If you’re a regular reader of Champagne Flight then you know I’m a coffee snob. Yes, I will admit it. I’m not a pretentious asshole about it – I will never tell you how to drink your coffee. If you are fine guzzling anything with caffeine in it with no regard for the flavor, by all means please keep on living your life (oops, that may have sounded a tad bit pretentious).
Tokyo, in many ways, is a city after my own heart, especially when it comes to how seriously they take their coffee. Almost every single coffee shop I tried was top notch, making me wish I had these spots in my own neighborhood back home. Coffee lovers, here are my top picks for the best coffee shops in Tokyo.
By the way, be sure to check out my epic 5-day Tokyo itinerary to help you plan your trip.
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Where can you find coffee in Tokyo?
Literally everywhere. The Japanese coffee culture is strong. From convenience stores to specialty coffee shops serving a selection of single-origin beans, the good news is you will never be without caffeine in Tokyo. Turn down a quiet street? No worries. You will find coffee in a vending machine. One of the best parts about Tokyo is that it is a haven for coffee drinkers of all shapes and sizes.
The Best Coffee Shops in Tokyo
Little Nap Coffee Stand
This adorable little coffee shop is a must try for some delicious coffee and a pastry to start your day. I tried their caramel and fig bread and it was positively sinful.
The cafe itself is tastefully decorated and the staff is incredibly friendly. While you won’t find much room to sit as it is a small space, you can stand by the bar facing the window or, if the weather is pleasant, there are a couple of tables outside.
This coffee shop is a great stop on your way to the Meji Shrine as it’s near Yoyogi Park.
Cafe Reissue
If you think you’ve seen latte art, you haven’t seen anything until you’ve been to Cafe Reissue. This cafe is known for its 3D latte art.
You can either select from a menu of art options or, even better, show them a picture of something you’d like to create into latte art (such as a pet!).
I was nervous that this spot would be a tourist trap with crappy coffee but decided to chance it to try something different. I was seriously impressed by how incredible the latte art was and that the latte itself was delicious.
It’s definitely going to be pricier than your average cup of coffee but it’s worth it if you’re into latte art!
Get Better Coffee & Sandwich
Another tiny coffee shop, this spot was near the hotel we were staying at, so we went back here several times. It’s a great place for a light breakfast and some great coffee.
You can order at the window and then, if you’re lucky enough, head inside to grab one of the three seats. If not, you can always sip your coffee standing right outside the window.
I absolutely loved their breakfast sandwiches and their lattes. My favorite breakfast sandwich had a mix of cheese melted with honey and black pepper on this pillowy soft toasted bread. There were also a lot of locals visiting this spot, which is always a good sign!
Murrma Coffee Shop
The owner of this coffee shop roasts his coffee beans right in house so it’s well worth the stop for a seriously good cup of coffee. There are lots of options for differing flavor profiles and you can always ask him for some recommendations.
I’d go for black coffee here so you can taste the exceptional flavor of the beans. We also tried a rum and sour cream bread which may sound like an odd combination, but it was surprisingly delicious.
Glitch Coffee
This is hands down one of the most impressive coffee shops I’ve ever been to. The moment you walk into this stylish coffee shop, someone greets you and walks you through the different coffee bean options from light roasts to dark roasts. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, they even have rarer high-quality beans such as geisha coffee and other options that were far too advanced for my palate.
Don’t get overwhelmed. They are there to help you and if you tell them what you normally like to drink, they’ll make recommendations for which coffee bean to go with and then you can select your brewing method. You can also do a flight of coffee if you’d like to try a variety of options.
Also, the coffee here is meant to be drunk straight, though they do provide sugar and milk if you need some.
Menotti’s Tokyo
This bright and airy coffee shop is the perfect place to sit and enjoy your coffee. The winner here was hands down the americano and the cheese toast with honey and black pepper.
Chill Out Coffee & Records
Another very tiny, cozy coffee shop with just a couple of small tables inside, this spot is eclectic and fun. There is a great selection of records to listen to and for sale. Be sure to also get a slice of their lemon cake or go for the cheesecake both and bask in the rich flavor.
Coffee shops I didn’t make it to but were on my list to try
Unlimited Coffee Bar
I really wanted to check this spot out and just didn’t end up making it here. They have a variety of options for everyone – drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, iced coffee, coffee tonics, and even cocktails! It’s like a coffee shop and cocktail bar all in one. They also offer a coffee flight so that you can try their cold brew, tonic, and a latte.
Koffee Mameya Kakeru
This spot is an experience from end to end. It’s recommended to make a reservation to go here and you basically have a barista dedicated to your table who will then walk you through a coffee tasting experience so you can try different flavors. Definitely on my list for next time!
Bottom Line
The Tokyo coffee scene is absolutely thriving and you can find a wide range of coffee options from a coffee chain like Blue Bottle Coffee to smaller, specialty coffee shops with single-origin beans run by coffee enthusiasts.
Know of a good coffee shop in Tokyo, comment and let other readers know!
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