Retro cafes bring sips of nostalgia to Japan's social media-driven youth

We go to retro cafes a few times a week but not in Tokyo, I live in Osaka you see.

Well, we’ve been to over 100 in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe areas in the last 4 years, also been to other cities around the country including Tokyo. Some of them do good lunch deals, miles better value and atmosphere than something dull and ordinary like Starbucks.

If you are in Shinjuku in Tokyo, go to Cafe de L'Ambre! It has been there since the 1955, and has a real Showa atmosphere!

I remember going to a Kissaten with a friend many years ago . . . where a fancy cup of coffee could be ordered . . . .

Showa atmosphere is great... just as long as it's not inundated with tobacco smoke like all the kissa back then used to be.

I like places with character but its a bit sad if they just attract people wanting to take photos for their Insta.