A Guide to Tokyo's Best Coffee Shops

A Guide to Tokyo's Best Coffee Shops

by Ellie Eckert

I knew a guy who knew a guy who promised he would visit Japan once a year, every year. I like to think it’s because the coffee scene is unmatched, but what do I know?

There’s a slowness that can be appreciated in Japanese coffee culture—No rush, no where to be, no to-go cup needed—just patience, a keen appreciation, and a willingness to try something new.

Like many trips, Japan can be planned around where you’ll drink coffee. For example, maybe you'll kick off your trip near Nihonbashi, starting your morning over a drip at Switch. Work your way north, stopping for onigiri and butter-maple packaged pancakes from 7/11 (you heard me), before landing at Glitch. Scan the jars of fresh beans, ranging from affordable-but-solid to did-I-just-pay-that-much-for-a-cup-of-coffee award-winners. Pick your poison, then kick back and wait for your prize.

Now that we’re properly caffeinated, let’s take a tour through the best of Tokyo coffee shops.

Switch Coffee

Japan, 〒103-0026 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashikabutocho, 3−5 K5 1F

May as well kick this off where we started, with Switch Roasters. At this location, tucked inside the K5 Hotel, you’ll be surrounded by plants and rustic brick walls and the kind of wine bottles you want to put on display and probably not even drink because aesthetic. The drip is the move here. It changes daily, it's never burnt, and always takes you on a journey of flavors.

Visit nearby:

SR Coffee

9-5 Nihonbashikabutocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0026, Japan

Around the corner from Switch you’ll find SR Coffee, a micro-roaster born out of Stockholm. It’s located on a quiet street that just makes you think, “if you know, you know.” Expect records, pastries, the newest edition of Monocle Magazine, and a wine bar in the back.

Visit nearby:

  • Yū - a Showa-era coffee shop that will take you back in time. Go for the coffee and diner vibes, stay to chain-smoke cigarettes.
  • Omnipollos Tokyo - If you’re craving craft beer.

Coffee Swamp

Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 7 Chome−21−12 れんげ荘 105号

All I have to say is, do yourself a favor and go here. I still dream about the iced flat white. An unmatched level of creaminess, paired with the fruity espresso, I'd book a trip right now if it meant I could go straight here. You can thank me later (or send me photos so I can live through you). 

Visit nearby:

  • Shinjuku Kitamura Camera - If you want to leave Tokyo with a sweet new camera. 
  • BEAMS - For some retail therapy.
  • Halo - I kind of feel like if it's your first time in Tokyo, you have to make a trip to Golden Gai. Sure, there are other neighborhoods with similarly tiny bars in a less touristy setting, but a few beers in one of these microbars is kind of something I dream about. 

Light Up Coffee

2 Chome-29-12 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan

Shimokitazawa is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo. It feels local yet lively, and you will always find a great meal—likely without the lines. Light Up is on a quiet little street, the perfect place to start your day with a pour over and a notebook. Walk up the foot path into the center of the neighborhood, hitting a few favorites along the way. Strolling the neighborhood, you'll find endless vintage shops selling American vintage favorites.

Visit nearby: 

  • Horahora Donuts - Because if you start your day without pastries, have you really even started your day?
  • Shirubee - A busy izakaya restaurant where you must order the beef and potato stew. 
  • Little Soul Cafe - A late-night record bar.
  • Nishinba - Another izakaya with great sashimi and sake.

Onibus Coffee

2 Chome-14-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan

There’s a couple of locations, but I’d recommend getting lost around the Nakameguro store. The thing about Japan is you’ll (hopefully) never get a latte that’s 32 ounces of milk with a single shot of espresso (that’s some U.S. shade, if you couldn’t tell). Instead you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of espresso and milk; A short glass that feels like it was made for this experience and this experience only. Grab a spot outside and bask in the park-like feel.

Visit nearby:

Coffee House LOFT

3 Chome-2-10 Uchikanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0047, Japan

This is one of those places where maybe you don't come for the coffee, necessarily, but you'll stay for the old-school vibes, toast, and single hard-boiled egg that comes with the breakfast special. This place has been operating for 40 years, by the same owner who runs the place today. 

Visit nearby:

See recommendations under Glitch Coffee Roasters, below.

Glitch Coffee Roasters

Japan, 〒101-0054 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Nishikicho, 3 Chome−16 香村ビル １階

Like other cafe experiences, visit Glitch when you have time to spend. Come for the pour over, or maybe a simple espresso drink—leave the spotlight on the beans. Speaking of beans, you’ll be able to choose your preferred offering, or opt for a flight if you want to go all out.

Visit nearby:

Little Nap Coffee Stand

5 Chome-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan

A tiny shop on a quiet street near Yoyogi Park, this is a great spot to stop for a break in a busy day, as the name might imply. The neighborhood just below the cafe is worth spending an afternoon in, hitting cafes, stores, and yes, bagel shops.

Visit nearby:

Bubbles Chill

3 Chome-13-1 Higashiyama, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0043, Japan

Teensy-tinsy and take-out only, but since it’s on a quiet street, you can stand outside to enjoy your coffee. Pour-over is always a solid choice, but you may even opt for a cinnamon latte or matcha latte with espresso, if you're feeling fancy.

Visit nearby:

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