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 Wave

Nakameguro

Bright, minimal, serious about coffee

Known for: Single origin pour-over, excellent espresso

Tip: Try the seasonal single origin. Small space, often busy weekends.

¥500-800

Fuglen Tokyo

Nordic

Yoyogi

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.

¥500-700

Blue Bottle Coffee

Third Wave

Multiple

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.

¥500-700

Chatei Hatou

Kissaten

Shibuya

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.

¥700-1,200

Koffee Mameya

Third Wave

Omotesando

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.

¥500-1,500

Sarutahiko Coffee

Third Wave

Ebisu

Welcoming, great food too, neighborhood feel

Known for: House blend, espresso drinks

Tip: The flagship Ebisu location has more space. Good breakfast options.

¥500-700

Cafe de l'Ambre

Kissaten

Ginza

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.

¥800-2,000

Switch Coffee

Third Wave

Meguro

Tiny, serious, friendly baristas

Known for: Light roasts, Japanese precision

Tip: Standing room only. Perfect for a quick excellent coffee.

¥500-700

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.

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