Pocket

A morning set accompanied by a skewer of chikuwa fish cake and cucumber makes an unexpected breakfast plate. At Pocket, a kissaten nestled in Itabashi's Tokiwadai neighbourhood, this simple, gently savoury bite sits beside toasted bread and a freshly brewed cup of hot coffee or tea. A lightly acidic hot coffee sweetened with sugar or a crisp glass of iced coffee makes a straightforward, unpretentious companion to the morning toast.

Step inside and the room reveals retro touches: an old-school pink payphone, seasoned wooden chairs, and a wall clock that has kept time for decades. The master, who has watched over the neighbourhood for nearly half a century, greets visitors with quiet hospitality as regulars drop by for casual conversation. Ashtrays rest on each table, keeping the smoking-friendly atmosphere typical of classic kissaten of that era.

Service runs for a brief window of 3 hours, from 10:00 to 13:00, every day except Thursday. Payment is cash only, making it a good idea to keep coins or banknotes on hand when dropping in during a morning stroll.