By David, long-term Tokyo resident & food-loving traveler

Tawaramachi is a station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line in Tokyo between Ueno and Asakusa. The stations in this area are quite close together, so exploring between stations on foot is easy. Take a little time to check out what the neighborhood is hiding.

In the smaller streets near Tawaramachi station are interesting local boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafés. Even within only a few blocks, you can make discoveries on the way.

Here are some cafés you might want to check out here.

from afar

Late last year, from afar moved to its current location 3 minutes from Tawaramachi Station. This charming café is just one block away from the main streets. Look for the wooden storefront reminiscent of old barbershop windows. The relaxed interior feels like someone brought over old furniture and tableware from Europe. Pair your coffee or tea here with a dessert like the seasonal tarts, cakes, and pudding.

Address: 2-5-12 Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo

iriya plus café @ Custom Warehouse

iriya plus café @ Custom Warehouse is the second iriya plus café (you can find the original one next to Iriya Station, one station from Ueno on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line). This café turned an old warehouse on a small street near Tawaramachi Station into a relaxed open space (soko is Japanese for warehouse, so you might find it referred to also as @ Custum Soko). The walls and ceiling reveal the building’s original structure. This café bakes their own cakes and also has panini and pancakes. This week they had chocolate cake, cheesecake, pineapple cake, and several cakes with summer berries.

Address: 4-7-11 Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo

FEBRUARY CAFE

Walk from Tawaramachi towards Sumida River to get to FEBRUARY CAFE. Originally located closer to Senso-ji Temple, the café moved to its current location two years ago. It is one of the places that open early enough for breakfast in Asakusa. If you visit during the day, try some of their sweets and drinks. Special treats on the menu this summer have included ice on coffee jelly, mango parfait, and Espresso Tonic.

Address: 1-9-8 Komagata, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Another local favorite is Pelican Café, a place created by the popular local bakery Pan no Pelican: “Tokyo cafes serving tasty food - Pelican Café, Fuglen Asakusa, and Egg Baby Cafe” https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=658

More to explore near Tawaramachi Station

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is only a 10-minute walk away from Tawaramachi if you want to also visit some of Asakusa’s must-see spots like Kaminarimon Gate: “Tokyo sightseeing - 2 hours in Asakusa - A quick visit of the highlights of this old Tokyo district”

Also near Tawaramachi is Kappabashi, the best collection of shops in Tokyo for cooking utensils, knives, and tableware: “Take your cooking to a new level in Kappabashi Kitchen Town - Take your cooking to a new level in Kappabashi Kitchen Town”

You can also walk from Tawaramachi towards Kuramae, an area known for its workshops and boutiques: “Shopping for leather goods and accessories in Tokyo - Local shops in Kuramae near Asakusa, an area that is famous for its craftsmen” https://authentic-tokyo.com/news/detail?news_id=668

Please check in advance for business hours and holidays if you want to visit specific shops.