Food & Drink
Aesthetic coffee shops for every area in Tokyo
By
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs March 31, 2024
Greta Morgenstern, Tara Salem and Jessie Carbutt
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs March 31, 2024
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Does this happen to you too? You’re out in Tokyo and craving a good coffee, or you need an impressively local spot to show off to your friends. Maybe you need an artsy nook to hunker down in and work, or the perfect spot for a group meetup. Despite your best efforts, you inevitably end up at the nearest Starbucks or Doutour because you don’t know the hotspots frequented by all the in-the-know caffeine-appreciating locals. Our editors and readers needed a solution. It has taken us weeks, but we’ve sworn never to be tempted by a green siren’s mochikaeri tall-size latte again.
Here, we’ve compiled our ultimate guide to the best coffee shops in each of Tokyo’s 23 wards. We’re talking the best independent blends, the most aesthetic interior, the coziest seating and the calmest, most remote-work-friendly hideouts. Don’t worry, our guide includes all the information you need to know about seating, prices, wifi, outlets and more.
We’ve also made a handy Google Map version, so you can navigate to your closest coffee connoisseur from your phone.
ADACHI
No Smoking | No Outlets | No Wifi Refurbished from a traditional Japanese house, Engawa Cafe has both tatami seating and wooden tables to sip on the cafe’s own original blend, or an ice hojicha latte. Be sure to pair your traditional tea with their refreshing anmitsu, or one of their handmade seasonal tarts. The scenery of the lush garden from the back room can offer you a tranquil break or a peaceful start to your day.
ARAKAWA
Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking | Pets Not only known for their coffee, Mills Coffee offers a wide range of delicious pastries, from honey gorgonzola bread boats to fluffy strawberry maritozzi. Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast to-go or a filling lunch, Mills Coffee has it all, from their adorable vintage interior to decorated pastries.
BUNKYO
Wi-Fi 30 min. limit | No Outlets | No Smoking | Pets outside Japanese design meets the chill of Melbourne’s cafe culture at this spacious cafe and concept store. CIBI uses organic, fresh, local ingredients to craft its breakfast and lunch options and they keep things interesting by updating their lunch menu every month. In addition to their imported tea and coffee, they offer Australian imported beers which are near-impossible to find anywhere else in Japan. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
CHIYODA
No WiFi | No Outlets | No Smoking Best described as an antique shop-meets-cafe with a splash of British high tea vibes, Cafe Miel serves its coffee in exquisite cups that make you feel like you’re hanging out with royalty. The ambiance is one of its biggest features, along with top picks like the Vienna coffee. Check out Metropolis’ linked article for more information.
CHUO
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking | Cash only Coffee RIN’s main shop in Ginza takes drip coffee to a very personal level. Its coffee blends are charcoal-roasted in-house, and served in a cup unique to you — you’ll spot that no two cups on the eclectic shelving behind the counter are the same design. RIN also serves homemade cakes. Serious and solo coffee drinkers should hang by the counter seats to soak up the atmosphere, while couples can opt for the cute table seats.
Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Turret Coffee is self-proclaimed as “the most outrageous coffee shop in Japan.” Its swirling, funky latte art definitely shows its special take on serving coffee. There is minimal seating, so Turret is perfect for a quick stop or a weird drink to-go. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love their salted caramel latte or their mocha. Check out Metropolis’ article for more.
EDOGAWA
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking | Pets Deakin St. Coffee is the ideal location for grabbing a coffee to-go or hitting the terrace seating nearby. With a cozy interior, it boasts a seasonal selection of tea and coffees to-go. Kid and dog friendly.
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking | Cash only This minimalist cafe specializes in desserts just as much as its beverages, serving an old-fashioned sweet Japanese caramel pudding that pairs wonderfully with their delicious coffee. Point Two (or Gobuichi Coffee) is a rare find in Edogawa, where aesthetic cafe spots are few and far between. Its clean-cut decor and popular menu items like its colorful floats make it a standout in the local scene.
ITABASHI
Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking This Itabashi hotspot has more space than the name suggests, and its sophisticated, earthy interior design makes it a great place for groups. A favorite among local patrons are the seasonal specials and chunky, crunchy toast options, like their scrumptious graham bread toast with mascarpone cheese.
KATSUSHIKA
No WiFi | No Outlets | No Smoking | Only small dogs outside | Cash only Specializing in vegan options, you have to check out the “smoothie bagels” if you go here. Vegan ice cream in flavors like matcha and black sesame pair well with the organic coffee, and we were surprised to even find a coconut iced latte on the menu. A way out in Katsushika, this is a standout spot in the local scene.
KITA
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Though we don’t really know how to pronounce it, Hyaqtoh Coffee shop in Shimofuri has exceptional coffee. The spot specializes in different blends and its staff each has an expert understanding of beans. Unconventional options like rum latte, mead latte and espresso tonic shine on its menu. If you’re looking for a sophisticated coffee experience, Hyaqtoh is the place.
Wifi | Outlets | Designated smoking area Design is central at Beyond Z, second only to serving a warming coffee. The hotspot has a range of caffeine options from classic to sweet on its menu, along with a selection of paninis. Sip an iced coffee on the patio in summer, or take a moment to reset inside thanks to the bright, open-air concept.
KOTO
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking | Pets Australian roots and a killer brunch menu make this cafe and bakery a staple for coffee lovers in Koto-ku. Fluffy pancakes, French toast and eggs benedict are some of the most popular hits. Its two floors provide ample seating, and the ground floor windows open out into the street to create semi-outdoor seating.
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Serious coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the finesse of Koffee Mameya. This is not your average coffee shop; you can expect a more upscale, intimate drinking experience at the counter seating as you are attended to by staff in lab coats. Not really the spot for a catchup over coffee, Mameya is more fit for connoisseurs looking for truly special coffee experience.
MEGURO
Wifi | No Outlet | No Smoking Popular for its caneles, Bonds Meguro lights up a tiny corner of Meguro-ku. Whether you’re looking for a late night snack or a coffee to-go before work, Bonds welcomes you with its industrial yet cozy structure. The counter seats offer a casual atmosphere where you can relax in the cafe’s quiet setting.
No Smoking | Wifi | Outlets As the name suggests, the minds behind GRATBROWN have perfected the art of roasting high-quality beans and baking excellent desserts, like their custard cherry pie and buttermilk biscuits. The small space can get crowded, so head here outside of peak hours to really make the most of the curated blends roasted in-house.
No Wifi | No Outlet | No Smoking | Cash only This cafe is so loved for its unusually extensive French toast menu, offering delicious toppings like blueberry and cream cheese, or caramel and banana. that it hosts lines out the door on weekends. It’s just a few steps away from Midorigaoka Station and as the cafe is family-owned, you get a real warm welcome every time.
MINATO
Little Darling Coffee Roasters
WiFi | Outlets for customers but not at seats | No Smoking | Pets allowed outside A wide, open-plan interior leads out into a modern park complete with deckchairs and seats under shady vineyard-esque canopies. Airy, green and equally family as it is hipster-friendly, come here not just for the coffee but for the host of other independent shops in this true urban oasis.
NAKANO
Outlets | No Smoking | Pets | Cash only Nakano is known as more otaku than oshare, but Lou is an awesome exception. It feels totally out-of-place to be quite this stylish on a street of pachinko and izakaya, but we love that there’s finally a space in Nakano for us coffee lovers. The shop is organic and plastic-free, with vinyl records and a stream of customers throughout the day.
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Half florists, half coffee shop, sometimes the two concepts of this spot blend into one, with floral-enhanced coffee flavors like “hundred flowers honey.” You’ll feel either like a garden fairy nestled amongst flowers at the cozy seating, or a hay-fever disaster waiting to happen.
NERIMA
No Smoking | Wifi | Outlets Not to be confused with the restaurant chain Chinese Cafe Eight, this Nerima hideout is quite a spacious place to sit and work, with lots of seating and available wifi and outlets. Pancakes are a big hit on their menu, complemented by their variety of coffee drinks. The signature “Nerimaru” fare features an adorable deer atop your pancakes or latte.
OTA
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking There’s nothing more satisfying than silky smooth wooden tables with the perfect cup of coffee sitting aesthetically on top. Chunky fruit or savory sandwiches complement the coffee at this local spot. There’s also amazing brown bread versions on offer — a rarity for Tokyo.
SETAGAYA
Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Take three steps in any direction in Shimokitazawa and you’ll walk into a stylish coffee shop, but Stone River Coffee is one of our latest favorites. Bringing a community aspect to coffee roasting to the city with its “share roast” concept, people come here to roast their own beans from home in the shop’s roasting machine. There’s a selection of their own roasts too, along with some of the dinkiest puddings you’ll ever see.
Sidewalk Coffee Roasters-Shimokitazawa
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking We love Sidewalk for remote working. With wifi and power outlets, plus a surprisingly wide terrace area, you can spend an afternoon snacking on bagels and binging on oat milk lattes. With a relaxed atmosphere, this is a great place to take a break from your thrifting spree and unwind with a freshly roasted coffee.
No Wifi | Outlets This hip coffee stand in Setagaya is full of bright colors and flavors. They have a small counter for anyone who wants to have a sandwich or hot dog, and offer coffees to-go. Check out their cool collection of retro tchotchkes while you savor a pourover coffee from Happy End’s very own beans.
No Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking Renovated from a warehouse, YELLOW has an airy, modern-industrial interior and serves delicious coffee made with Arabica Coffee beans sourced from Kyoto. Their menu boasts plenty of meal options including curry, hot dogs, and burgers. But don’t miss a chance to try their specialty: croissants! YELLOW offers a variety of flaky croissant sandwiches from savory egg and ham to dessert croissants filled with chocolate bananas and decorated with almond shavings.
Wifi | Outlets at select seats | No Smoking | Pets This cafe delivers both a clean and retro vibe, serving up hot sandwiches and ice cream along with on-point coffee. The staff have a sense of humor—you might receive a comical mug with your hot drink of choice. It’s child friendly for those with small kids, and popular with the locals.
SHIBUYA
Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Nem Coffee is a charming little family-owned cafe that prioritizes ethically conscious consumption and worldliness. Its French press coffee is top notch, and the interior is fashionable and full of memories from its customers.
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking | Pets A combination of a cafe and an art gallery, immerse in culture and flavor at KUKO. Every time we’ve been here it hasn’t been too busy — seating is ample and light floods in from the full-length windows. There’s free wifi, a jungle of plants and comfy sofa seats for you to spend an afternoon with yourself or friends. We must say, the food menu is not exceptional, but the atmosphere and airy calm is what we go for.
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking | Pets This cafe is an extension of the shop Sneakersnstuff, serving up sandwiches, coffee and falafel in the heart of Daikanyama. There is naturally a street and skater vibe, but the staff welcome all who are looking for a place to hang out, inside or out on the terrace. Wifi and outlets are available for those ready to recharge and you can make an afternoon of it by wandering around the local shops nearby.
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking Indonesian coffee is the focus of this Jakarta-born coffee shop, serving authentic Indonesian-style drinks and beans. Be sure to also try their Roti Kalyan, a delicious take on a classic Indonesian bread and other Indonesians treats and snacks. It’s a great place to hang out with friends or do work, with wifi and outlets available. Check out our full review here.
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking A rustic-industrial vibe harmonizes with artisan coffee, vinyl records, wooden accents, and cool pottery. Located in the trendier outskirts of the Yoyogi area, Paddlers attracts local artists and stylish coffee lovers throughout the week — especially on weekends.
SHINAGAWA
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking | Pets Struggling to find that perfect place to enjoy bespoke sausage rolls as well as a good art book? No? Well, this place is good for you to check out regardless. Sink into one of the hammocks with a hot cup of coffee, a nice read and a savory roll, surrounded by library shelves and other aesthetic-searching book nerds.
SHINJUKU
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Verve knows how to do coffee right, whether it be a traditional pour-over or a fruity cold brew concoction. Coffee lovers can get a flight of blends to sample all that this coffee shop has to offer. The sleek, tiled outfitting of Verve gives a cool impression to complement their expertise. The staff are also incredibly friendly—you’ll feel right at home immediately.
SUGINAMI
Wifi | Outlets at select seats | No Smoking | Pets allowed outside An extension of Tysons, this cafe offers a refreshing balance of nice ambience, strong coffee and quality eats. Ample indoor and terrace seating impressed us, but it was the free refills that really stole our coffee-loving hearts. The sourdough bread from the in-house bakery is to die for, and the wood-baked pizza is a great meal option.
Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking Perfect for take-out or a quick sit-down stop, this shotengai coffee stand has a rotating selection of beans that will keep you coming back for more. Its exterior is as refreshing as its coffee— you wouldn’t expect something so modern in such a retro spot — and the selection of sweet treats adds to the impressive repertoire.
SUMIDA
No Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking This specialty coffee shop prides itself on training its baristas to high standards, and they’re often off at various competitions internationally. They’ll happily chat with you about the menu’s blends, flavor profiles and origins, and likely tempt you with one of their coffee cocktails. Its cool 70s-inspired decor minus the bellbottoms sets off a relaxed atmosphere whether you head there during the day or in the evening.
TAITO
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking En packs a lot into its space—all four floors of it. The ground floor hosts the coffee shop, while guests chat in the sofa seating upstairs or on the rooftop garden. There’s even a marketplace selling artisan furniture and goods but despite its ecclectiness, En always has a serene atmosphere as it sits near the Sumida river between Umaya Bridge and Kuramae Bridge.
TOSHIMA
Outlets | No Smoking Mia Mia is a super friendly, community-feel coffee shop where you’re bound to feel at home. The owners are from Japan and Australia, so the cafe’s vibe matches the international backgrounds. We recommend trying their sourdough and pastries. With free wifi, enjoy sitting in their cozy cafe or outside for remote work.
OTHER
Wifi | No Outlets | No Smoking | Pets Light Up, located in Kichijoji is the ultimate spot for coffee geeks. The cafe boasts an interior mimicking a quaint art gallery, creating a charming ambiance. Light Up takes pride in using beans sourced from farms in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Kenya to create their delicious blends. Their menu always has something exciting, including a coffee tasting set and selection of seasonal drinks. Make sure to try their signature rum latte, offering has a delicious blend of sweet rum and bitter espresso.
Wifi | Outlets | No Smoking | Pets While distant from the metropolitan center of Tokyo, Northlink Cafe is popular with those looking to study and work as it boasts ample space fitted with wifi and outlets. It is also located near the Tachikawa Green Springs complex, IKEA and Showa Kinen Koen. You can easily spend a day exploring the rest of Tachikawa after grabbing a croissant and latte.