Café 1869 丸の内店 — Restaurant in Tokyo

Quiet in atmosphere yet grand in heritage, Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower is the perfect spot for a calm mid-city pause.

CONTEXT – Visited: August 2025 as a leisurely traveler seeking a peaceful retreat amidst Ginza’s elegance.

HIGHLIGHTS – Rhythmic chime of the 1932 clock tower – Serene café in a library-like setting – Timeless Ginza landmark blending tradition and innovation.

PROS

Immerse yourself in nearly a century of horological history, from mechanical origins to GPS-synchronized precision.

Enjoy a calm, refined café atmosphere in the heart of buzzing Ginza.

Admire the graceful architecture and heritage interiors without crowds.

CONS

Understated setting may be overlooked by those seeking flashy attractions.

INSIDER TIPS

Visit on a Sunday afternoon or evening to enjoy pedestrian-only streets and the clock tower beautifully lit.

Time your stay to hear the quarter-hour chimes, especially magical after dusk.

VERDICT – A quietly splendid escape for mindful moments in Ginza—a blend of tranquility and...

The café is located inside Maruzen, a large bookstore in the Oazo building near Tokyo Station. The year of the store's name, 1869, is the birth year of Mr. Hayashi, the founder of Maruzen Bookstore. Mr. Hayashi is famous as the inventor of "Hayashi Rice," a typical Japanese Western-style dish of fried beef, onions, and demi-glace sauce over rice. Because of this, Maruzen Bookstore also focuses on its café and light meal menu. When the bookstore's café is delicious, it is not just a bookstore, but a cultural facility where visitors can stay...

Price: on the lower end, accepted e-cash

Vibe: seats facing outside the building, bookstore on the back. Would have preferred to have more private space. This almost feels like sitting inside the bookstore

My order: their recommended ‘lemon squash’ for 550 yen, nothing to complain, nothing to celebrate here

Recommendation: worth a...