Strolling through Shinjuku’s lively streets, you’ll catch the nostalgic scent of retro coffee shops. In the Reiwa era, these Showa-inspired spots captivate young hearts with weathered facades, neon lights, and handwritten notes, offering a dreamy escape into the past. Join us as we explore five of Shinjuku’s most charismatic coffee shops, each blending history, artistry, and culinary delight.

Step into the Daytime Cabaret of Ninana Kissa

Just a 7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station, deep in the labyrinth of Kabukicho, you’ll encounter a striking sight—a thin pink retro sign heralding the entrance of Ninana Kissa. Housed in the renovated space of the Showa-era cabaret “The 27 CLUB,” this café operates during its pre-opening hours, inviting visitors to experience its magical ambiance. Ascend the red-carpeted stairs in hushed anticipation, each step echoing softly in the quiet, and push open the automatic doors to be greeted by a dazzling neon light shaped like a gigantic eye—an iconic Hinomaru that immediately captivates your senses. Below, a glass-walled stage reveals a mirror ball, soft, billowy feather lights, and even bundles of dollar bills visible through the glass, creating an illusion that transcends both time and culture.

The interior design, masterfully executed by creator Kaito Yamamoto of the renowned brands “SON OF THE CHEESE” and “BUY ME STAND,” honors over 50 years of “Hinomaru Cabaret” spirit while infusing the space with a modern, almost weightless elegance. The menu features highlights such as the “Anytime Sandwich” for ¥1,200 and the “27 Club Soda – Green (alcohol-free)” for  ¥900. Alongside specialty items like the signature Anytime Sandwich, Black Omurice, and the intriguingly named “Ore’s Oreo Parfait,” the café offers a diverse range of drinks—including coffee and a selection of “Adult Cream Sodas” in blue, green, and red—ensuring that every taste is catered for.

Ninana Kissa
Shinjuku Acb Kaikan 3F, 2-36-3 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

A Mysterious World of Cats and Clowns: Cafe Arle

A short 8-minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station on the Fukutoshin Line leads you to a hidden gem in a back alley of Shinjuku 5-chome—Cafe Arle. At the entrance, an array of Western antiques and quirky cat ornaments are arranged in a delightful jumble, with two resident signboard cats greeting you warmly. Inside, every seat is open to smokers, and towards the rear, a manga corner—set up at the behest of devoted regulars—adds an extra layer of charm to the atmosphere.

For over 40 years, the same owner has lovingly maintained this café, imbuing it with a warm, orange glow that bathes the space in comfort. Throughout the interior, you’ll notice an eclectic collection of clown dolls, cat figurines, and art pieces that, despite their seemingly chaotic placement, create a balanced and inviting décor. In addition, Cafe Arle serves classic Western-style dishes that have remained virtually unchanged since its founding. A standout is the owner’s signature dish, the “Indo Omura,” priced at ¥820 (tax included), which includes a hearty serving of soup, salad, drink, and snack—a surprisingly spicy and authentically delicious meal that keeps the legacy of old-school coffee shop fare alive

Cafe Arle
5-10-8, Shinjuku Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Exquisite Japanese Cuisine in a Retro Western Space: Shinjuku Kissa Rikorisu

Shinjuku Kissa Rikorisu welcomes you with its striking blend of Western retro charm and refined Japanese culinary artistry. Set in a white building accented with red bricks and lush green palm trees, this newly opened pure coffee shop occupies the renovated dining area of the historic “Tateshina” hotel. While it preserves the nostalgic appeal of Showa-era furniture, it also introduces exotic touches, such as Turkish lamps, that infuse the space with a chic and calming atmosphere.

During lunch hours, up until 3:00 PM, the menu boasts an array of generous set meals including “Ginger Pork Set,” “Fried Chicken Set,” and “Soy Milk Tomato Curry,” all prepared from scratch. The “Ginger Pork Set” even comes with unlimited servings of rice and meat, offered at a reasonable price of ¥1,200 (tax included). As the day transitions into evening, the café evolves into a bar, remaining open until 23:00 to serve inventive cocktails and even a hearty “night curry,” making it the perfect spot to wind down with a drink as the sun sets over Shinjuku.

Shinjuku Kissa Rikorisu
5-8-6, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Savoring Perfection Among 1,500 Cups: Cafe Bon

Tucked away near the JR Shinjuku East Exit in the basement of a multi-tenant building lies Cafe Bon, a haven for true coffee connoisseurs. Descend the narrow, dimly lit staircase and push open the door to enter a world transformed: a long wooden counter stretches before you, and you are instantly enveloped by the gentle, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Here, every cup is a work of art. Coffee beans are roasted daily using a small, dedicated in-house roaster, with each order taken only after the beans are freshly ground—while meticulously monitoring the water temperature to ensure the perfect extraction of flavor and aroma. What truly sets this café apart is its collection of approximately 1,500 cups, each hand-selected by the owner during years of travels across the globe. Every cup, adorned with its unique design, brand name, country of origin, and manufacturing year, is accompanied by a handwritten commentary card that offers insight and personality. Regulars flock to admire this extraordinary collection, and the menu features delectable items such as the “Adult Shortcake Japanese Chestnut Autumn” for ¥1,700 and a signature “Coffee (Blend)” for ¥1,400, along with carefully crafted desserts using domestic strawberries, chestnuts, and fresh cream.

Cafe Bon
3-23-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

60 Years of History under Stunning Stained Glass: Coffee Seibu Honten

Coffee Seibu Honten is relocated on the second floor of “Hanamichi Tokyo Kabukicho”—a building themed with a traditional Japanese “wa” aesthetic that opened last year. On the first floor, a large showcase filled with lifelike food samples sets the stage, igniting a sense of childlike wonder at first glance.

Step inside, and you immediately get in an atmosphere steeped in 60 years of history. The interior features beautifully restored stained glass and original lighting fixtures, alongside chairs, table legs, and other elements that have been carefully preserved and lovingly maintained over decades. 

The menu pays homage to its storied past with traditional offerings like “Shinjuku Special Omurice” and “Seibu Curry,” while also presenting must-try desserts such as homemade “Pudding à la Mode” and the impressive “Seibu Parfait.” Priced at ¥1,100 for the Seibu Parfait and ¥750 for Iced Coffee, these delicacies invite you to sink into plush sofas and savor each bite, all while engaging in lively conversation that makes time seem to stand still.

Coffee Seibu Honten
2nd floor, Hanamichi Tokyo Kabukicho, 1-6-12 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

A Timeless Journey: An Otherworldly Experience in Shinjuku’s Legendary Coffee Shops

In the heart of Shinjuku, these iconic coffee shops transport you to a bygone era. Step inside and discover retro decor, handcrafted menus, and the welcoming smiles of longtime owners. Enjoy the nostalgic aromas, exceptional coffee, and artistic interiors that offer a brief, enchanting escape into Japan’s rich history.

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https://hanamichi.tokyo/floor/coffee-seibu/

https://otonano-shumatsu.com/articles/230005

https://harumari.tokyo/spot/15893/

https://tabizine.jp/article/517187/