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9 Select Tokyo Coffee Shops: Must-Visit Spots for Coffee Addicts

9 Select Tokyo Coffee Shops: Must-Visit Spots for Coffee Addicts

Last updated: 7 August 2023

Tokyo is a city that has what some might call a mature coffee culture. Having a good cup of coffee is part of their daily routine for many of Tokyo’s denizens, whether it’s a workday or a holiday.

As might be expected in a city of its enormity, Tokyo has countless shops hidden throughout ranging from small independent cafes to well known chain stores.

Part of the attraction is not only the hot cups brewing, but also some delicious meals available. Even with the wide variety of coffee shops available across the city, four areas have emerged as major coffee zones. These areas have a high concentration of great coffee shops like Kiyosumi-Shirakawa’s BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE – a brand imported from the U.S. – and Shibuya, where fashion, pop culture, and coffee converge around Yoyogi Park in a satisfying mix of all things hip.

Let’s take a tour of these four coffee hot spots, and check out our top ten can’t-miss Tokyo coffee shops!

First stop on the Tokyo Coffee Map: Kuramae

1. Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE: Coffee, Conversation, and Comfort

1. Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE: Coffee, Conversation, and Comfort

Nui. HOSTEL&BAR LOUNGE is a highly rated and popular youth hostel located in the Kuramae area. Not only does it provide comfortable accommodations, but also features a café on its open and inviting first floor.

The coffee beans and brewing method used here are from Tokyo’s well-known ONIBUS COFFEE shop, and the flavorful hot latte pairs perfectly with the delicious bread and food also available.

No matter what time of day you’re there, Nui. HOSTEL&BAR LOUNGE is a great place to listen to soft music, relax, and have a good time with travellers from all over the world!

2. LEAVES COFFEE APARTMENT: The Little Shop on the Corner

2. LEAVES COFFEE APARTMENT: The Little Shop on the Corner

Leaves Coffee Apartment is located on a corner near a bridge spanning the Sumida River. To some, the shop’s plain concrete exterior may seem uninviting at first glance, but the sweet coffee aroma will certainly have you stepping up to the shop’s convenient take-out window.

With beans sourced from Oslo, Norway’s popular Fuglen coffee shop, the shop specializes in espresso and drip coffee, offering four unique flavors. Although the take out window makes Leaves Coffee Apartment’s location perfect for enjoying the scenery along the Sumida River, the shop itself is also a cozy place to enjoy a chat with friends.

  • LEAVES COFFEE APARTMENT
    リーブスコーヒーアパートメント
    • Address 111-0043 2-2-10 Fine Life Komagata 105
    • Nearest Station Directions: 1 minute from Kuramae Station (Toei Subway Oedo Line) Exit A7
    • ・Hours: Tues. - Sun. 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
      ・Closed on Mon.

Next Stop: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa

3. iki ESPRESSO TOKYO: New Zealand Breakfast in Tokyo

3. iki ESPRESSO TOKYO: New Zealand Breakfast in Tokyo

Already popular in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United States, the “flat white” trend is also sweeping across Tokyo.

Kiyosumi-Shirakawa’s iki ESPRESSO TOKYO has quickly become a THE place for a flat white in Tokyo. There the owners first introduced New Zealand's coffee and brunch culture to Japan.

Similar in taste to cappuccino, but with a more noticeable milk flavor, a flat white is known for the intricate designs baristas use to decorate the drink’s milk foam.

In addition to coffee, the shop also serves up savory foods and desserts such as French toast, eggs Benedict, cakes, and pies. Their large muffins are particularly tasty.

Due to its New Zealand influence, iki ESPRESSO TOKYO has an exotic, yet leisurely atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by.

  • iki ESPRESSO TOKYO
    イキエスプレッソ
    • Address 135-0006 2-2-12, Toki, Koto-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station Directions: 5 minutes from Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station Exit A1 (Tokyo Metro Line/Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • ・Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (until 6 PM on weekends)

4. ARiSE COFFEE ROASTERS: A Unique Local Favorite

4. ARiSE COFFEE ROASTERS: A Unique Local Favorite

If you want to feel at home, then be sure to visit ARiSE COFFEE ROASTERS. This Tokyo coffee shop is popular with locals of all ages, as well travelers from abroad. The owner, Mr. Taiju Hayashi, has a friendly and welcoming personality and is keen to chat with customers.

A former owner of a coffee roaster wholesale company, Mr. Hayashi has over ten years of experience and is a true coffee lover. His shop, decorated with items of personal interest, has a selection of coffee beans from about 10 different countries, and also sells roasted beans and homemade bread. Don't miss this one!

  • ARiSE COFFEE ROASTERS
    ARiSE COFFEE ROASTERS
    • Address 135-0023 1-13-8, Hirano, Koto-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station 7 minutes from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Tokyo Metro Line/ Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • ・Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
      ・Closed on Mon.

Third stop: Nakameguro

5. BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE Nakameguro Café

5. BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE Nakameguro Café

San Francisco’s BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE, which is called “the Apple of the coffee industry,” has quickly expanded to Nakameguro, Aoyama, Roppongi, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, since it opening its first overseas branch in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa and each store has its own unique atmosphere.

The Nakameguro café, for example, has a minimalist design style. The large floor-to-ceiling windows are designed with ample sunlight to create a bright, clear and comfortable atmosphere, complemented by a sleek and stylish interior.

BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE beans are carefully selected by staff members during personal visits to coffee farms all over the world, and then used to ensure that customers can expect the finest in coffees, espressos and lattes.

  • BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE Nakameguro Café
    ブルーボトルコーヒー 中目黒カフェ
    • Address 153-0061 Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Nakameguro 3-23-16
    • Nearest Station 9 minutes from Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line); 10 minutes from Yutenji Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line)
    • ・Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

6. TRAVELER'S FACTORY: Stationery & Coffee at Your Leisure

6. TRAVELER'S FACTORY: Stationery & Coffee at Your Leisure

TRAVELER'S FACTORY is a well-know stationery brand, specializing in fashionable notebooks. At the brand’s flagship location in Nakameguro, customers can punctuate a day of shopping by taking advantage of the store’s coffee shop and quiet second floor relaxation space.

It’s a perfect place to sip your coffee, write a few postcards, and even start filling your new travel notebook with fond memories!

  • TRAVELER'S FACTORY NAKAMEGURO
    トラベラーズファクトリー中目黒
    • Address 3 Chome-13-10 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051
    • Nearest Station 3 minutes from Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line/Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) South Exit
    • ・Hours: Noon - 8:00 PM
      ・Closed on Tues.

Final stop: Yoyogi Park (Shibuya)

7. CAFE ROSTRO: Personalized Coffee at its Finest

7. CAFE ROSTRO: Personalized Coffee at its Finest

The truest coffee aficionado simply must make a pilgrimage CAFE ROSTRO. There, the professional barista is a master of fine coffee, with over 15 years of experience. Each cup of coffee served here is tailor-made to suit individual customers tastes, using only certified coffee beans roasted in the store.

In addition to order-made coffee, CAFE ROSTRO serves light food items, and the warm atmosphere of the shop makes it joy for any coffee lover to experience.

  • CAFE ROSTRO
    カフェ ロストロ
    • Address 151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Tomigaya 1-14-20 Southpia 1F
    • Nearest Station 5 minutes from Yoyogikoen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • ・Hours: 8:00 AM -8:00 PM

8. Katane Bakery: Endless Variety

8. Katane Bakery: Endless Variety

Located in the quiet Uehara residential area, Katane Bakery sells over 70 varieties of bread, baked fresh every day. Each bread and dessert is made with local Japanese ingredients carefully selected by the bakery’s owner.

The bakery also features a café on the first floor, which is an excellent place to enjoy a cup of coffee along with your fresh bread or light snack.

  • Katane Bakery
    カタネベーカリー
    • Address 151-0066 1-7-5, Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station 10 minutes from Yoyogi Uehara Station (Odakyu Electric Railway Odawara Line/Tokyo Metro Subway Chiyoda Line)
    • ・Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM (Coffee shop 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
      ・Closed on Mon. & 1st, 3rd & 5th Sun.

9. Levain: Natural Bread and a Hot Cup of Coffee

9. Levain: Natural Bread and a Hot Cup of Coffee

Levain has been in business for over 30 years and is a pioneer in natural yeast baking.

Loved by bread fans all over Tokyo, there are about 20 kinds of bread in the store, and some can also be ordered in advance. The store also has a small Tokyo coffee shop for customers to relax and enjoy some of their signature breads.

  • Levain Tomigaya Store
    ルヴァン 富ヶ谷店
    • Address 151-0063 2-3-4-13, Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station 5 minutes from Yoyogi Hachiman (Odakyu Electric Railway Odawara Line), 10 minutes from Yoyogi Uehara Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • ・Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM (until 6:00 PM Sun. & holidays)
      ・Closed on Mon. & 2nd Tues.

If you’re a coffee lover, Tokyo is a city sure to provide you with some wonderful moments, not only with what’s in you cup, but also in terms of scenery, design and conversation. Tokyo’s specialty coffee scene won’t let you down!

Text: Yu. English by Gabriel Wilkinson.
*This article was originally published in September 2019. Shop hours updated in August 2023.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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