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8 Recommended Cafes Along the Toden Arakawa Line

The Toden Arakawa Line connects Minowabashi Station in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo, with Waseda Station in Shinjuku Ward. Running through student districts and peaceful residential areas, the 12.2 km line has 30 stops and is dotted with attractions such as Arakawa Amusement Park, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. Here, we introduce recommended cafes to visit while leisurely traveling by streetcar with a one-day pass in hand.

Popular sweets created by a chef with a pastry background

"T.L.B Retro Pudding" 440 yen (takeout 378 yen) and "Melon Cream Soda" 660 yen
"T.L.B Retro Pudding" for 440 yen (378 yen for takeout) and "Melon Cream Soda" for 660 yen

A cafe & diner nestled in a residential area of Machiya.During cafe hours, we recommend the homemade sweets prepared by our chef, a former pastry chef. The "T.L.B. Pudding" is a nostalgic pudding with a firm texture, sweetness, and richness. Pair it with a "Melon Cream Soda" for a perfectly retro experience.

The "T.L.B. Freshly Baked Taiwanese Castella" is also a popular menu item known for its fluffy texture. It pairs perfectly with the "Taiwanese Tea Set," which comes with Oriental Beauty tea. Depending on the season, limited-time flavors such as purple sweet potato, matcha, and Earl Grey are also available.

A downtown diner where you can enjoy authentic coffee in a relaxed space

The interior features an American-style design with tiles and accents of red.
The interior features American-style decor with tiles and accents of red

The shop's concept is a "downtown diner." With the goal of "providing a place to enjoy specialty coffee in the downtown area," we serve authentic coffee using beans from the famous New Zealand-based roaster, ALLPRESS ESPRESSO.

Our customers range from students and homemakers to office workers, and the shop has an open atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone. Furthermore, we have taken great care to be inclusive, ensuring the entrance and spacing between seats are spacious enough for strollers and wheelchairs, and making the entire space barrier-free.There is also a cozy 5-seater sofa area by the window.

TOKYO L.O.C.A.L BASE
  • Address1-3-12 Machiya, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessApprox. 3-minute walk from Toden Arakawa Line Machiya-ekimae Station, approx. 4-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line/Keisei Main Line Machiya Station
  • Business hoursMon-Thu 11:00-18:00
    Fri 11:00-22:00
    Sat 10:00-22:00
    Sun/Holidays 10:00-18:00
    All have lunch L.O. 14:30, cafe L.O. 17:30, dinner (food) L.O. 21:00, dinner (drink) L.O. 21:30 *Dinner is served only on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays
  • ClosedOpen every day (closed during Obon and New Year holidays)
  • TEL03-6807-7748
  • ParkingNone

Enjoy an elegant tea time with a cake set served on lovely tableware

"Two-Tier Set" for 880 yen and Taiwanese Oolong tea "Shiki Haru Cha (Winter)" for 880 yen.
"Two-Tier Set" for 880 yen and Taiwanese oolong tea "Shiki Haru Cha (Winter)" for 880 yen

Opened in 2020, this cafe was renovated from the owner's family's former dyeing shop. In a space surrounded by high-quality interior decor, you can enjoy hospitality featuring "Sansui" Western tableware, which has collectors all over the world. For tea time, we recommend the "Two-Tier Set," where you can enjoy cakes and dried fruits in an afternoon tea style. There is also a rich selection of Taiwanese and Chinese teas sourced directly from the region, which you can enjoy in a generous pot or using traditional Chinese tea sets. The coffee, for which the beans are ground upon order and carefully hand-dripped by the master, is also authentic.

The shop, which stocks a variety of paper napkins, is also a must-see

The Kanda River is right in front of the shop. You can view cherry blossoms in the spring.
The Kanda River is right in front of the shop. You can view cherry blossoms in the spring

Located in a quiet spot along the Kanda River, terrace seating is available during pleasant seasons. An adjacent space houses a specialty shop for paper napkins and art paper. With over 3,000 items available, including imports from Europe and original Japanese paper incorporating Japanese patterns, the shop is a treasure trove. In addition to decoupage lessons, free on-the-spot trial sessions are also popular. You can enjoy crafts alongside your tea for a truly fulfilling time. It is best to make a reservation before visiting the cafe.

iro
  • Address1-6-9 Takada, Toshima-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessApprox. 2-minute walk from Toden Arakawa Line Waseda Station
  • Business hours10:00–18:30 (L.O. 18:00)
  • ClosedMondays and 2nd Tuesdays
  • TEL03-6315-9161
  • ParkingNone

Artistic fruit parfaits perfect for a special treat

Seasonal parfaits start at 2,200 yen. The photo shows strawberry (right) and Beni Madonna (left).
Seasonal parfaits start at 2,200 yen. The photo shows strawberry (right) and Beni Madonna orange (left).

A reservation-only parfait specialty shop that makes luxurious use of seasonal fruits. The parfaits are so gorgeous that they elicit cheers the moment you see them; about 90% of the contents are fruit, with whipped cream and ice cream kept to a minimum, creating a composition that allows you to fully enjoy the deliciousness of the fruit. We source fresh fruit from the market every morning and cut it just before serving, so the freshness is exceptional. There is no standard menu; instead, we feature parfaits made with the most delicious fruits of the season, such as strawberries, mangoes, peaches, Shine Muscat grapes, and Beni Madonna oranges.

A pastel-colored space that accentuates the parfaits

A fairytale-like interior designed to make the parfaits look photogenic.
A fairytale-like interior designed to make parfaits look photogenic.

The interior, based on white and pink, is styled to be photogenic no matter where you sit. In addition to comfortable sofa seats, there are also bright counter seats facing large windows, making it easy to visit even if you are alone. Business days are announced on our official website, and reservations via our official LINE account are required by 8:00 PM the day before your desired visit. There is a one-parfait-per-person order policy for elementary school students and older, and we recommend reserving limited-quantity parfaits at the time of booking.

Cafe de Peru
  • Address1F NK Building, 2-16-17 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessApprox. 6-minute walk from Omokagebashi Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, approx. 5-minute walk from Nishi-Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
  • Business hours11:30–17:15 (L.O. 16:00)
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL03-6205-6061 (For same-day reservations)
  • ParkingNone

Famous for Brazilian cuisine prepared by a music-loving owner

"Moqueca" (includes salad and drink) for 1,300 yen and "Brazilian Pudding" for 580 yen.
"Moqueca" (with salad and drink) for 1,300 yen and "Brazilian Pudding" for 580 yen.

A hidden-gem cafe located behind Sunshine City in Ikebukuro. The owner originally worked in the music industry, and because of their love for Brazilian music, they have incorporated Brazilian dishes into the menu. The signature dish is the Brazilian-style stew, "Moqueca." It is a mild dish made by simmering seafood in coconut milk and tomatoes, offering a sense of nostalgia. The "Brazilian Pudding," made with condensed milk, is also popular and appears on a rotating daily basis, mainly on weekends. There is a wide variety of drinks, and the alcohol selection includes a rich array of craft beers and cocktails.

Discover pleasant music at this cultural hub

The second floor features a bookshelf covering an entire wall. There are also sofas where you can relax.
The second floor features a bookshelf covering an entire wall, with sofas for a relaxing atmosphere.

This triangular building, over 50 years old, has been renovated to house a cafe on the first and second floors and a gallery in the basement. With background music selected by the owner and custom-made furniture creating a comfortable atmosphere, you can spend a relaxing time while experiencing high-quality culture. The second floor features a large bookshelf lined with books from various genres, including specialized books, novels, and magazines, allowing you to immerse yourself in reading while enjoying a coffee. There is also a corner where you can listen to other recommended CDs, which you can purchase if you like them. Live performances, mainly jazz, are held once or twice a month, offering a luxurious experience.

KAKULULU
  • Address4-29-6 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessApprox. 4-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro-yonchome Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, approx. 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
  • Business hours11:30–17:00 (L.O. 16:00), Thu–Sat until 21:00 (L.O. 20:00)
  • ClosedSundays, Mondays, and public holidays
  • TEL03-6907-0652
  • ParkingNone

Enjoy freshly made, moist and soft ohagi

"Kodawari Set" for 990 yen, where you can enjoy yakisoba and ohagi.
The "Kodawari Set" for 990 yen, where you can enjoy yakisoba and ohagi.

A sweet shop located on the platform of the Koshinzuka stop on the Toden Arakawa Line. The specialty is handmade ohagi, which you can enjoy freshly made to order. The homemade bean paste, made using the owner's grandmother's recipe, is characterized by boiling Hokkaido Tokachi adzuki beans in hojicha, giving it a refreshing finish. There are five standard types of ohagi: adzuki bean, white bean paste, matcha, kinako (roasted soybean flour), and black sesame, with seasonal varieties also available. The yakisoba is another popular item, and you can choose between sauce or salt flavor, and thin or medium-thick noodles. The menu also features unique items such as anmitsu with matcha agar and tokoroten.

A sweet shop directly connected to the station where you can take a break as if you were in a waiting room

Located on the platform of Koshinzuka Station, it's a place to take a break while waiting for the train.
Located on the platform of Koshinzuka Station, it's a great place to take a break while waiting for the train.

Founded in 1992, the shop is now run by the third generation. It is located in a unique spot on the platform of the Koshinzuka stop; like a bus, the Toden tram has no ticket gates, making it easily accessible to everyone. The interior is decorated with old photos of the Toden tram and woodblock prints depicting scenery along the line, making it feel like a Toden gallery. It is a peaceful space where a variety of people, including local regulars, railway fans, photography enthusiasts, and sweet lovers, mingle, and you can find comfort while enjoying sweets and watching the trains go by.

Kanmidokoro Ippukutei
  • Address2-32-10 Nishi-Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessDirectly connected to Koshinzuka Station on the Toden Arakawa Line
  • Business hours10:00–18:00 (L.O. 17:30)
  • ClosedIrregular holidays
  • TEL03-3949-4574
  • ParkingNone

Hospitality with authentic sweets prepared in the Parisian style

"Lunch Plate" from 924 yen and "Tarte Tatin" for 660 yen.
"Lunch Plate" from 924 yen and "Tarte Tatin" for 660 yen.

A patisserie cafe renovated from a former factory building. The seasonal sweets created by the owner-patissier, who studied at a pastry school in Paris and under French pastry chefs, are highly acclaimed. The shop offers simple, unpretentious baked goods, including their signature "Tarte Tatin," as well as cheesecake and gateau chocolat. Their homemade ice cream is also popular, featuring exotic flavors like crème brûlée and chai. During lunchtime, you can enjoy casual food such as a weekly lunch plate, a quiche plate, and sandwiches made with homemade baguettes.

A playful space inspired by the streets of Paris

A spacious interior featuring a light blue Citroën truck as an art object
A spacious interior featuring a light blue Citroën truck as an objet d'art.

The open, two-story atrium building was renovated by the owner's husband, an architect, with the image of Paris in mind. Starting originally as a food truck, the shop still displays an active Citroën truck inside, creating an exciting, outdoor-like atmosphere. In the back of the shop, there is a corner with a 100-year-old fireplace relocated from France, as well as loft seating, allowing for a completely different experience depending on where you sit. The shop also regularly hosts pop-up shops and exhibitions, and the charm lies in how the atmosphere changes according to the theme.

+h café (Ash Cafe)_Tokyo Toden Cafe
  • Address8-45-11 Nishi-Ogu, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessApprox. 3-minute walk from Arakawa-shakomae Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, or approx. 10-minute walk from JR Ogu Station
  • Business hours11:30–18:00
  • ClosedClosed Mondays and Thursdays
  • TEL03-4283-3780
  • ParkingNone
"Spicy & Rich Kohikiya Special Soy Milk Tantan Udon" for 1,188 yen and "Basque-style Cheesecake" for 440 yen
"Spicy & Rich Kohikiya Special Soy Milk Tantan Udon" for 1,188 yen and "Basque-style Cheesecake" for 440 yen.

A natural cafe that focuses on domestic ingredients and seasonings made with natural methods. The owner's self-taught udon is the specialty, and you can enjoy three to four types of udon during lunchtime. The dashi broth, made from eight natural ingredients including kelp and round herring, has a flavor that gently soaks into the body and pairs perfectly with the smooth noodles sourced from a noodle factory in Kagawa. The small plates used in the shop are fired by the owner's wife in a pottery kiln at their home. The name "Kohiki" is also derived from the pottery technique "kohiki" (powdered slip), where the wife's vessels enhance the dishes created by her husband.

A modern cafe nestled in a traditional shopping street

The ceilings are high and the seats are spacious, making it a relaxing place
With high ceilings and spacious seating, it's a relaxing environment.

The shop is located in a retro shopping street that continues from the Kumano-mae stop on the Toden Arakawa Line, and is a former greengrocer's building renovated into a modern cafe. Taking advantage of the high ceilings, hanging lamps have been used to create a warm and inviting space. The walls are decorated with photos of the shopping street taken by local creators, showcasing the charm of the area. In addition to udon, their homemade soft-serve ice cream "Kumaisu," made with raw milk from Hokkaido, and gluten-free sweets are also popular. The cafe menu is also health-conscious, featuring flavored teas and non-caffeinated drinks.

natural cafe Kohikiya
  • Address5-20-15 Higashi-Ogu, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessApprox. 5-minute walk from Kumano-mae Station on the Toden Arakawa Line
  • Business hours11:30–14:30 (L.O. 14:00)
  • ClosedSundays, Mondays, and public holidays
  • TEL03-6807-7512
  • ParkingNone

Additive-free bread that is gentle on the body and fragrant with domestic wheat

"Assorted Bread and Soup" for 1,300 yen. Includes 3 types of toast and 2 petit pains
"Bread Assortment and Soup" 1,300 yen. Includes 3 types of toast and 2 petit pains.

A bakery cafe popular for its homemade bread made with domestic wheat and natural yeast. They use organic ingredients whenever possible and offer a selection of healthy breads, including those made without sugar or salt, and 100% plant-based options. Inside the shop, they serve bread and soup plates, sandwiches, and more. They have a menu that caters to various needs, including macrobiotic and vegetarian options, non-caffeinated grain coffee, and enzyme juices. The bread assortment is recommended for those who want to find their favorite bread, as it allows you to compare different types like white bread and multi-grain bread.

The morning menu available at the cafe is also popular

A cafe space attached to the bakery. Use is limited to 1 hour
Cafe space attached to the bakery. Use is limited to 1 hour.

At the cafe, you can buy bread and baked goods from the shop to eat in. A morning service is also available every morning from 10:00 to 11:00, where you can enjoy a "Sandwich Plate" or a "Mini Bread Plate." Because "Mugiwarai" ferments its dough for two days to bring out the delicious flavor of the wheat, the amount that can be baked in a day is limited, so popular breads may sell out early. In particular, it is best to reserve the "Pain de Mie" white bread or the "Campagne" to ensure you get them. In addition to bread, they also stock carefully selected ingredients from all over the country.

Cafe Mugiwarai
  • Address1-5-6 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • AccessApprox. 3-minute walk from Minowabashi Station on the Toden Arakawa Line, approx. 2-minute walk from Minowa Station on the Hibiya Subway Line
  • Business hoursCafe 10:00–17:00 (L.O. 16:00), Shop until 18:00
  • ClosedMondays and Thursdays
  • TEL03-5850-6815
  • ParkingNone
*The information provided is current as of the date of the article's update. Please check in advance as it may be subject to change.