This time, we will introduce our top recommended concept cafes in the ‘Ueno/Yushima’ area of Tokyo in ranking format!
Ueno is in Taito Ward, and Yushima is in Bunkyo Ward, but they’re close enough to walk between!
– Ranking –
10th Place: Anison Bar 555
Located in Taito, Tokyo, “Concept Anison Bar 555” is a unique concept cafe bar specializing in anime, tokusatsu, and board games. This is a space where enthusiasts of various subcultures gather to enjoy karaoke with otaku songs and have engaging conversations about their hobbies. Unlike other anime song bars, it offers a wide range of content to enjoy, including board games, card games, and Rubik’s cubes, allowing for new discoveries with each visit.
9th Place: idol_resort_ueno
“Idol Resort Ueno” is a unique concept cafe where active idols in entertainment serve in pajamas. Normally associated with glamorous costumes, here the idols wear popular “Gelato Pique” pajamas, creating a relaxed atmosphere where fans can enjoy a unique experience with their favorite idols.
8th Place: Brave Birth
Brave Birth is a concept cafe in Ueno, Taito, Tokyo, based on a “Hunter Guild Tavern” theme. Visitors are treated as heroes on quests, immersing themselves in a game-like world. Staff act as NPCs who evolve with AI, adding a unique touch to conversations with guests. The guild-like setting of Brave Birth is one of its distinguishing features.
7th Place: MELT PLANET
“MELT PLANET” is a unique concept cafe with a spaceship theme. The interior features blue neon lights, creating a surreal atmosphere as if you’re inside a spaceship. The stylish decor offers a new discovery with each visit.
It’s also popular as an Instagram-worthy spot, with decor and design perfect for photography. This cafe is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a space travel vibe.
6th Place: Heaven Knows
“Heaven Knows” is a concept cafe centered around the theme of interacting with incomplete android angels. Guests act as scientists, helping the angels improve and become “perfect.” This unique experience, where visitors can support the angels’ growth using the latest technology, makes for an unforgettable visit.
5th Place: Magical Voice
“Magical Voice” is a concept cafe where guests can participate in training aspiring voice actors. Visitors act as “producers,” directing and supporting the cast members in speech reading, tongue twisters, and emotional expression exercises, creating a unique experience for both visitors and cast members.
4th Place: Pure Prison
“Pure Prison” is a unique concept cafe in Ueno that adopts a police officer and prisoner theme. Cute mini-skirt police officers greet customers and immerse them in a prison-like experience. The distinctive theme provides an exciting atmosphere like no other.
3rd Place: Tengoku Jimusho
“Tengoku Jimusho” is a concept café located in Yushima, Tokyo, where angels dispatched from the heavens welcome guests into a unique space. The interior is adorned with pastel colors and charming decorations, creating a delightful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing time provided by the “angels” serving in this heavenly branch office. Compared to other concept cafés, it stands out for its bright and vibrant ambiance, where the conversations and services by the angels leave lasting memories for visitors!
2nd Place: cafe＆bar nowa
“cafe＆bar nowa” is a café and bar themed around the snow fairy “Shimaenaga,” featuring a serene space harmonized with white and beige tones. Upon entering, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy café where you can relax. Especially, the simple yet beautiful interior decor provides a sense of calm every time you visit.
With its stylish café-like decor, soothing lighting, and comfortable furnishings, it gives the sensation of being in your own personal space. The comfortable distance between other patrons in a calm atmosphere makes for a relaxing time, which is part of the café’s charm.
1st Place: Love Holic
“Love Holic” is a café and bar in Ueno themed around “menhera and yami-kawaii” (mental health issues and dark cuteness). Here, you can enjoy time with quirky girls in unique outfits that match their personalities. You can relax and have a drink while being enchanted by these cute and mysterious girls.
The girls’ outfits feature pink checkered patterns and black frills, perfect for those attracted to this edgy style. Particularly during the café time (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM), there are special set rates that make it easy to drop by, adding to the appeal of this venue.
Ueno and Yushima have a large number of unique cafés! Being close to Akihabara, there are so many distinct stores to explore, making it fun to try new places!
If you’re interested, definitely take a trip to the concept cafés in Ueno and Yushima!
– Nearby Tourist Attractions –
Let me introduce some famous tourist spots in Ueno!
Ueno is a long area with many sightseeing spots!
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo, located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, is Japan’s oldest zoo. It opened in 1882 and currently houses around 350 species and 2,500 animals. The zoo is divided into two areas: the East Garden and the West Garden, each displaying a wide variety of animals. The symbol of Ueno Zoo is the giant panda. Since the first panda was sent from China in 1972, pandas have become the zoo’s main attraction, drawing many visitors. Recently, the birth of Shanshan in 2017 attracted widespread attention. The zoo is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo, is Japan’s oldest museum, founded in 1872. The vast grounds include the Main Building, the Asian Gallery, the Heiseikan, the Horyu-ji Temple Gallery, and more, housing numerous historical and cultural artifacts from Japan and Asia. It is particularly known for its extensive collection of Japanese and East Asian art, including national treasures and important cultural properties, with around 120,000 items, such as Buddhist statues, paintings, swords, and ceramics, on display.
National Museum of Nature and Science
The National Museum of Nature and Science, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo, is a major science museum in Japan, founded in 1877. It showcases and preserves the most comprehensive collection of materials related to Japan’s natural sciences, including exhibits on natural history, technology, biology, space science, and chemistry. The museum is divided into two main exhibition areas: the Japan Gallery and the Global Gallery, where visitors can learn in detail about Japan’s scientific achievements and the natural environment.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, located in Ueno Park, opened in 1926 as Japan’s first public art museum. It was redesigned in 1975 by architect Kunio Maekawa into a modern red-brick building that attracts attention with its distinctive design. The museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions, including well-known works from both Japan and abroad. Past exhibitions such as “The Botticelli Exhibition” and “The Van Gogh Exhibition” have drawn large numbers of visitors.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park, located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, is a vast park that opened in 1873 as one of Japan’s first public parks. It is famous for its cherry blossoms, with approximately 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom during spring, attracting many people for cherry blossom viewing. The park also houses Ueno Zoo and Shinobazu Pond, offering opportunities to enjoy nature. Visitors can take a boat ride on Shinobazu Pond or admire the lotus flowers, providing a relaxing escape in the heart of the city. Ueno Park, with its blend of history, culture, and nature, is loved by both locals and tourists and offers scenic beauty throughout the four seasons.