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Kawagoe, known for its nostalgic streets, has a retro cafe that stands out among the rest. Welcome to “Shimano Coffee Taishō-kan.” Step inside this cafe, with its Taishō-era exterior, and you’ll find yourself transported back to a Showa-era coffee shop.
Inside, waitresses dressed in maid uniforms greet you, offering a variety of nostalgic menu items like Wiener coffee and jelly punch. The cafe’s retro ambiance and delicious offerings attract both locals and tourists, making it a popular spot where queues form every day.
So, what makes this place so captivating? Let’s dive into the secrets behind its enduring appeal.
Shimano Coffee Taishō-kan is a cafe located on Taishō Roman Yume Street in Kawagoe. Opened in 1996, it is known for its retro interior and nostalgic menu, where waitresses serve customers in maid uniforms. Everything you see inside is photogenic, making it a beloved pure coffee shop.
The interior of Shimano Coffee Taishō-kan beautifully embodies the spirit of Taishō Roman. The wooden lattice ceiling is a hallmark of Taishō architecture, featuring a unique blend of Japanese and Western styles. The spherical lighting fixtures also reflect the modern elements popular during that era.
The paintings and ceramic decorations on the walls showcase the aesthetic of Taishō Roman, combining a longing for Western culture with traditional Japanese elements. The exposed wooden pillars and beams represent a fusion style that integrates Western elements into traditional Japanese architecture.
This eclectic style mirrors the duality of Japanese society during the Taishō era, which was characterized by rapid Westernization and the preservation of traditional culture. The interior design of Shimano Coffee Taishō-kan is a perfect expression of this eclecticism.
Shimano Coffee’s menu faithfully recreates the items served in Showa-era coffee shops, offering a nostalgic culinary experience.
Wiener coffee, once popular but now hard to find in Japan, is available here. The classic coffee cup adds to the overall atmosphere.
The cakes at Shimano Coffee are also recommended, especially the cheesecake, which is rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.
Jelly punch, a rare treat today, is also served at Shimano Coffee. This retro-pop dessert, with its colorful jelly pieces floating in soda, is perfect for Instagram and guaranteed to impress.
Other menu items include pudding à la mode and parfaits, making it a must-visit spot for fans of retro coffee shops.
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Brazil Santos No.2 | 700 yen |
| Colombia Supremo | 700 yen |
| Kilimanjaro | 700 yen |
| Sumatra Mandheling | 700 yen |
| Guatemala | 700 yen |
| Stone Oven Coffee | 800 yen |
| Mocha Mattari | 900 yen |
| Hawaii Kona | 1,000 yen |
| Panama Geisha | 1,000 yen |
| Blue Mountain No.1 | 1,200 yen |
| Espresso | 650 yen |
| Wiener Coffee | 700 yen |
| Cafe au Lait | 700 yen |
| Cocoa | 700 yen |
| Baked Cocoa | 730 yen |
| Mocha Java | 730 yen |
| Cappuccino | 730 yen |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Cream Soda | 700 yen |
| Coffee Float | 700 yen |
| Cola Float | 700 yen |
| Cafe au Lait Float | 750 yen |
| Cocoa Float | 750 yen |
| Matcha Latte Float | 750 yen |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Lemon Squash | 700 yen |
| Umeboshi Soda | 700 yen |
| Jelly Punch | 700 yen |
| Matcha Latte | 730 yen |
| Choco Banana Shake | 750 yen |
| Uji Matcha Shake | 750 yen |
| Coffee Milk Shake | 750 yen |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Bergamot (Earl Grey) | 650 yen |
| Darjeeling | 650 yen |
| Royal Milk Tea | 730 yen |
Drink set is an additional 300 yen
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Ham Cheese Egg | 600 yen |
| Tuna Lettuce | 600 yen |
| Potato Lettuce | 600 yen |
| Tuna Cheese | 700 yen |
| Potato Cheese | 700 yen |
| Azuki Shiratama | 800 yen |
| Double Yaki Sandwich | 800 yen |
| Triple Yaki Sandwich | 1,200 yen |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Toast | 850 yen |
| Anko Butter Toast | 900 yen |
| Anko Whipped Toast | 900 yen |
| Honey Butter Toast | 900 yen |
| Cheese Toast | 900 yen |
| Sugar Butter Toast | 600 yen |
| Tuna Toast | 800 yen |
| Tuna Cheese Toast | 800 yen |
| Pizza Toast | 800 yen |
Drink set is an additional 300 yen
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Cheesecake | 400 yen |
| Coffee Cheesecake | 400 yen |
| Matcha Cheesecake | 400 yen |
| Sweet Potato Cheesecake | 430 yen |
| Black Sesame Cheesecake | 430 yen |
| Souffle Cheesecake | 430 yen |
| Gâteau au Chocolat | 430 yen |
| Daily Chiffon Cake | 430 yen |
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee Jelly | 700 yen |
| Pudding | 700 yen |
| Assorted Ice Cream (Choose two from Vanilla, Matcha, Coffee, or Azuki) | 700 yen |
| Pudding à la Mode | 800 yen |
| Mocha Parfait | 800 yen |
| Chocolate Banana Parfait | 900 yen |
| Uji Matcha Shiratama Parfait | 900 yen |
| Pudding Parfait | 900 yen |
| Types | Price |
|---|---|
| Vanilla, Matcha, Sesame, Coffee, Cheese, Tea | 80 yen each |
| Set Name | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A Morning Set | Toast with Jam | 730 yen |
| B Morning Set | Yaki Sandwich | 750 yen |
| Set Name | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A Lunch Set | Toast with Jam | 850 yen |
| B Lunch Set | Three types of Yaki Sandwich (3 pieces) | 1,050 yen |
| C Lunch Set | Pizza Toast | 1,100 yen |
| D Lunch Set | Tuna Toast | 1,100 yen |
Shimano Coffee Taishō-kan isn’t just about recreating a retro interior and nostalgic menu. Its calm atmosphere, along with pop and classic menu items that make you want to take photos, has created a buzz, leading to lines outside—a rare sight for a pure coffee shop.
Once you visit, you’ll understand why there’s always a line. The patrons inside are enjoying the atmosphere, speaking quietly so as not to disturb the experience. On top of that, the coffee and food are delicious, served on classic tableware, and the desserts are both visually appealing and tasty. It’s truly a wonderful place to spend time.
And here’s another highlight: when your order arrives, the staff leaves a slip with it. The slip is designed to look like a retro ad, reminiscent of those that used to be posted on utility poles around town.
Young people are drawn to the Instagrammable interior and desserts, while retro coffee shop fans and older patrons are attracted by the nostalgic atmosphere and menu.
This cafe is popular with people of all ages. Be sure to visit during your Kawagoe sightseeing tour for a relaxing break or meal.
