Kissa Kojo: Timeless Café Retreat

Step into a Showa-Era Castle-Inspired Café for Nostalgic Flavors and Elegant Interiors in Ueno

About

Passing through the bustle of Ueno Station and stepping into a corner of Higashi-Ueno, you find yourself in a different world that makes you forget the passage of time. Descending the stairs that lead underground, you are greeted by “Kissa Kojo.” True to its name, the lavish interior welcomes visitors as if they have wandered into a medieval castle.

As you step inside, the first thing that catches your eye is the stained glass windows in a variety of colors. Soft light filters through, and a heavy chandelier sparkles from the ceiling. Sofas covered in deep crimson velvet exude timeless elegance, offering visitors tranquility and comfort.

Since its founding in 1963, this café has continued to captivate many people with its unchanging appearance. Ueno is said to be the birthplace of Japanese café culture, and “Kojo” is one of the few places that still conveys that history today. The menu, unchanged since the café’s opening, features items such as the “Mixed Sandwich” and the “Banana Parfait,” both beloved for many years. (rurubu.jp)

The “Mixed Sandwich” is filled with ham, egg, and vegetables in a perfect balance, simple yet with a deep flavor. On the other hand, the “Banana Parfait” is topped with an old-fashioned green syrup, making it visually striking and evoking a sense of nostalgia. These menu items, with their unchanging deliciousness, continue to capture the hearts of many people even as times change. (meqqe.jp)

Inside the café, you can see regular customers quietly enjoying their coffee. They are likely drawn by the unique atmosphere and the unchanging flavors, coming here to escape the noise of daily life. First-time visitors are also surprised by the luxurious interior and calm space, experiencing a sensation as if they are traveling through time.

“Kojo” is not just a café. It is a special place that retains the strong scent of the Showa era and offers visitors an extraordinary moment. Quietly standing on a street corner in Ueno, this café will surely continue to be loved by many people.