Best Cafes in Tokyo

Cafes-In-Tokyo-—-Tokyo-Coffee-Shop-Guide-—-Softer-Volumes-11

It’s no secret that Tokyo is a championed gastronomic destination, but the Japanese capital’s cafe scene alone is worth making the trip for. Curating a list of the best cafes in Tokyo is no simple task due to the size of the city and the array of coffee shops serving each of its neighbourhoods. All across Tokyo, entrepreneurs are embracing Japanese tradition (think slow, unique brewing methods), as well as experimenting with modern flavours and roasting techniques to create an offering unseen anywhere else. Whatever your brew of choice, Tokyo has it all — plus a few surprises. Enjoy exploring our selection of the best coffee shops in Tokyo below.

To discover 290 beautifully-designed cafes around the world, check out our book Softer Volumes: Cafés — available in both print and digital formats.

Chop Coffee Cat Street

No doubt you’ll find yourself in Shibuya at some point, one of Tokyo’s liveliest neighbourhoods. Swing by Chop Coffee Cat Street to escape the crowds, instantly recognisable with its boxy design, lit-up ‘Chop Coffee’ sign adorning the large windows, and friendly baristas behind the counter that runs through the centre of the small shop.

Chop Coffee Cat Street - Best Cafes In Tokyo — Tokyo Coffee Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Chop Coffee Cat Street

Koffee Mameya

Less than 10-minutes’ walk away, you won’t want to miss Koffee Mameya, with its dark weathered timber entryway and distinct lack of signage. As well as meticulously brewed drinks, this hidden spot sells a variety of beans for you to make your perfect cup at home, guided by experienced staff who’ll give you an in-depth walk-through of everything they have on offer.

Koffee Mameya - Best Cafes In Tokyo — Tokyo Coffee Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Koffee Mameya

About Life Coffee Brewers

A short trip on foot from Shibuya station is About Life Coffee Brewers; a small coffee stand occupying the corner of two streets. Passionate baristas serve a wide range of quality coffee from windows built into the grey exterior, with narrow benches outside to sit and enjoy your brew.

About Life Coffee Brewers - Best Cafes In Tokyo — Tokyo Coffee Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
About Life Coffee Brewers

Onibus Coffee

Just a few minutes on the train from Shibuya is Nakameguro, a canal-side neighbourhood with a slower pace and decidedly European feel. Right by the train tracks is speciality coffee joint Onibus Coffee (from the same people behind About Life Coffee Brewers), a narrow building that’s home to some of the best beans in Tokyo. Grab a coffee to go from the welcoming shop front window or take a seat upstairs with a few loyal locals.

Onibus Coffee - Best Coffee In Tokyo — Tokyo Coffee Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Onibus Coffee
Softer Volumes Cafés Book

Softer Volumes: Cafés

A luxurious coffee table book exhibiting beautifully-designed cafés around the world. Featuring over 290 hand-picked coffee shops and 350 inspiring pages.

Artless Craft Tea & Coffee

Head south on foot from Onibus, past various design studios and specialist boutiques, to find Artless Craft Tea & Coffee, by artist and designer Shun Kawakami. Through a charcoal exterior with plants framing the entrance, is a stripped-back interior of unfinished wood, exposed ceiling and dark accents. The cafe serves roasted Japanese tea and hand-dripped single origin coffee, as well as a small selection of baked goods.

Artless Craft Tea & Coffee - Best Coffee In Tokyo — Tokyo Coffee Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Artless Craft Tea & Coffee
Artless Craft Tea & Coffee - Best Coffee Shops In Tokyo — Tokyo Cafe Guide — Softer Volumes
Artless Craft Tea & Coffee

Café Kitsuné

In Aoyama and nearby Omotesando, you’ll find many of the city’s best fashion houses, as well as Café Kitsuné, Tokyo’s cafe outpost from French brand Maison Kitsuné. Go for a Parisian-style breakfast alongside coffee that’s full-bodied and flavoursome, and an Edo period-inspired interior of long wooden counters, slidingdoors and a bamboo-lined entrance.

Cafe Kitsune - Best Coffee Shops In Tokyo — Tokyo Cafe Guide — Softer Volumes
Café Kitsuné

Cobi Coffee

While in Aoyama, drop into Bloom and Branch, a boutique specialising in clothing and homewares with a focus on craftsmanship. The shop’s in-house cafe, Cobi Coffee, is the perfect place to try a cup of Japan’s famous nel drip coffee and a traditional dessert, all in a setting of seasoned wood, copper and aged brass.

Cobi Coffee - Best Coffee Shops In Tokyo — Tokyo Cafe Guide — Softer Volumes
Cobi Coffee at Bloom and Branch

Shozo Coffee Store

Around the corner from Café Kitsuné, Shozo Coffee Store offers a different kind of experience. It looks like a small wooden hut from the outside, but what Shozo lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. This hole-in-the-wall cafe serves up excellent drip filter coffee along with a few pastries that are worth the wait.

Shozo Coffee Store Cafes In Tokyo — Best Coffee Shops In Tokyo — Tokyo Cafe Guide — Softer Volumes
Shozo Coffee Store

Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe

A bit further out in the east end of the city is Kiyosumi, an art lover’s paradise that packs a punch when it comes to craft coffee. Leading the way in the neighbourhood is Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe, where the New Zealand coffee aficionados have set up shop in a restored dark timber warehouse. Inside, the cafe serves up beautiful coffee alongside various bites, while the tiled counter wraps around towards the roastery set behind floor-to-ceiling windows.

Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe - Best Coffee Shops In Tokyo — Tokyo Cafe Guide — Softer Volumes
Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe

Bonus Section: Tea

Tokyo Saryo

For some calm away from the crowds (and a break from coffee), head to Sangenjaya, a quiet neighbourhood one stop south-west of Shibuya station. Here you’ll find Tokyo Saryo, a small tea house where traditional culture meets modern, minimalist design. In the middle of a central wooden bar, a tea master serves premium pour-over sencha green tea made using fresh ingredients. Enjoy the leisurely experience with at least two infusions from the same batch of leaves.

Tokyo Saryo - Cafes In Tokyo — Tokyo Tea Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Tokyo Saryo
Tokyo Saryo - Cafes In Tokyo — Tokyo Tea Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Tokyo Saryo

Hachiya Daikanyama

Another spot revitalising Japanese tea time is Hachiya Daikanyama. Not too far from Ebisu station, its all-white exterior and large wooden entryway welcome in passers-by to try bold mixes of green tea, as well as roasted green tea and brown rice tea from traditional teaware.

Hachiya Daikanyama - Cafes In Tokyo — Tokyo Tea Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Hachiya Daikanyama
Hachiya Daikanyama - Cafes In Tokyo — Tokyo Tea Shop Guide — Softer Volumes
Hachiya Daikanyama

Best Cafes in Tokyo

  • Chop Coffee Cat Street
  • Koffee Mameya
  • About Life Coffee Brewers
  • Onibus Coffee
  • Artless Craft Tea & Coffee
  • Café Kitsuné
  • Cobi Coffee
  • Shozo Coffee Store
  • Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery & Cafe
  • Tokyo Saryo (tea)
  • Hachiya Daikanyama (tea)

Read more:
Best Minimalist Cafés in the World
Best Cafés in Seoul
Best Cafés in Singapore

Softer Volumes: Cafés — Digital Book

290 beautifully-designed cafés around the world, showcased in a premium digital book.

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Bonus special offer: Download the preview above to access a subscriber-only discount.

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