Tokyo is a foodie’s paradise, but its vibrant coffee scene is a must-experience. This bustling metropolis is home to a myriad of cafes, each showcasing its unique blend of traditional and modern coffee culture. From artisanal brewing methods to innovative flavor profiles, Tokyo’s coffee scene offers something for every palate. Let’s embark on a caffeine-fueled journey through some of the city’s most captivating coffee havens.
Shibuya’s Coffee Gems
Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s liveliest districts, pulsates with energy. Amidst the bustling crowds, hidden coffee havens offer respite and a taste of artisanal coffee.
Chop Coffee Cat Street
Step into Chop Coffee Cat Street and escape the chaos. Its boxy design, illuminated “Chop Coffee” sign, and friendly baristas behind the central counter create a welcoming atmosphere. Here, you’ll savor expertly brewed coffee amidst a warm and inviting ambiance.
Koffee Mameya
Just a short stroll away, Koffee Mameya awaits. This hidden gem, with its dark weathered timber entrance and lack of signage, exudes an air of mystery. Beyond its humble exterior lies a world of meticulously brewed coffee and a selection of beans for you to take home. The experienced staff will guide you through their offerings, ensuring you find the perfect beans for your next cup.
About Life Coffee Brewers
A short walk from Shibuya Station, About Life Coffee Brewers stands on a corner. This small coffee stand with windows built into its grey exterior and narrow benches outside is a haven for coffee lovers. Passionate baristas serve a variety of high-quality brews, inviting you to savor the flavors while soaking in the city’s energy.
Nakameguro’s Coffee Oasis
Nakameguro, a canal-side neighborhood with a slower pace and a European feel, is a coffee haven. Here, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends seamlessly with the gentle breeze.
Onibus Coffee
Located right by the train tracks, Onibus Coffee offers some of the city’s finest brews. This narrow building, a sibling of About Life Coffee Brewers, invites you to experience the art of coffee. Enjoy a takeaway cup from the inviting shop front window or relax upstairs with the locals, savoring the exceptional beans.
Artless Craft Tea & Coffee
Just a short walk from Onibus, past design studios and boutiques, you’ll find Artless Craft Tea & Coffee, a haven for coffee and tea enthusiasts. This cafe, created by artist and designer Shun Kawakami, is a testament to simplicity and craftsmanship. Its charcoal exterior, framed by plants, leads to an interior of unfinished wood, exposed ceilings, and dark accents. Here, you can savor roasted Japanese tea, hand-dripped single-origin coffee, and a selection of freshly baked treats.
Aoyama’s Chic Coffee Stops
Aoyama and nearby Omotesando are known for their fashion houses, but also harbor a sophisticated coffee scene. From Parisian-inspired cafes to hidden gems, this area is a haven for discerning coffee lovers.
Café Kitsuné
Café Kitsuné, the Tokyo outpost of the French brand Maison Kitsuné, transports you to a Parisian cafe. Enjoy a classic Parisian breakfast alongside full-bodied, flavorful coffee, all within an Edo period-inspired interior with long wooden counters, sliding doors, and a bamboo-lined entrance.
Cobi Coffee
Nestled within Bloom and Branch, a boutique specializing in clothing and homewares, Cobi Coffee offers a taste of Japanese coffee culture. In this setting of seasoned wood, copper, and aged brass, you can indulge in Japan’s famous nel drip coffee and traditional desserts.
Shozo Coffee Store
Around the corner from Café Kitsuné, Shozo Coffee Store is a small wooden hut that packs a punch in charm. This hole-in-the-wall cafe serves exceptional drip filter coffee and pastries worth the wait.
Beyond the City Center: Coffee Discoveries
Venture beyond the city center and uncover hidden gems where coffee culture thrives.
Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe
In Kiyosumi, an art lover’s paradise, Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe is a haven for coffee enthusiasts. This New Zealand coffee company has established a presence in a restored dark timber warehouse, showcasing a beautiful cafe and a roastery behind floor-to-ceiling windows. Here, you can savor exquisite coffee and a selection of bites, enjoying the vibrant energy of the roastery.
Seeking Tranquility: Tea Houses in Tokyo
While coffee dominates the scene, Tokyo also offers serene tea houses for those seeking respite from the city’s buzz.
Tokyo Saryo
In Sangenjaya, a quiet neighborhood, Tokyo Saryo invites you to experience the tranquil world of Japanese tea. This small tea house blends traditional culture with modern minimalist design. Here, a tea master serves premium pour-over sencha green tea made using fresh ingredients. Enjoy the leisurely experience of two infusions from the same batch of leaves, allowing the flavors to unfold.
Hachiya Daikanyama
Not too far from Ebisu Station, Hachiya Daikanyama offers a revitalizing tea experience. Its all-white exterior and large wooden entryway invite you to sample bold blends of green tea, roasted green tea, and brown rice tea, served in traditional teaware.
From the vibrant streets of Shibuya to the serene tea houses of Sangenjaya, Tokyo’s coffee and tea scene is a captivating journey. Whether you seek a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely afternoon of tea, Tokyo offers a world of flavor waiting to be explored.
