10 Best Coffee Shops in Tokyo You Must Visit
Tokyo is a coffee lover's paradise, home to some of the world's most exceptional coffee shops. From century-old kissaten serving traditional siphon coffee to cutting-edge specialty roasters, the city offers an incredible diversity of coffee experiences.
Whether you're planning your first trip or are a Tokyo regular, this guide will help you discover the best coffee the city has to offer.
1. Café de l'Ambre (銀座)
Location: Ginza, Chuo-ku
Established: 1948
Specialty: Aged coffee beans, traditional siphon brewing
Café de l'Ambre is a Tokyo institution. Opened in 1948 by Ichiro Sekiguchi (who worked there until his 100s!), this legendary kissaten specializes in aged coffee beans—some aged for over 20 years.
What to Order: Their aged coffee (古豆, furumame) is unique and unforgettable. The "Queen Amber" blend is a must-try.
Atmosphere: Dimly lit, jazz playing softly, time seems to stand still. This is kissaten culture at its finest.
Price Range: ¥800-1,500 per cup
Hours: 12:00-22:00 (closed Sundays)
How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro)
2. Chatei Hatou (渋谷)
Location: Shibuya
Established: 1989
Specialty: Meticulous siphon brewing, house blends
Chatei Hatou is known for its incredibly precise siphon brewing method. Each cup is a work of art, brewed with painstaking attention to detail.
What to Order: Their house blend served via siphon. The process is mesmerizing to watch.
Atmosphere: Elegant, refined, with beautiful ceramic cups and attentive service.
Price Range: ¥1,000-1,800
Hours: 11:00-23:00
How to Get There: 8-minute walk from Shibuya Station
3. Blue Bottle Coffee (Aoyama)
Location: Aoyama, Minato-ku
Established: 2015 (Tokyo location)
Specialty: Third-wave coffee, pour-over, espresso
While Blue Bottle is originally from California, their Tokyo locations are exceptional. The Aoyama shop is particularly beautiful, with a minimalist design that feels both modern and Japanese.
What to Order: Single-origin pour-over or their signature New Orleans-style iced coffee
Atmosphere: Bright, modern, bustling with coffee enthusiasts
Price Range: ¥500-1,200
Hours: 8:00-19:00
How to Get There: 3-minute walk from Omotesando Station
4. Café Paulista (銀座本店)
Location: Ginza
Established: 1911 (one of Japan's oldest)
Specialty: Historical significance, traditional Brazilian coffee
Café Paulista holds a special place in Japanese coffee history. It was one of the first coffee shops in Japan and helped popularize coffee in the country.
What to Order: Their signature blend, served in the traditional style
Atmosphere: Classic, historical, with vintage charm
Price Range: ¥600-1,000
Hours: 10:00-22:00
How to Get There: 2-minute walk from Ginza Station
5. Fuglen Tokyo (代々木公園)
Location: Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
Established: 2012 (Tokyo location of Norwegian roaster)
Specialty: Nordic-style light roasts, excellent pastries
Fuglen brings Scandinavian coffee culture to Tokyo. Known for their light roasts and excellent food, it's a favorite among locals and expats.
What to Order: Filter coffee or espresso, paired with their excellent pastries
Atmosphere: Cozy, Scandinavian design, great for working
Price Range: ¥600-1,200
Hours: 8:00-22:00 (varies by day)
How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station
6. Bear Pond Espresso (下北沢)
Location: Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku
Established: 2009
Specialty: "Angel Stain" espresso, unique extraction method
Bear Pond is famous (and somewhat infamous) for their "Angel Stain" espresso—a specific extraction technique that creates a unique flavor profile. Owner Katsuji Daibo is known for his strict coffee philosophy.
What to Order: The Angel Stain espresso (if you're lucky—they only serve it at specific times)
Atmosphere: Minimalist, serious about coffee, no-nonsense
Price Range: ¥500-1,000
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (closed Tuesdays)
How to Get There: 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station
7. Koffee Mameya (表参道)
Location: Omotesando, Shibuya-ku
Established: 2018
Specialty: Coffee beans retail, personalized recommendations
Koffee Mameya is unique—it's more of a coffee bean shop than a traditional café. They don't serve brewed coffee, but they'll help you find the perfect beans and teach you how to brew them.
What to Order: Purchase beans and get personalized brewing advice
Atmosphere: Minimalist, educational, like a coffee library
Price Range: ¥1,500-5,000 for beans
Hours: 10:00-18:00
How to Get There: 2-minute walk from Omotesando Station
8. Streamer Coffee Company (multiple locations)
Location: Multiple locations (Shibuya, Harajuku, etc.)
Established: 2010
Specialty: Latte art, specialty espresso
Streamer is known for incredible latte art and excellent espresso. Founded by Hiroshi Sawada, a former US Barista Champion, the quality is consistently high.
What to Order: Cappuccino or flat white (for the latte art)
Atmosphere: Modern, energetic, great for people-watching
Price Range: ¥500-1,000
Hours: Varies by location (typically 8:00-20:00)
9. Sarutahiko Coffee (恵比寿)
Location: Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
Established: 2011
Specialty: Single-origin pour-over, excellent food
Sarutahiko offers excellent single-origin coffees and a great food menu. The Ebisu location is spacious and perfect for a longer visit.
What to Order: Single-origin pour-over, paired with their excellent brunch
Atmosphere: Spacious, modern, great for groups
Price Range: ¥600-1,500
Hours: 8:00-22:00
How to Get There: 2-minute walk from Ebisu Station
10. Glitch Coffee & Roasters (神保町)
Location: Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku
Established: 2015
Specialty: Light roasts, experimental processing
Glitch is at the cutting edge of Tokyo's specialty coffee scene. They focus on light roasts and experimental processing methods, offering unique flavor profiles.
What to Order: Any single-origin filter coffee—ask the barista for recommendations
Atmosphere: Modern, minimalist, serious coffee focus
Price Range: ¥800-1,500
Hours: 9:00-19:00 (closed some holidays)
How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Jimbocho Station
Tips for Visiting Tokyo Coffee Shops
Etiquette
- Cash is King: Many kissaten don't accept credit cards
- No Rush: Kissaten encourage lingering—take your time
- Quiet Conversation: Keep voices low to maintain atmosphere
- Photos: Ask before taking photos, especially of people
- One Cup Minimum: While you can stay long, order at least one drink
Best Times to Visit
- Morning (8-10am): Less crowded, peaceful atmosphere
- Afternoon (2-4pm): Good for longer visits
- Avoid: Lunch rush (12-1pm) and evening rush (6-8pm)
Language Tips
- "Kohi wo kudasai": "Coffee, please"
- "Osusume wa nan desu ka?": "What do you recommend?"
- "Okanjo": "Check, please" (bill)
Creating Your Tokyo Coffee Itinerary
Day 1: Traditional Kissaten
- Morning: Café de l'Ambre
- Afternoon: Café Paulista
- Evening: Chatei Hatou
Day 2: Modern Specialty
- Morning: Blue Bottle Aoyama
- Afternoon: Glitch Coffee
- Evening: Fuglen Tokyo
Day 3: Explore Neighborhoods
- Shibuya: Streamer Coffee
- Ebisu: Sarutahiko Coffee
- Shimokitazawa: Bear Pond Espresso
Map of Locations
[Embed Google Map with all locations marked]
Conclusion
Tokyo's coffee scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from century-old kissaten to cutting-edge specialty roasters. Whether you're seeking traditional Japanese coffee culture or modern third-wave experiences, Tokyo has something for every coffee lover.
Start with the classics like Café de l'Ambre and Chatei Hatou to experience traditional kissaten culture, then explore the modern specialty scene. Each shop offers a unique experience and perspective on coffee.
Planning your trip? Check out our 5-Day Tokyo Coffee Itinerary for a complete day-by-day guide, or read our Planning Your Japanese Coffee Shop Pilgrimage for more travel tips.
Remember: The best coffee shop is the one that speaks to you. Don't be afraid to explore beyond this list—Tokyo is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.