROIS CHAMBRES)" is a long-established cafe in Shimokitazawa that opened in 1980. The name means "three rooms" in French, and true to its name, the interior is divided into three different spaces. Each room is decorated with antique furniture and furnishings, creating a unique atmosphere.

The coffee is carefully prepared using old beans and nel drip methods. It features a deep richness and rich aroma, making it irresistible for coffee lovers. The homemade sweets, such as cheesecake and apple pie, are also well-regarded and pair perfectly with the coffee.

The entire establishment permits smoking, and a calm atmosphere prevails with quiet jazz playing in the background. Various customers visit, from those enjoying reading alone to those conversing with friends. The business hours are from 12:00 to 23:00, with no regular holidays. It's located about a 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, making it easily accessible.

"Trois Chambres" is a recommended cafe for those who want to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend relaxing moments. Why not enjoy a special time savoring carefully prepared coffee and sweets in a retro atmosphere?

Trois Chambres

住所	2F Yuasa Building, 5-36-14 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-3419-6943
営業時間	09:30 - 20:00
営業日	No information
定休日	No information

Jazz to Kissa Hayashi

"Jazz to Kissa Hayashi" is a jazz cafe located in Shimokitazawa, opened by a former staff member of the famous "Jazz Kissa Masako." The interior features diverse music centered around jazz, providing visitors with a comfortable time.

The menu includes carefully prepared nel drip coffee and light meals such as anko toast. The "Hayashi Rice" is a dish you should definitely try when visiting.

The interior is decorated with antique-style furniture and lighting, creating a calm atmosphere. The window seats offer views of the Shimokitazawa streetscape, making it ideal for spending relaxing moments.

The business hours are from 15:00 to 24:00 (last order at 23:30), with Wednesdays being the regular holiday. It's located just a few minutes' walk from Shimokitazawa Station, making it easily accessible.

"Jazz to Kissa Hayashi" is a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy quiet moments with music. Why not spend a special time tasting carefully prepared coffee and light meals in a retro atmosphere?

Jazz to Kissa Hayashi

住所	3F EIKO Shimokita Building, 2-9-22 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-5738-7107
営業時間	15:00~
営業日	Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
定休日	Tuesday, Wednesday
公式サイト	https://jazz-kissa-hayasi.jimdofree.com/

Summary

Retro cafes in Shimokitazawa are not just ordinary cafes. They provide special moments away from busy daily life in nostalgic, calming spaces. Each cafe has its own unique charm, and you can enjoy a wonderful date at any of them. On your next date, be sure to visit these cafes and enjoy relaxed moments with the retro atmosphere and delicious coffee.