Ueno Mornings: Start Your Day at a Tranquil Cafe

While Ueno buzzes with activity around its museums and zoo, the mornings here are surprisingly tranquil and calm. Discover establishments where you can gently ease into your day within a peaceful setting unique to the early hours – from charming book cafes surrounded by stories, to Japanese cafes offering refreshing views of Ueno Park's lush greenery, and time-honored coffee shops beloved by the local community.

Mornings with Books and Coffee

ROUTE BOOKS

★ 4.3(528 reviews)

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"I'm always grateful for the delicious lunches and relaxing atmosphere here. The South Indian lunch is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays, they serve biryani, and on Sundays, they offer a thali (meals). It's packed with the wonderful flavors of spices, it's good for you, and it's absolutely delicious. After finishing, I feel a sense of happiness that makes me want to come back for more. The island banana smoothie is also incredibly delicious. The blueberry smoothie has the whole berries in it, making it delicious even in texture. The coffee is brewed with care, and the handmade leather cup holder is stylish. Plus, there's a bookstore, cafe space, bakery, pottery studio, a botanical shop next door, a construction company, a vintage clothing store, etc. It's a spot where multiple cultures come together, and it's hard to categorize, so I always struggle to explain it when recommending it. It's already a popular spot, but it seems to be getting even more popular, perhaps because of the growing number of repeat customers. I want to recommend it, but I also want to keep it a secret... There's a unique atmosphere and time that flows here. I envy the people who live nearby."

cafe

Nestled in an alley behind Ueno, surrounded by greenery, lies this charming book cafe. Inside, shelves are lined with carefully selected books, inviting you to spend a leisurely morning enjoying a read with your coffee. You can even enjoy dishes from the adjacent panino specialty shop (fatican panino) inside, making it possible to have breakfast while you read. The bright interior, filled with natural light, is perfect for a tranquil morning. For book lovers, this is truly an ideal morning cafe, a special space where you can lose track of time and immerse yourself in the world of books. Discover your own unique morning hours in a quiet Ueno before the crowds of tourists arrive.

A Japanese Cafe Overlooking Ueno Park

Innshotei

★ 4.4(1774 reviews)

Status⋅¥¥

"Family Gathering for a Meal - Obon Lunch After visiting the graves at Kan'ei-ji Temple, we had our traditional family meal. This time, we went to the Japanese restaurant, Inshoutei, located in Ueno Park. With my niece's family being away for a while, there were 14 of us, but it was still quite lively. We enjoyed the Hanakago Bento. The second-floor tatami room with its beautiful view made for a very pleasant time. We were grateful for my mother's long life and prayed that we could all gather together again in good health."

japanesecafe

Situated within Ueno Park, this picturesque Japanese-style cafe offers a tranquil escape. Its quiet location, enveloped by the park's lush greenery, allows you to enjoy your meal while breathing in the refreshing morning air. The menu, primarily featuring Japanese cuisine, offers dishes carefully prepared from the morning – highly recommended for those seeking a healthy breakfast. From inside, you can savor views of the park, spending unhurried moments watching the ever-changing beauty of nature through the seasons. It's also an ideal spot to drop by before visiting the museums and galleries, offering a truly unique Ueno Park morning experience.

A Long-Standing Coffee Shop Beloved by Locals

Coffee Shop Kei, West Yokoten, Taitō Ward

★ 4.3(280 reviews)

Status⋅¥¥

"The restaurant was small, with only one waiter and one cook. The waiter was very busy. They only served regular coffee, no cappuccinos or anything fancy, but it was good. The pasta and omelet were also delicious. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere with lots of little decorations. We were Chinese, but there were also French and Italian diners. Unfortunately, it closed promptly at 7:00 PM, so we couldn't continue our conversation and had to move to another place. This is my only regret. I wish it stayed open until 8:00 PM so we could have dinner and discuss business."

cafe

Located near the Taito City Office, this long-established coffee shop is cherished by the local community. While maintaining a nostalgic, old-school kissa (coffee shop) atmosphere, their carefully brewed coffee is genuinely authentic, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality cup right from the morning. The morning sets are also substantial, inviting you to spend a peaceful morning with toast and light meals. With many regulars, it serves as a cherished morning retreat for locals, offering a glimpse into Ueno's everyday life, distinct from the tourist bustle. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to enter even alone, perfect for quietly reading the newspaper or simply pondering.

Ueno Mornings: Your Own Time

From book cafes surrounded by literature and coffee, to Japanese cafes boasting views of Ueno Park, and long-standing coffee shops frequented by locals – Ueno offers a diverse array of morning cafes, each with its unique charm. Why not discover your perfect start to the day in the peaceful mornings before the tourist crowds gather?