10 of the best coffee shops in Tokyo

Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa neighborhood is already world-renowned. Flocked to by the city’s stylish youth and travelers abroad looking for unique vintage clothing, the neighborhood is a hotspot for inner-city culture. On one of its more quiet streets towards Ikenoue Station, however, is Coffee County, a specialty coffee shop originally hailing from Fukuoka down in Kyushu. The new location opened in 2022 and is already a major player in Tokyo’s specialty coffee scene. 

Coffee County is a spot for true appreciators of coffee culture, with the roster of beans ever-changing and the shop’s owner directly negotiating with farms for sourcing rather than through importers. The interior of the shop is based on traditional Ethiopian aesthetics, paying homage to the birthplace of the coffee plant. Be sure to take a look at the merchandise wall when you visit, as the shop also sells everything from branded apparel and accessories to Coffee County-exclusive brewing equipment in collaboration with Kalita. 

With a warmly lit and elegant interior, the glow emanating from the entrance of Bogen Coffee is a captivating sight on the Ginza backstreet it is located on. Bongen Coffee is the storefront for Shirafushi Roasters and takes itself very seriously, with beans curated with the same meticulous attention given to a master sommelier’s wine list. 

Honey-processed Ethiopian beans and the Panama Geisha varietal are calling cards of the shop’s single-origin offerings. For more classic yet luxuriously refined flavors, the Ginza Blend is reminiscent of the deep-roasted, cigarette-tinged fragrances of the area’s famous kissaten coffee shops. Many at the shop will also suggest their “Tiger’s Tail” blend, a luxury mixture of fruit-forward coffees with a light-to-medium roast. 

The Jimbocho neighborhood in Tokyo is one of old-school charm and culture. The streets are filled with vintage book and publication shops that are ripe for browsing, making Jimbocho a great destination for exploration and passing the time. Pharos Coffee, originally from Taiwan, is a relative newcomer to the neighborhood’s coffee scene, standing alongside storied kissatens and new wave specialty cafes. 

This is a great spot to visit after a day of book shopping, winding down and enjoying your haul with an impressive array of filter coffees and espresso drinks. The space is also often host to small art exhibits highlighting local artists. 

Omotesando is one of Tokyo’s most prolific commercial areas, home to luxury boutiques and an elegant environment to match. Venture a bit from the central road, and soon enough, cars are replaced by leisurely pedestrians going in and out of fragrance shops, vintage apparel stores, and creperies. Lattest calls these Omotesando backstreets home and is one of Tokyo’s most popular espresso bars due to its unique array of drinks and relaxed atmosphere. In fact, Lattest is a popular spot for remote work, as it has free wifi and outlets by the window seat at the front of the store. 

Both filter coffee and espresso are highlights of the menu. The shop’s signature “Lattest” drink is an iced espresso beverage, and the seasonal latte is a great reason to come back throughout the year. The Lattest is operated fully by an all-woman staff, originally set up to provide aspiring female baristas with a platform to develop their skills. 

Ogawa Coffee Laboratory sees its origins in Kyoto, and its impact on not just Japan’s coffee culture but the world's is not to be undermined. Ogawa was originally founded all the way back in 1952, as post-WWII Japan began to reopen to the rest of the world. Into the modern day, their locations throughout Japan embrace a detailed, nearly chemistry-based approach to coffee brewing, hence the “laboratory” moniker. 

Flavor chart leaflets are scattered throughout the minimalist and contemporary-brutalist interior decor, and the large counters have specialized baristas brew your drinks right in front of their respective customers. In Tokyo, there are locations in Shimokitazawa as well as Sakurashinmachi, offering their signature filter coffee as well as tea and matcha options. 

Onibus is one of the heavy-hitters of Tokyo’s thriving specialty coffee scene. Originally opening in 2018, there are a few shops found throughout the city these days, with the brand also supplying other coffee shops with beans. However, the original Nakameguro shop remains the crown jewel, operating out of a modest, two-story building with an outdoor seating area shaded with overhead foliage. 

The menu is relatively bare-bones, focusing more on quality over quantity. Both espresso and filter coffee emphasize more fruit-forward, lighter roasts, something that Onibus had a large role in popularizing in Japan. Their stylish merchandise is also worth taking a look at, and the packaging for their beans features colorful geometric graphics.

Named after the most popular varietal of coffee bean, Arabica seeks to create its own world that revolves around coffee. Founder Kenneth Shoji experienced life all over the world growing up, and with it, a unique yet sensible relationship with coffee began. The original shop opened in Hong Kong and has expanded all over the world. When Azabudai Hills opened back in 2023, the two locations on the 4th floor and in the basement became the complex’s mainstay offering for coffee. 

Filter coffee options are famously brewed using Chemex systems, and signature-branded Chemexes are available for purchase. A few other signature drinks include the Kyoto Latte, an espresso drink with a hint of condensed milk added, the Espresso Tonic, and lemonade drinks. For sweets, the %ARABICA affogato and other soft-serve offerings are staples, as well as a roster of things like doughnuts and cakes.

The modern standard for new wave coffee doesn’t need much of an introduction, and their presence in Tokyo has grown into a reliable, yet high-quality institution. While Starbucks remains a strong, ubiquitous presence in Tokyo, many look to Blue Bottle for an equally accessible but more quality-focused option. The Kiyosumi, Aoyama, and Toyosu Park locations are the largest locations, with many other shops located throughout the city, in malls and inside train stations. 

Blue Bottle is famous for their single-origin coffees as well as unique signature offerings that change through the season. The NOLA (New Orleans) style coffee is a distinct option in Tokyo, mixed with chicory root reminiscent of the famous Cafe du Monde. For sweets, their freshly made waffles are indulgent and reliable. 

Verve is one of California’s most prolific coffee brands, but outside of the Golden State, its shops are mostly found in Japan. Verve Coffee Roasters is known for its high-quality beans sourced directly from farms and its “Farmlevel” ethos emphasizing sustainability and flavor complexity. 

In Tokyo, these cafes serve meticulously brewed espresso drinks, pour-overs, nitro cold brew, and seasonal blends. With relatively spacious seating and free wifi, Verve Coffee locations in Tokyo are great for studying or working.  

Light-filled spaces that reflect the brand’s West Coast roots, creating relaxed yet vibrant spots for both locals and visitors to enjoy artisanal coffee throughout the day.

Streamer Coffee Company is a  popular local Tokyo brand founded by celebrated barista Hiroshi Sawada, who helped pioneer third-wave espresso culture in Japan. The original flagship in Shibuya remains a beloved hangout with expertly crafted lattes and a relaxed, communal vibe near Shibuya Station. Around the city you’ll also find locations in places like Harajuku, Setagaya, Roppongi, and more! 

Their signature drink is the Military Latte, a matcha, milk, white chocolate,  and espresso drink that is named such due to its camouflage-reminiscent coloration. There is also the camouflage doughnut made to complement it. The Black Camo Latte is similar to the Military Latte but is instead made with richly roasted hojicha. Also be sure to try their seasonal options!

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