Hidden Tokyo: A Guide to Yanesen ( Yanaka, Nezu & Sendagi )
Cafés & Restaurants
Explore cafés and eateries that locals genuinely enjoy in Yanesen.
The selections here focuses on places rooted in everyday neighborhood life—welcoming spots where residents stop for breakfast, linger over coffee, or enjoy a relaxed evening meal. Tourist-oriented restaurants are intentionally left out, allowing the area’s authentic character to shine through.
Some of these shops also appear in our Living in Yanesen column, as well as in our Recommended Restaurant lists, which are helpful when planning your meals around the neighborhood.
MATCHA&ESPRESSO MIYANO-YU
MIYANO-YU, or MATCHA & ESPRESSO MIYANO-YU, is a café built in a renovated 70-year-old public bathhouse. The café preserves elements of its past—such as tiled walls and old lockers—while offering modern specialty coffee and matcha drinks. Using house-roasted beans and organic matcha from Shizuoka, it serves matcha lattes, seasonal sweets, and espresso-based beverages in a tranquil, nostalgic setting.
💡Tip: You can also bring bread from the bakery “Nezu no Pan” next door and enjoy it with your coffee or matcha inside MIYANO-YU. It’s a great way to experience a local Tokyo breakfast or light snack.
📍Address: 2-19-8 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 2 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 10am-6:30pm
Kayaba Coffee
Kayaba Coffee is a beloved retro-style coffeehouse and a landmark of Yanaka. Set in a charming traditional wooden building, it offers a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for a relaxed coffee break. Famous for its egg sandwich and parfaits, it opens from 8 a.m., making it an ideal spot for breakfast before exploring the Yanesen area. A timeless favorite among locals and visitors alike.
💡Tip: Lunchtime gets very crowded, so making a reservation through this site is recommended.
📍Address: 6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 10 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 8am-6pm, closed Mon
HAGI CAFÉ
Tucked inside the cultural space “HAGISO,” HAGI CAFÉ is one of Sendagi’s most beloved places for a peaceful, well-crafted breakfast.
Known for its “Traveling Japanese Breakfast” set, the café showcases seasonal flavors from different regions of Japan—simple, nourishing, and beautifully presented. It’s a rare chance to enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast prepared with real attention rather than hotel efficiency. The calm, renovated wooden building adds a sense of slow, old-town charm, making it especially appealing for travelers seeking a gentle start to their Yanesen day. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a proper Japanese morning meal in this neighborhood, this is an excellent choice.
💡Tip: Breakfast sets can sell out on busy days, so arriving early ensures the best selection. After eating, explore the gallery space downstairs—it often hosts small exhibitions that offer an extra glimpse into Tokyo’s creative side.
📍Address: 3-10-25 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 5 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line) or 7 min walk from Nippori Station (JR/Keisei Line)
⏰Opening hours:
Mon 8:00–10:30
Tue–Thu 8:00–10:30 / 12:00–17:00 (LO 16:30)
Fri–Sun 8:00–10:30 / 12:00–20:00 (LO 19:00)
HANARE COFFEE STUDIO
Just steps from the torii gate of Nezu Shrine, HANARE COFFEE STUDIO is a fresh addition to the neighborhood and already a favorite among both locals and visitors. Beyond its clean, modern look, the café quietly celebrates Japanese flavors—especially matcha—while keeping its menu approachable. You’ll find carefully brewed coffee, seasonal sweets, and a calm atmosphere that offers a welcome pause during a Yanesen stroll. The staff are friendly and able to assist in English, and an English menu is available. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy something familiar while discovering Japan’s own coffee and tea culture.
💡Tip: Seats fill quickly on weekends, so visiting early helps. Their matcha drinks are especially well done—worth trying even if you’re usually a coffee person.
📍Address: 1-22-10 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 5 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 10am-4:30pm (LO 4pm), closed irregularly.
Onigiri Café Risaku
Located right on Shinobazu-dori in Sendagi, Onigiri Café Risaku is a bustling spot that offers a warm, comforting taste of everyday Japan. Each onigiri (rice ball) is shaped to order, using carefully selected, high-quality Japanese rice and fillings that highlight simple, honest flavors—salted salmon, umeboshi (pickled plum), miso, and seasonal ingredients that reflect the chef’s thoughtful approach. The space is bright, relaxed, and refreshingly unpretentious, making it an inviting stop whether you're starting your day or taking a mid-walk break. If you’re curious about authentic Japanese home-style comfort food, this little café captures it beautifully, one warm onigiri at a time.
💡Tip: Go early if you can—popular fillings sometimes run out, and watching your onigiri being shaped fresh adds to the charm.
📍Address: 2-31-6 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 1 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 9am-3pm and 5:30pm-8pm, or until the rice runs out. Closed Wed.
BUZZED LAMB BREWING
Tucked away on a quiet Yanaka backstreet, BUZZED LAMB BREWING feels like a hidden reward for those who wander. This small craft brewery serves an impressive lineup of original beers—bold in flavor yet incredibly easy to enjoy—and carefully made pub dishes that pair beautifully with every pint. Inside, the first floor showcases gleaming brewing tanks behind glass, while the beautifully renovated second floor offers warm, inviting table seating. Both spaces are atmospheric and welcoming, even for solo travelers. It’s the kind of place that deserves far more attention than its low-key location suggests—perfect for a relaxed lunch stop or a laid-back evening drink.
💡Tip: Try visiting at lunchtime: a single beer and a light bite here can be a delightful mid-walk break before diving back into Yanesen’s charming streets.
📍Address: 4-2-39 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 8 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: Opening hours: Wed–Sun (Lunch & Dinner); Closed Mon/Tue. Please check the official website or ask staff for specific closing times and last orders.
MENYA HIDAMARI
MENYA HIDAMARI offers one of the most approachable bowls of ramen in the entire Yanesen area, making it an easy recommendation for absolutely anyone. The shop specializes in classic, no-nonsense ramen, featuring a clean and gently seasoned broth that feels light, balanced, and universally enjoyable. If someone asks where to eat ramen around Yanesen—and they don’t have a strong preference—this is the place that never disappoints. It’s friendly, honest, and easy on the wallet. Staff are also very accustomed to welcoming international visitors, making it a comfortable stop even for first-timers.
💡Tip: Go for the Shio Ramen (Japanese salt ramen). It’s simple, comforting, and captures exactly what a good neighborhood ramen shop should taste like.
📍Address: 3-43-9 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 6 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 11:30am-3pm, 6:30pm-8:30pm, closed Mon.
Nezu Kamachiku
Kamachiku is a beloved Nezu institution—one locals speak of with genuine pride. Set in a beautifully restored stone storehouse, it serves Sanuki-style udon that’s firm, clean, and deeply satisfying. The tempura is exceptional, light enough to surprise first-timers and reliable enough that regulars (myself included) keep coming back. A curated sake list complements the meal, and despite its reputation, the atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming. English menus and English-speaking staff make it easy for international guests to enjoy what many consider one of Nezu’s must-try dining experiences.
💡Tip: Lines can form at peak times, so visiting slightly off-hours helps. And if you enjoy tempura, don’t miss the anago—light, fluffy, and one of the quiet highlights locals love to order.
📍Address: 2-14-18 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 3 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 11:30am-3pm (LO 2:30pm), 5:30pm-9:30pm (LO 8:30pm), closed Sun, Mon.
CHYANGRA
Tucked just off Shinobazu-dori, CHYANGRA brings a gentle, nourishing side of authentic Nepalese cuisine to Nezu. Open since 2022, it has quietly built a strong local following thanks to flavors that feel both authentic and comforting—spices are used with a light hand, allowing each ingredient’s natural character to shine. The Daal (lentil soup) and Tarkari (vegetable side dishes) are especially well-balanced and easy to enjoy, even for those new to Nepalese food. The bright, streamlined interior adds to the relaxed feel, and English menus and friendly English-speaking staff make it very welcoming for international visitors. When you’re ready for a break from Japanese food, this spot is a warm, flavorful detour.
💡Tip: If you're unsure where to start, try a set meal—it’s the easiest way to enjoy Daal, Tarkari, and a range of classic Nepalese flavors.
📍Address: 2-20-1 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 1 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm
Restaurant MOMO
Just a short walk from Nezu Station, Restaurant MOMO is a cozy, long-loved bistro set inside a charming standalone house. The space feels warm and personal, with hand-painted wall art and thoughtfully chosen illustrations that hint at the restaurant’s creative spirit and local charm. The cooking is careful and unpretentious—beautifully prepared French-inspired dishes served at a relaxed pace, perfect whether you’re dining solo, as a couple, or with a small group. Lunchtime can be busy thanks to the reasonable prices, but visiting later in the service will often allow you to slip in more easily. It’s a neighborhood favorite for good reason.
💡Tip: If you prefer a quieter meal, aim for later in the lunch service—around 1 PM is often calmer, allowing you to truly enjoy the experience at your own pace.
📍Address: 2-15-15 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 3 min walk from Nezu Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 11:30am-3pm (LO 2pm), 5:30pm-10pm (LO 9pm), closed Wed.
TAYORI
Located just off the lively Yanaka Ginza, TAYORI is a relaxed neighborhood café-restaurant where travelers can enjoy approachable Japanese home-style cooking. The menu centers on well-balanced washoku set meals made with seasonal ingredients, while also offering small course-style dishes and light plates that pair nicely with sake or wine. It’s an easygoing place to drop in for an affordable, satisfying Japanese dinner without feeling rushed. English menus are available, and the atmosphere is welcoming—comfortable for solo diners, couples, and small groups alike.
💡Tip: Closing time is relatively early (around 8 PM), so please plan accordingly. If you’re short on time, their takeaway dishes are a great option to enjoy back at your hotel.
📍Address: 3-12-4 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 5 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: 12pm-8pm, closed Mon, Tue.
STRAND BURGERS
STRAND BURGERS offers a satisfying break from the usual fast-food chains, serving juicy, handcrafted burgers that feel genuinely indulgent and are excellent value. The interior features the warm, casual vibe of a classic burger pub, making it an easy choice whether you’re stopping in for a quick meal or settling down with a cold beer — which pairs beautifully with their signature patties. Staff are very welcoming and experienced with international visitors, so even solo travelers can walk in comfortably. When I’m in the mood for a straightforward, old-school burger done right, this is the place I naturally find myself returning to.
💡Tip: Go for the Strand Cheeseburger and pair it with a beer; it showcases the shop at its best and keeps the bill pleasantly reasonable.
📍Address: 2-28-7 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
🚃Access: 2 min walk from Sendagi Station (Chiyoda Line)
⏰Opening hours: Mon/Thu/Fri 11:30am–4pm L.O. 3pm, 5pm–10pm L.O. 9pm; Sat/Sun/Holidays 11:30am–9pm L.O. 8pm; Closed Tue, Wed.