"Help, I need Wi-Fi!"

 

"Help, I need to charge!"

 

You must have had it where you're on holiday and you can't find a Wi-Fi hot spot or somewhere to charge your device. Well, have no fear. If you're coming to Japan and find yourself in Shinjuku in need of connecting up somewhere, then we've got your covered.

 

Here are 6 cafés in Shinjuku with Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, all close to the station and all relatively empty compared to other places.

 

 

Coffee Seibu

めいこさん(@dmmsmlv)がシェアした投稿 - 2月 4, 2018 at 7:45午前 PST

There are many popular places to choose from surrounding this retro, Showa-style café, like Starbucks and Doutor, but when compared to them, you're much more likely to get a seat straight away at Coffee Seibu. They have electrical outlets by the 3rd floor windows as well as Wi-Fi.

 

 

 

Ueshima Coffee Shinjuku Minamiguchi

桝田真由子さん(@mayuko.1026.ma)がシェアした投稿 - 1月 24, 2016 at 5:18午後 PST

If you're looking to enjoy high quality coffee while hooking up your devices, then we recommend this place. All the counter seats have their own plug sockets for you to hook up to, so a lot of people take their laptops there. There's also Wi-Fi. It's quiet on weekdays, making it a great place to camp out if you need to concentrate on studying or work.

 

 

 

Abbot’s Choice

Shuhei.katsumataさん(@shu.katsu09)がシェアした投稿 - 7月 27, 2017 at 3:23午前 PDT

This bustling, stylish place takes on the form of a Western-style bar. We recommend Abbot's Choice for people who want to work while enjoying a pint or glass of alcohol. They have both Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.

 

 

 

 Brooklyn Parlor

Takumaさん(@takuma2448)がシェアした投稿 - 2月 17, 2018 at 3:26午前 PST

Brooklyn Parlor is produced by Jazz record label legends Blue Note Records. It brings together music, books and food into one relaxing space, so you can kick your feet back enjoy working or reading at your own leisure. We recommend their fat and juicy hamburgers. Of course, they have Wi-Fi and plug sockets too.

 

 

 

 BASE POINT

寺島直人さん(@naoto.tera)がシェアした投稿 - 4月 12, 2015 at 7:10午後 PDT

At BASE POINT, you can use the first floor and second floor café space in 1-hour slots. They have Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, so you can take your own devices or you can even rent one of their PCs. They also have a printer/scanner you can use. This is the most suitable location if you need just a little time to do some work.

 

 

 

WIRED CAFE

WIRED CAFE ルミネ新宿店 officialさん(@wiredcafe_shinjuku)がシェアした投稿 - 3月 24, 2016 at 11:57午前 PDT

This café is directly connected to Shinjuku Station, so you can even go there after a little shopping in Lumine EST. Their menu is packed with filling meals and desserts, and there's plenty of drinks to choose from, making it a popular location for just about anyone. They offer both Wi-Fi and electrical outlets.

 

 

Be sure to use this list as reference if you find yourself in Shinjuku and are in need of Wi-Fi or somewhere to plug your phone, tablet or laptop in.

 

Hi, everyone. I'm Shiota, the Director of the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center.

I'm sure we've all experienced it where we want to look something up but our mobile phone is about to run out of battery. So today, I'm going to introduce you to some Free Wi-Fi spots and cafés and spots with electrical outlets around Harajuku for when you need to run and look something up, when you need to work or if there's an emergency.

 

 

Yuya Todaさん(@toda_yuya)がシェアした投稿 - 1月 24, 2018 at 10:14午後 PST

Nescafe Harajuku
This café has a real sense of liberation about it with the high ceiling, and it's extremely clean. It's also great location for spending a long period of time and relaxing. And if you order the "1 Day Free Mug" over in the merchandise corner, you can get all-you-can-drink coffees from their 'variety' selection!

 

 

 

rei yamaguchiさん(@naomachimusume)がシェアした投稿 - 11月 13, 2017 at 12:33午前 PST

LATTEST
At LATTEST, you can look forward to enjoying a live atmosphere as baristas extract espressos and create latte art. The stylish interior is pleasant and will calm your mind. The drinks menu features strong-ish espresso coffees.

 

 

 

Design Festaさん(@designfesta)がシェアした投稿 - 12月 24, 2017 at 8:52午後 PST

Design Festa Cafe & Bar
This café is situated in the courtyard at Design Festa, an art gallery. You can enjoy a healthy and organic bite to eat while surrounded by plentiful nature and unique artwork. It's a hidden gem only known to those in the know.

 

 

 

SHIBAさん(@shiba_kaori)がシェアした投稿 - 2月 7, 2017 at 2:17午前 PST

Tully's Coffee Omotesando Hills
Tully's Coffee is a popular coffee chain in Japan. This one can be found on the bottom floor of the Omotesando Hills shopping complex, so it's easily accessible if you're out shopping. They have electrical outlets at the counter, so you can have a relaxing time.

 

 

 

MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center
MOSHI MOSHI BOX is a tourist information center run by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON located at the cross road of Takeshita Street, Meiji Street, and Harajuku Street. We offer lots of different services. As well as Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, we also offer tourist information, currency exchange, and baggage storage. We can help you out!

 

 

Was this list useful? Be sure to use it as reference when you're in Harajuku in case you're in need of Wi-Fi or device charging.

 

Ueno has Tokyo’s first art museum, museum and zoo and is a suitable place to visit for those of you who are interested in the history of Tokyo’s downtown.

 

The Ueno Royal Museum

Chiu Chu Wangさん(@chiuchuwang)がシェアした投稿 - 2015 9月 8 9:00午後 PDT

“The Ueno Royal Museum” does not have a permanent exhibition but rather holds rotating exhibitions such as the “Ueno no Mori Museum Taishoten (exhibition of award-winning works)” and “Nihon no Shizen wo Egaku Ten (exhibition of paintings of nature)” on a regular basis. An original letter paper with the illustration of the Takamori Saigo’s statue is sold at the museum shop since the statue is located near the museum.

 

 

 

 

National Museum of Science and Nature

kaoriさん(@marushi51)がシェアした投稿 - 2017 11月 25 4:42午前 PST

“National Museum of Science and Nature” is a museum where you can learn about the evolution of human-kind, various animals/plants and the development of science technology. It is the only conclusive science/nature museum in Japan which has more than 4.52 million items. The skeletal preparations of Futabasaurus suzukii and T-Rex and the stuffed specimen of animals including threatened species have a tremendous impact.

 

 

 

 

TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM

カロリナさん(@carolina_parlour)がシェアした投稿 - 2017 11月 23 5:48午前 PST

TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM is the first public museum in Japan which was established on 1926. In addition to large exhibitions where you can observe quality works from both home and abroad, they hold various rotating exhibitions and public invitation exhibitions. You can also enjoy eating/drinking in the restaurants inside the museum. Both western-style restaurants and Japanese-style restaurants where you can eat soba (buckwheat noodles) and donburis are available.

 

 

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Galant

Galant is loved by many people since its opening back in 1977. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of this popular café. The most popular item on the menu is the chocolate parfait (￥900 tax incl.). It is stuffed with cream all the way to the middle. For people who love sweet things this is an irresistible delight.

Detailed information: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/76550

 

 

 

Ueno Land

“Ueno Land” which was opened in Ecute Ueno with the concept of “with harmony” and with the theme of coexistence in the Ueno area is offering new kinds of souvenirs with the keywords of Ueno’s history, culture and art. The souvenirs are produced by art museums and museums located in the Ueno area. You can buy many limited items including a figure using the motif of a panda bear cat which is known as the symbol of Ueno.

Detailed information: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/46115

 

 

 

Monkey no iru Restaurant & BAR

The first restaurant was opened along Kokusaidori street in Naha, Okinawa and the second restaurant was opened in Ueno, Tokyo. With staff permission, at certain times during the day, guests are permitted to enter the squirrel monkey area, feed them and get to know them! The permanent staff team can speak many different languages. Staff members who are able to correspond with customers in English and Chinese are also permanently positioned at the establishment. Menus in English and Chinese are also available. Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy the authentic foods of Okinawa, such as homemade meat taco rice or Awamori - an alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa.

Detailed information: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/24471

 

 

 

 PARCO_ya

PARCO_ya上野さん(@parco_ya_ueno)がシェアした投稿 - 2017 11月 3 7:21午後 PDT

It is known as a new sightseeing spot in Ueno and was opened as a shopping facility for adults. The target range is persons 30 to 50 years old, which is a higher age range than other PARCOs. The area around Ueno Okachimachi is one of the most famous downtowns which was established during the Edo Period and many artisans who have been running their businesses from generation to generation reside in this area. PARCO_ya is a new type of space which has the atmospheres of “PARCO” and “downtown.”

 

 

 

How did you like our introduction to popular sightseeing spots around Ueno? Why not enjoy the Ueno area, one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist spots.

“It’s a mysterious café vacuum sealed with an energy that feels like it’s the time of the Japanese economic miracle”   We’re at the third installment of this series where we take a stroll to old-fashioned cafes filled with a sense of nostalgia. I, Ema Tanioka, will be introducing to you another retro café that I am in love with. Today, we go to “Galant” in Ueno, a town where the Showa mood still lingers.   Galant has continued to be loved by many people since it opened its doors back in 1977. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the popular café. “Galant” sounds a little space-y, don’t you think? It’s a little different from the norm. When I enquired to the staff about the origin of the café’s name, they told me that it comes from the Mitsubishi Galant as the owner is a fan of cars. To think that a car’s name became the name of a café! But it has a ring to it and is easy to remember, so it might actually be a huge success.   Anyway, without further ado, let’s make our way there! Galant is on the 2^nd floor of this building. As you head up the stairs, it no longer felt like I was in the real world. A completely different world opened before me. Because of the entrance’s chic brickwork, I was surprised by the dazzling lights floating inside. And here! Here too! There was so much sparkle. The first thing to peak my interest was the uniform the staff were wearing. So cute... You don’t see that red & yellow combination much these days. It helped amplify that retro mood of the café even more.   The male staff wore red & black! Black was the base colour and had that well defined, guy-like feel to it. Together with the checkered vests, it completed that retro look. It was wonderful. The café was also playing popular Showa era songs. I really felt like I had stepped back in time.       And then... and then! The menu arrived! The most popular item on the menu is the chocolate parfait (￥900 tax incl.). It was absolutely stuffed with cream all the way to the middle. For people who love sweet things this is an irresistible delight. By the way, I must ask, what do you do when it comes to the cherry on top of the parfait? The truth is, I absolutely love parfaits, but I’m really not into the cherry – I usually leave it until the end. Even though it looks so cute on the parfait... Another item is the cream soda (￥750 tax incl.). When going to a café, you just have to get a cream soda!! It’s because you don’t see them around much besides at cafes and family restaurants, so I’m the person that ends up ordering one unintentionally when if I see it on the menu. There’s a nice fat serving of ice cream in there. It’s a drink you can enjoy that has the aesthetic of a dessert. The melon soda is crystal clear like a precious gem. The best part about cream soda is how the ice cream slowly melts into the drink. It’s pretty fun to watch! Galant is the kind of café where the more you get to know it, the more you start to love it. Its fans have been supporting it for many years, and even when I become a grandma in the future, I reckon it’ll still be bustling all the same.  

Everyone has heard about the female giant panda cub that was born earlier this year on June 12 at Ueno Zoo. People around Ueno – both inside and outside the park – are celebrating the cub’s arrival, recently named Xiang Xiang. Check out the commemorative events and food below!

 

 

“Ueno Land” – Ueno Station’s New Souvenir Shop

A new souvenir shop recently opened inside Ueno Station’s commercial facility “ecute ueno” with the concept of “bringing back memories.”

The shop will include limited edition panda figures designed by numerous creators – something which you can only get your hands on in this store – and more.

 

Full Details:Figures depicting the motifs of Ueno’s culture such as panda bears will be released. “Ueno Land”souvenirs are so cute.

 

 

 

 

Ueno’s New Delicious Souvenir - “Panda Sugar Butter Sand Tree”

The popular “Sugar Butter Sand Tree” snack is getting a new kawaii panda design to celebrate the birth of the panda cub back on June 12^th.

This delicious cooked cereal snack is filled with a milk-scented white chocolate to create a little sandwich.

 

Full Details:Sugar Butter Tree sell panda design snack to commemorate birth of panda cub in Ueno Park!

 

 

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“Happy Panda Week” at Matsuzakaya Ueno

A post-naming event will be held to commemorate the naming of the giant panda cub. Sparkling wine and limited edition panda themed food will be served.

 

Full Details:

 

 

 

Tasty “Panda-yaki” – available only in Ueno!

The panda-faced “panda-yaki” is now available for you to tuck into. In addition to the regular custard, chocolate, cheese, and ogura (sweet adzuki bean paste made of mashed and whole beans) flavours, the autumn & winter limited edition chestnut flavour is making an appearance. This luxurious and kawaii treat has a gently cooked springy exterior and the delicious sweet flavour of chestnuts.

 

Full Details:The irresistible bittersweet matcha-flavoured Panda-yaki is making its comeback this Summer!  Limited to Ginza Cozy Corner in Ueno!

 

 

 

If you have plans to go to Ueno then you absolutely cannot miss joining in the fun of celebrating with the zoo’s giant panda cub!

 

 

The essence of the Showa era lingers in the district of Yanesen. In the nearby residential area called “Uenosakuragi”, a new tourist spot by the name of “Uenosakuragi Atari” has been born. Model Saki Shibata pays a visit and expresses her love for the area, as the real authentic essence of Japan can be felt here. Today, we're joining Saki-chan as she takes a stroll around the elegant and old Japanese-style neighbourhood.

 

A living space you can share

After a short walk from Yanesen, we stumbled upon the residential area “Uenosakuragi Atari”, where a residential complex that was built 80 years ago had been refurbished. Many institutions sit snug in the complex, including a beer hall, bakery, salt and olive stores, rental spaces and much more.

Uenosakuragi Atari is only a 10-minute walk from JR Nippori station, JR Ueno station, Tokyo Metro Nezu station and Sendagi station. You can also get there quickly from Shibuya station and Harajuku station!

These three buildings were once used as a place of residence and was built in the 13^th year of the Showa era. Whilst the outside retains its authentic appearance from the past, the inside has been renovated. Looking at the outside of the building, you would see a building from long ago. As you inspect the shops, each step you take reveals the extent of its beauty.

 

When the council stumbled upon the old building, they pondered over whether it should be turned into a new car park, or whether it should serve as a new apartment complex. At that moment, the idea of renovating it came to mind. This is how the renovation came to be.

 

From children to the elderly, people join together here to enjoy the neighbourhood. Uenosakuragi was created as a place where one can live in harmony with others.

 

The bakery locals love

The love for Kayaba Bakery spreads not just amongst the tourists, but also the locals. This is the bakery of the famous coffee shop Yanaka Coffee.

 

The wheat used to make the bread is grown in Japan. Enjoy the soft and springy texture of this cutely-shaped bread – all of them look so delicious! The variety looked so good that Saki-chan took ages to decide which one to buy!

 

 

Small breads and small prices – that’s why we recommend you to buy lots and try lots! Look at Saki-chan, sat on a bench outside, stuffing her cheeks with the store’s popular “Jyagapan” (potato bread). The scent of rosemary from the bread wafting through the air will definitely catch you off guard.

 

Breakfast, lunch or a quick snack – if you’re peckish and looking for a petit treat, this sweat bread is perfect!

 

 

 

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Enjoy craft beer and a Japanse-style barbeque in an old, traditional house

Next up: Yanaka Beer Hall. This is your opportunity to try beer that you cannot obtain elsewhere. You must also try the “Wa no BBQ”, which is a Japanese-style barbeque made in an earthenware pot. Beer in an extravagant, old house….just the thought of it made Saki-chan’s heart pound restlessly with excitement. She pulled back the small, traditional noren curtain to enter the building…

The interior is split into two floors, both decorated with a traditional atmosphere. There were many windows, from which sunlight poured into the room. The room was very comfortable. It seems that a lot of customers come alone, and that this place is really popular with the locals. See the above picture? This cat is also a regular!

Saki-chan ordered the “Nomi-kurabe Set” which is an assortment of 5 beers to taste and compare….but she didn’t stop there! She also ordered Tsukiji-san’s recommendation; Kyoto Eggplant Sashimi (Mizunasu Sashimi). There was so much variety in this smokey-flavoured meal, and before she knew it, everything was gone! The seasonal side dishes are a big hit with customers. During the summer, eggplant dishes and edamame beans are very popular, whilst during autumn, potatoes and pumpkins are in abundance! The smoked food is made in an earthenware pot – hence the Japanese-style “Wa no BBQ”.

Gazing out of the window for a long time, Saki-chan noticed that quite a few foreigners passed by every now and then. Just seeing everyone taking their time, relaxing and sightseeing made us truly happy. From time to time, we looked up unexpectedly to the sound of wind chimes to realise that this is the sound of the true essence of Yanaka.

 

Indulging in beer in an old, traditional Japanese-style house and enjoying delicious bread…what a way to spend a relaxing summer in Uenosakuragi!

 

So, how about it? If you’re sightseeing in Tokyo, please visit Uenosakuragi!