Fully updated April 2026. Originally published September 2023.
In a city of over 33 million people, there’s no shortage of ways to get caffeinated in Tokyo. But, in my opinion, the real gems are the independent shops and smaller chains throughout the city. After four trips to Tokyo, I’m rounding up my favorite Tokyo coffee shops you can’t miss.
The Japanese coffee culture has always been one of my favorites in the world. The spaces are beautiful, the vibes are warm and welcoming, and the coffee preparations are some of the most refined I’ve had anywhere in the world. I always bring home a few bags of beans from old favorites and new finds.
On my most recent trip to Tokyo this winter, I was glad to see many of my longtime favorites still thriving, and found a handful of new ones. The city is chock-full of options, so know that no matter where you are, you’ll find a great craft coffee shop and some great matcha stops. Here are some of the best coffee shops in Tokyo to include on your next visit.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Tokyo:
Hotels
- JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya ($$ / Where I Stayed), for the best access to Shibuya Station
- Shibuya Granbell Hotel ($$ / Where I Stayed), for the best boutique hotel
- Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya ($$$), for the best stylish hotel
- TRUNK (Hotel) Yoyogi Park ($$$), for the best designed luxury hotel stay near Yoyogi Park
- Park Hyatt Tokyo ($$$$), for the best iconic luxury hotel
Things to Do
- Street Go-Kart in Shibuya
- Shinjuku Food Tour
- Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour
- Sushi Making Class
- Mt Fuji and Hakone Day Trip
Travel Tips
- Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.
- Book an Airport Transfer in Advance — We use Welcome Pickups for our private transfers to and from the airport. Book your transfer with Welcome Pickup here.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
Looking for more Tokyo planning help? Start with my 5-day Tokyo itinerary or 2-week Japan itinerary, then explore my where to stay in Tokyo guide for neighborhood and hotel picks. If you’re returning to Tokyo, check out my alternative guide to Tokyo for even more of my favorite spots in the city.
Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Coffee Shops
What to Expect at Cafes in Tokyo
Hours of Operation
Traditionally, coffee shops in Japan open later than in Western cultures. In recent years, this has changed, and now many coffee shops open earlier. Most coffee shops listed below have earlier openings and extended hours. I recommend checking hours of operation against your travel plans.
Food and Beverages (Takeaway or Dine-In Options)
Overall, people in Japan don’t eat and drink on the go, but takeaway cups are now available. It’s not common to extensively modify drinks, but most shops offer milk alternatives like almond, rice, soy, and oat. Food options are typically fairly limited. Most shops offer a couple of baked goods.
Payments Accepted (Cash and Card)
Most coffee shops accept both cash and credit cards. Just in case, I recommend carrying both a card and Japanese yen (ATM’s at 7-11 or Japanese Post are where I prefer to pull out cash).
Tipping
Coffee shops do not expect customers to tip, but some may have a tip jar.
Etiquette
Most Japanese coffee shops expect each person to purchase one drink, particularly shops with limited seating. The general rule of thumb is that you place your order prior to finding a seat. Conversations and noise should be at quiet volumes so as not to disrupt the other customers. Customers should clean up their space before leaving.
Where to Get Coffee in Tokyo
nadoya no katte
Set in a renovated traditional Japanese home, nadoya no katte is where I go for an unhurried coffee experience. The staff is very knowledgeable and will guide you through the coffee beans to help you find the best fit based on what you like. Then afterward, enjoy the coffee indoors by the large windows or outdoors in the garden. Since it’s only open a few days a week (typically weekends), I check the opening schedule before heading there.
Fuglen
A new find on my most recent trip, Fuglen is a Nordic spin on Tokyo’s coffee scene. In the evening, the coffee shop becomes a cocktail bar. The cozy, wood-paneled interior and vintage furniture make it a perfect spot to start or end the day. There are multiple locations throughout the city, but I loved the one in Asakusa the most.
Onibus
This is one of my favorites when visiting Tokyo! Onibus Coffee is in a cute two-story coffee shop that serves up delicious espresso drinks or single-origin coffees. I like to hang downstairs in the open-air seating area, or head upstairs to watch the trains come and go from the Nakameguro station, if you can grab one of the high-top bar seats. Don’t skip their pastries either, they’re incredible.
Koffee Mameya
Koffee Mameya is one of my favorite coffee experiences in Tokyo. It feels like a temple to coffee and is arguably one of the best coffee shops in the city. The unassuming entrance leads to a small, minimalist coffee lab, where staff will guide you through the selection process before brewing your coffee. For the full experience, I’d head to their Kakeru location for a coffee omakase (tasting) course.
GLITCH Roasters
One of the most in-demand cups of coffee in Tokyo, GLITCH Roasters is a uniquely personalized coffee experience. The staff helped me choose beans based on my tasting profile and preferences. Be aware that, because of the personalized format, lines can be very long, particularly at the Ginza location. I’d recommend showing up at least 30 minutes before open. By opening time, the line was 40 people deep. Later in the day, the wait time can be up to 2 hours. The experience is very in-depth, and more akin to a wine tasting, so be prepared to spend some time picking your beans.
Sidewalk Stand
Located on the Meguro River, Sidewalk Stand has coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and baked goods. The shop itself is quite small, with a few spots to stand, so I usually stop in for a to-go coffee and a quick bite. If you visit during cherry blossom season, the shop is near some of the most popular spots, so be sure to stop by.
Coffee Supreme
Coffee Supreme is a street-level coffee bar that feels like a neighborhood bar. I’ve been coming here since my first visit to Tokyo and the staff have always been super friendly and love to chat. I also make a point to stop here while I’m in the Kamiyamacho neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite parts of the city, and I always come here for the design shops, retro stores, and cafes. The shop only has a few bar seats and tables, so I typically stop for a quick espresso.
LIFE Son
This spot is both a restaurant and a coffee shop, so I usually come here for brunch and good coffee. The space is quite large for a coffee spot in the city, and it’s a nice reprieve from the busy streets. I would recommend anything with fresh bread since the bakery next door supplies it if you’re hungry.
ARC
A new find on my most recent trip, ARC serves great coffee in a stylish interior. The shop is located on a quiet street facing a shrine. I recommend coming here for an afternoon coffee break and trying one of their cakes or tarts.
ABOUT LIFE COFFEE BREWERS
An outpost of Onibus Coffee, ABOUT LIFE COFFEE BREWERS is a perennial favorite for coffee and breakfast in a bright indoor-outdoor space. It’s perfect for the morning when I want more than a quick coffee before heading off to explore Tokyo. They also have a walk-up coffee stand one block from Shibuya Station.
Little Cloud Coffee NAKAMEGURO
Part of the Visvim General Store near the Meguro River, I found Little Cloud Coffee NAKAMEGURO. There’s a walk-up window that opens early, but I think it’s better to wait for the store to open so you can go in. There are only a few seats inside, but there’s a small garden in the back.
Bear Pond Espresso
Bear Pond Espresso has been a cult favorite of the Tokyo coffee scene since 2012. Expect strong espresso drinks using the owner’s own blend creations, set in the heart of Shimokitazawa. A solid choice if I’m undecided is the original dirty latte – strong espresso poured over chilled milk.
CAMELBACK sandwich&espresso
I make a point to come to Camelback sandwich&espresso every time I’m in Tokyo. While the coffee is excellent, I think the sandwiches are even better. Think a crunchy baguette stuffed with high-quality, perfectly balanced ingredients. I like to grab my order to go and enjoy it in nearby Yoyogi Park.
Where to Get Matcha in Tokyo
Matcha Stand Maruni
Matcha Stand Maruni is a must for matcha lovers while visiting Tsukiji Market. The menu is simple, but I like that it allows for adjustments based on sweetness and milk preferences. The shop is small, so lines can be long, especially during the peak market hours.
Hatoya Asakusa
Hatoya is one of my favorite matcha spots in Tokyo, where it’s all about ceremonial-grade drinks. Its menu features matcha and hojicha, ranging from traditional to modern interpretations. The two locations in the city – Asakusa and Shibuya – are on either side of Tokyo, so if you’re in the neighborhoods, stop in. I’d recommend ordering the one with mochi as well if you haven’t tried it yet!
Atelier Matcha
Atelier Matcha is located in a quiet area between Ginza and Tsukiji Market. I enjoyed their sweeter matcha, which is a good option for first-time drinkers or if you prefer a less bitter taste. I like stopping here mid-morning since they also serve brunch options like toast or ochazuke. If you’re a matcha enthusiast, they also have a good selection of matcha and utensils available for purchase.
Matsubaya Saryō
Matsubaya Saryō is an upscale tea house that serves matcha or sencha amid bonsai trees and rotating art exhibits of Hakobune Gallery. The menu reads like an art description, providing the origin and preparation of their teas. I recommend sitting at the counter to watch them prepare your tea in front of you.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
