12 Most Beautiful Tokyo Cafes and Specialty Coffee Shops
High-quality, delicious coffee is everywhere in Tokyo. And unsurprisingly, there are many beautiful coffee shops and cafes in Tokyo. However, they might be hard to find unless you look. If you’re a coffee lover going to or in Tokyo, here are the most aesthetic Tokyo cafes and specialty coffee shops. They are all Instagram-worthy and serve delicious coffee. And I’d like to think coffee tastes better in a pleasant environment.
Coffee Culture in Tokyo History
While Japanese people love tea, they also love coffee! Japan imports over 400 thousand tons of coffee beans annually and is also one of the largest coffee consumers in the world. The Dutch initially brought coffee to Japan, but it wasn’t popular until the arrival of kissatens, art deco Japanese coffee shops focused on hospitality. Kissatens usually only serves black coffee, which popularized several popular brewing methods, including the pour-over, siphon coffee, and more. So, kissatens could well be the grandaddy of specialty coffee shops.
Japanese people usually drink coffee before work or when socializing with friends. As a result, Tokyo’s coffee culture is enormous. Dozens of coffee shops have popped up around Tokyo, serving different coffee drinkers. You have beautiful cafes with cozy and refreshing environments perfect for catching up with a friend or sleek cafes making incredible brewed coffee, highlighting the best coffee in the world. You’ll also find dozens of ready-to-drink canned coffee in convenience stores, most notably by the Ueshima Coffee Company (UCC).
With such a robust coffee culture, there are so many amazing cafes and coffee shops in Tokyo. And if you pair that with Japanese architecture and design, you have beautiful coffee shop babies. Here are some of the most aesthetic Tokyo coffee shops I visited on my 5-week trip to Japan that you should check out!
Most Aesthetic Tokyo Cafes and Coffee Shops
Onibus Coffee
This coffee shop is straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie! “ONIBUS” is a Portuguese word that means “public bus” and “for everyone.” Onibus came about with the idea of using coffee to connect people, like a bus! I love the idea behind their brand, and I absolutely love their coffee stand in Nakameguro.
The coffee shop is in a two-story house directly next to the train tracks. They sell coffee on the first floor, which you can enjoy on their outside patio or upstairs. The train passes by every 10 to 15 minutes, and it’s a lovely little corner of Nakameguro. It transports me to a peaceful movie, just watching time pass by. Their coffee is also strong.
Little Nap Coffee Stand
Just beside Yoyogi Park is this little community coffee shop that’s hidden away behind large blue barn doors. It’s a small shop with only a few bench seats and a little area outside you can stand and sip. While it may look unassuming, it’s extremely popular with the locals, and there are many customers with little kids and dogs.
I love the atmosphere of this coffee shop. The staff is super friendly, always conversing with people, and very helpful. They play great music and have tasty brews and cakes; they even sell ice cream! They have an English menu for non-Japanese speakers.
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
The famous Totoro cream puff cafe! I can say confidently that these cream puffs look AND taste incredible. This cafe is cute and cozy in Setagaya City, just West of Shibuya. It’s a little out of the way, but the trek there is worth it. I also love walking around this neighborhood. There are lots of cute boutiques selling handmade goods and more. The cafe is hidden from the main road and in a lovely two-story building covered in green vines.
You can get the cream puffs on the first floor if you don’t want to wait for a seat. If you want a seat, put your name on the waiting list and wait for a staff member to call when your seat is ready. You’ll head up a narrow set of stairs to the second floor, where you’re met with a cute seating area. Sometimes, they’ll run out of certain cream puff flavors, so go early!
The cream puffs are absolutely DELICIOUS, and the coffee is so, so good. You can’t go wrong with any flavor. You can also get lunch, but I chose the cream puff and coffee combo. This is a must-visit cafe in Tokyo!
Fuglen Tokyo
This Norwegian coffee brand opened a coffee bar in Tokyo in 2012; the rest is history. Their most famous location is in Shibuya, which looks straight out of the 70’s. The vintage interior is reminiscent of a jazz bar with retro and art deco style. At night, this coffee bar transforms into a cocktail bar!
This is probably one of the most popular cafes in Tokyo I visited as it was packed and every chair and table was taken. It’s in a popular area, but the coffee and design is a crowd-favorite amongst locals and tourists. The coffee is smooth and robust, and the atmosphere is excellent! They have an English menu as well.
All Seasons Coffee
If you’re looking for a pudding spot, this is where to go! This coffee shop in east Shinjuku roasts its own beans and makes its own pudding and desserts. They’re famous for their flan pudding, which they make every day. There’s also ice cream, cheesecake, cakes, sandwiches, and more.
It’s a somewhat small cafe, but they have ample seating. However, they get busy in the afternoon, and the wait for a table can last up to 30 minutes. You can also make a table reservation by phone, but it might be challenging unless you speak Japanese.
The coffee is balanced and smooth and pairs perfectly with their pudding! The atmosphere is nice and cooling, and I like the seating arrangement. The staff are friendly as well. I love this cafe, and it’s worth the wait!
Bongen Coffee
This small coffee shop in Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most aesthetic and zen coffee shops. The decor is simple, and wool is featured throughout the store. There’s also a bonsai tree sitting behind the order counter!
They roast their own coffee and specialize in picking, roasting, and curating the best coffee for consumers. They offer five specialty drinks, including four milk-based espresso drinks and one hand-drip coffee. I personally find that their coffee is good, but nothing that blew me away. It’s also on the more pricy side. However, I’m glad I visited their interior, which is very zen.
There’s little to no seating—maybe four indoor bench seats—but it’s a nice small space for a little reprieve away from the Tokyo crowds and heat. Otherwise, it’s more of a grab-and-go type of coffee shop.
Yazawa Coffee Roasters
This third-wave specialty coffee shop is the place to go if you want a delicious, carefully made cup of coffee. The owner is super friendly and brews an amazing cup of coffee. I believe the owner handles everything by himself! You can pick from various single-origin beans and have it black or white.
What I love about this store is that it’s local, has some of the best coffee in Tokyo, and is right next to the train tracks. There is seating inside along the wall, and it’s perfect for relaxing, sipping coffee, and watching the trains pass by. I love how local this coffee shop is, and you get an amazing, crisp cup of coffee at an affordable price.
They’re right on the Keisei Oshiage line, near the Keisei Tateishi station in East Tokyo.
PUSS (Hidden Gem)
This is one of the coolest coffee shops I have visited in Tokyo, and it’s hard to find them on Google Maps! I stayed in the YAWP hostel, and the hostel owner invited me to have a cup of coffee with him at this Sunday-only coffee shop downstairs.
This coffee shop is run by a couple that loves vintage decor and clothing, and coffee! They only sell black pour-over coffee and sometimes experiment with making different beverages like homemade cola. I love the vibe of this shop, and they have some unique pieces inside! You can also shop for some secondhand clothing while you enjoy your beverage.
If you’re in east Tokyo, definitely make your way over to enjoy a cool vintage coffee shop!
The Matcha Tokyo
This matcha chain is popular in Asia and is among the best matcha I’ve had. Their flagship store is Omotesando in a cute two-story house, but I went to the Miyashita Park location. It’s a minimal and clean cafe with many different matcha drinks on its menu. The matcha is earthy and smooth and has great umami and sweetness.
What I like about the Miyashita Park location is that it is in a shopping complex with many local and boutique brands. You can grab your drink, sit and enjoy, or walk around perusing cool items.
Coffee Shops in Tokyo I Haven’t Been But I Recommend
Koffee Mameya
This cafe is super popular for its unique approach to coffee. It’s a small coffee stand in a small bunker with baristas dressed in lab coats. Their approach to coffee is very scientific and molecular, and it’s a dream for people who really love coffee and want to hone their flavor profile and senses.
It’s a small, minimally decorated zen shop that gives you a curated coffee experience. You’ll first pick your bean based on what flavor you want. Then, you choose either espresso or filter coffee. They don’t do milk coffee here so you really have to like coffee to enjoy this experience.
I’ve heard that the wait can be up to 30 minutes since there are limited baristas and it’s a small space. It’s an interesting concept, but I haven’t quite got the patience to wait just yet.
Socha
Come for a relaxing space and enjoy the tea and small bites! This cafe in north Tokyo in Bunkyo City has the most amazing interior. It’s a cozy cave with wood furniture and warm lighting. They specialize in green tea, including matcha, and serve cakes, pastries, and light lunches. It’s a tea experience that you won’t find anywhere else!
It’s on the first floor of a two-story building, and it’s a really cool-looking space with great refreshments. This is at the top of my list for my next trip to Tokyo!
uni
Near Koffee Mameya in Shibuya is this spacious cafe that serves brunch, coffee, cake, and cocktails in the evening. It’s most famous for its cool wooden steps to sit on and enjoy your coffee or snacks. The cafe is on the fourth floor of the Gyre building and has a terrace with amazing views of Harajuku. It’s also rainforest-themed!
It seems like it has a great ambiance, and the interior is just gorgeous.
Tips for Visiting Tokyo Cafes
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. If you want a quieter and less crowded experience, visit cafes on weekdays.
Non-Peak Hours: Morning (8 AM to 10 AM) and before mid-afternoon (1 PM to 2 PM) are usually less busy than lunchtime and afternoon (if the cafe is open late).
Navigating Cafes in Tokyo
Language Barriers: While many cafe staff speak some English, learning a few basic Japanese phrases or having a Japanese translation app open with what you want is helpful. Most of the time, you can also point to a picture or the menu item to order.
Payment Methods: Japan is still a cash-based society, and while some of the newer cafes take credit cards, all cafes will take cash. Some smaller cafes may only accept cash. Make sure you have some yen on you in case.
Ordering: Most cafes in Tokyo operate on an order-first-then-sit basis. Unless the cafe also serves brunch or is a sit-down cafe, order your drink first, then find a seat!
Specialty Items
Seasonal Specialties: Many cafes in Tokyo offer limited-time flavors that reflect seasonal ingredients in Japan, such as sakura (cherry blossom) or rose in spring, satsuma-imo (sweet potat0) in fall, yuzu (citrus) in winter.
Japanese Coffee to Try
- Flash Brewed (Japanese Ice Coffee): This method was made in Japan! It’s when the barista brews hot coffee directly onto ice, rapidly cooling the coffee and preserving its flavors and aromas.
- Pour-Over Coffee: Japan is famous for pour-over coffees, and you can find some amazing brews in Tokyo.
- Instant Coffee: Japanese instant coffee is the best. I love the one from UCC; it’s so rich and delicious. You can find it at the grocery or convenience store!
- Canned Coffee: You can’t leave Tokyo without trying canned coffee from a convenience store or machine. It’s quick and delicious, and many Japanese people have it daily!
Neighborhoods
Plan your cafe visits by neighborhood to save time and explore a different area of Tokyo! Popular places for cafes include Shibuya, Shinjuku, Omotesando, and Daikanyama.
Etiquette and Culture
Respecting Space: Japanese cafes often emphasize a quiet and calm atmosphere, which reflects Japanese culture. Some cafes are packed and busy and have a great chatting atmosphere.
Depending on the vibe, keep your voice to a minimum and be mindful of other patrons. Especially when picking a seat, don’t pick one directly next to someone if more seats are available—people love their personal space!
Can You Walk Around with a Coffee in Tokyo? Generally, no. It’s not illegal, but it’s an unusual habit that most Japanese people don’t do. If people eat in public, they usually sit down or stand in one spot and finish their snack, meal, or drink. You might get weird looks or stares if you get a coffee to go and drink it while walking.
Have Fun Cafe Hopping in Tokyo!
Tokyo is a hotspot for beautiful cafes serving high-quality, delicious coffee. Cafe-hopping is a great way to check out different Tokyo neighborhoods and enjoy great atmospheres. You’ll also get to sample some of the best-brewed coffee in the world. This list of Tokyo cafes are some of my favorites, and hopefully, you’ll get to visit them! Happy travels!
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