Kayaba Coffee Tokyo a Historic Café in Yanaka’s Heart

Kayaba Coffee first opened its doors in 1938, just a few streets from Yanaka Cemetery, one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric resting places and a favourite spot for cherry blossom walks.  The café operated continuously until 2006, when the passing of its owner brought an end to nearly 70 years of history.  Three years later, the local community came together with a heartfelt effort to bring it back, and in 2009, this beloved spot reopened.  Today, it warmly welcomes both locals and travellers alike, serving as a cosy neighbourhood gathering place and a charming destination for visitors.

Housed in a beautifully preserved two-storey wooden building constructed in 1916 (now a registered cultural property), Kayaba combines traditional and contemporary elements in true Tokyo style.  Downstairs features a cosy, kissaten-style café; upstairs, there is tatami mat seating with Noguchi-inspired low tables. The warm wooden interior and aged charm create the feeling of stepping into a Studio Ghibli scene.  
The menu is as charming as the setting — from hot and cold coffee to teas, sandwiches, sweets, and a rotating lunch set

Think of a kissaten (喫茶店) as a traditional Japanese-style coffee shop.  The name literally means “tea-drinking shop,” but in practice, kissaten became more than just cafés – they are cosy retreats where people spend time over carefully brewed coffee, a light meal, and some socialising.  They first appeared in the early 20th century and really gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s.  These days, kissaten still exist with their dark wood interiors, soft lighting, and laid-back atmosphere.

Exploring Yanaka: Tokyo’s Nostalgic Neighbourhood

Kayaba is located in Yanaka, one of the few Tokyo districts that largely survived the air raids of WWII without significant damage.  Wandering through here feels like stepping into a slower, nostalgic version of the city: narrow lanes, temples and shrines tucked into corners, small independent shops, and a lively community spirit.  Opposite Kayaba is the Yanaka Historical Museum, where you can learn about the area’s rich history, and just a block away is the renowned contemporary art venue Scai Bathhouse — a striking contrast to the old-world atmosphere.

Kayaba Coffee 
(81) 33.823.3545
 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
www.instagram.com/kayabacoffee/