Tokyo Coffee Guide
From century-old kissaten to cutting-edge third wave. Tokyo takes coffee as seriously as any city on earth.
Best Coffee Shops
Onibus Coffee
Third WaveNakameguro
Bright, minimal, serious about coffee
Known for: Single origin pour-over, excellent espresso
Tip: Try the seasonal single origin. Small space, often busy weekends.
Fuglen Tokyo
NordicYoyogi
Oslo transplant, vintage furniture, cocktails at night
Known for: Light roasts, Nordic style brewing
Tip: Becomes a cocktail bar in the evening. Perfect pre-dinner drink spot.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Third WaveMultiple
Clean, minimal, the Japan locations are stunning
Known for: Drip, espresso, seasonal blends
Tip: The Kiyosumi store is the most beautiful. Worth visiting for architecture.
Chatei Hatou
KissatenShibuya
Traditional Japanese coffee house, dark wood, quiet
Known for: Nel drip, aged beans, classic Japanese technique
Tip: Cash only. Try the 'aged' coffee. An institution since 1989.
Koffee Mameya
Third WaveOmotesando
Bean-focused, no seating, experts guide your selection
Known for: Beans from around the world, custom recommendations
Tip: Tell them your preferences. They'll match you with perfect beans.
Sarutahiko Coffee
Third WaveEbisu
Welcoming, great food too, neighborhood feel
Known for: House blend, espresso drinks
Tip: The flagship Ebisu location has more space. Good breakfast options.
Cafe de l'Ambre
KissatenGinza
Legendary, been here since 1948, shrine to coffee
Known for: Aged beans up to 20+ years, nel drip
Tip: Order the aged blend. It's like nothing else. A pilgrimage for coffee lovers.
Switch Coffee
Third WaveMeguro
Tiny, serious, friendly baristas
Known for: Light roasts, Japanese precision
Tip: Standing room only. Perfect for a quick excellent coffee.
Coffee Neighborhoods
Nakameguro
Canal-side, hip, multiple good options
Yoyogi/Tomigaya
Quiet residential, coffee and brunch culture
Shimokitazawa
Indie, vintage, cozy kissaten
Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
Gallery district, excellent coffee scene
Coffee Tips
Kissaten vs Third Wave
Kissaten are traditional Japanese coffee houses - dark, quiet, ritualistic. Third wave is modern specialty coffee. Both are worth experiencing.
Morning culture
Many kissaten offer 'morning sets' (toast, egg, coffee) for ¥500-800. Great budget breakfast.
Size matters
Japanese coffee is smaller than American portions. A 'regular' is closer to a small. Adjust expectations.
Cash culture
Many independent shops are cash only. Carry yen.