The area of Jimbocho is known for its universities and bibliophile patrons. Jimbocho is an old school area of Tokyo, bustling with regular commuters while also keeping its retro charm. University students and retired couples bump shoulders in the cafes and book lined streets. Jimbocho is home to some of the best kissaten, or Japanese coffee shops, in eastern Tokyo. These shops warp time with their retro interior and delicious drinks. It’s a great place to relax with a new novel or to study for an upcoming exam.
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Adirondack Café
Adirondack is a jazz bar cum cafe in the heart of Jimbocho. Unlike the other kissatens, Adirondack is new to the smoky bar scene, having opened in 2008. Jazz is played throughout the day, normally classic oldies, but can switch into something more modern and eclectic. The restaurant specializes in coffee during the day and alcoholic beverages in the evening. Their lunchtime deal is a steal, with a tall hamburger lunch set going for under 1,500 yen. Adirondack is an experience throughout all hours of the day. The daytime provides a pleasant backdrop to catch up with a friend while the evening has live music and jazz enthusiasts enjoying cocktails.
- Adirondack Cafe 神保町
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- 東京都千代田区神田神保町1-2-9 ウェルスビル4F
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- 0355776811
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Amano Ya
Founded in 1846, Amano Ya is a traditional cafe that sells fermented favorites, such as natto and miso. The cafe part is cozy and communal, with long tables that diners all share. Amano Ya specializes in Japanese sweets and desserts, some of which have been popular for hundreds of years. Nowadays, it can be difficult to find such desserts in the modern Japanese restaurants. Check out the menu and try something new, such as Anmitsu, a dessert consisting of jelly, red bean and fruits. Amazake is a popular beverage, and a part of Amano Ya’s fermented food line up. Amazake is a non-alcoholic beverage that tastes like sake. It’s a reputation as being good for the health and promoting a beautiful complexion.
- 天野屋
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- 東京都千代田区外神田2-18-15
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- 0332517911
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THE SEVEN’S HOUSE: Gakushi Kaikan Café
For a classier option, THE SEVEN’S HOUSE serves as a sophisticated spot for a coffee date. Gakushi Kaikan was established as a part of Tokyo University in 1928 to create a bond with the other universities in Tokyo. The Kaikan, or meeting hall, is filled with French restaurants, a banquet hall for weddings, and even a small hotel. The cafe is an affordable option to experience the elegant arena. Enjoy their flavourful pastries and coffee set during the day or relax with a beer in the evening.
- THE SEVEN’S HOUSE
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- 東京都千代田区神田錦町3-28 学士会館1F
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- 0332920881
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Milonga
Milonga opened in 1953 and originally catered to tango enthusiasts. Nowadays, tango music still plays through their speakers, and their clientele drink coffee rather than dance. Milonga is known for their charcoal fire roast coffee, a deep, dark blend of coffee beans roasted black. Sweet desserts are also offered to offset the bitter coffee. The cafe is decked out in traditional kissaten style, looking like it is preserved from the 1930s. Imported beer from around the world is prepared more than 30 kinds.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho
1-19-7 Kandajimbo-cho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo
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Saboru
The decor of Saboru is just as good as the coffee. Saboru is well known around the Jimbocho kissaten scene, having been around since 1955. The offerings are traditional kissaten, with pizza toast, alcohol and dark, bitter coffee. There are two locations, one focusing on drinks and the other focusing on meals. They are right next to each other. The second location specializes in affordable breakfast and lunch sets, served alongside their famous beverages. For non-coffee drinkers, the fresh fruit juice or smoothies are a refreshing option. When Saboru first opened, it was frequented by local artists, writers and intellectuals. Luckily, Saboru still has the same clientele that makes the cafe’s atmosphere warming and exciting.
- Sabouru
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4.0
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- Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Kandajinbocho 1-11
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- 0332918404
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- 11:00-19:00(Subject to chang…
View AllSotetsu Fresa Inn Ochanomizu-Jimbocho
1-19-7 Kandajimbo-cho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo