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Just one stop from Osaka-Umeda on the Tanimachi Subway Line, Nakazakicho is an area that miraculously survived the air raids of World War II, preserving its nostalgic streetscapes. Within walking distance from Umeda, this charming neighborhood is home to numerous renovated traditional houses, now operating as cafés and restaurants. Attracting both locals and international tourists, Nakazakicho has become a must-visit spot.
Among the many Showa-era inspired cafés in this highly competitive area, one traditional coffee shop continues to serve customers just as it did in the past.
Its name? Rainbow Coffee Shop.
Let’s take a closer look at this cozy café that preserves the essence of old Osaka.
Rainbow Coffee Shop is a charming café located in Nakazaki, Kita Ward, Osaka. With its traditional Showa-era aesthetic and warm ambiance, it offers a nostalgic retreat from the city’s modern rush. The shop is run by an elderly lady who has been managing it for years, ensuring the atmosphere remains unchanged. The leisurely pace of time inside the café transports visitors back to a bygone era.
Opening early in the morning, the shop welcomes a diverse crowd, from loyal regulars to curious travelers seeking a taste of vintage Japan.
Rainbow Coffee Shop features a simple yet welcoming interior with a main seating area consisting of tables. The walls, which once showcased natural wood grain, are now covered in clean white wallpaper, creating a spacious and refreshing atmosphere.
While time flows equally for everyone, inside this café, it seems to slow down. There is no rush, no urgency—just a quiet space where visitors can unwind over a cup of coffee.
Nakazakicho is known for its many trendy cafés, but most of them do not open until 11:00 am or even 12:00 am.
In contrast, Rainbow Coffee Shop opens at 8:00 am, making it an excellent choice for early risers. They also serve breakfast.
Exploring Nakazakicho’s nostalgic streets in the morning, before the crowds arrive, enhances the retro experience. Having a café like Rainbow open early is a great convenience, whether for a relaxing break or a hearty breakfast.
Many locals stop by every morning to enjoy their first cup of coffee for the day.
Rainbow Coffee Shop is lovingly run by an elderly lady who single-handedly takes orders and serves customers with incredible efficiency.
Thanks to her warm personality, the café has many loyal regulars. Some come to read the newspaper, others to smoke a cigarette, all enjoying a brief but cherished moment of solitude.
The café offers more than just coffee—it provides a rare opportunity to experience a slice of old Japan, where time moves at a gentler pace.
Nakazakicho remains one of the few areas in Osaka where old-town streets still exist.
If you visit, make sure to stop by a classic coffee shop like Rainbow Coffee Shop to complete your nostalgic journey.
