Best Coffee in Tokyo: 7 Cafés for the Coffee Lover

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If you’re a regular reader of Champagne Flight then you know I’m a coffee snob. Yes, I will admit it. I’m fairly picky about my coffee mostly because my husband makes some of the best coffee with our Chemex back home. So one of the biggest pain points I have when I travel is finding a great cup of coffee.

Tokyo, in many ways, is a city after my own heart. They take their coffee seriously here (possibly more serious than any city I’ve been to). Almost every single coffee shop I tried was top notch, making me wish I had these spots in my own neighborhood back home.

In this guide, I’m sharing where to find the best coffee in Tokyo — from cafés with jaw-dropping 3D latte art, to hidden neighborhood joints, to places serving the best cheesecake I’ve ever had alongside a perfect cup of coffee.

The Best Coffee Shops in Tokyo

Little Nap Coffee Stand

Location: Shibuya

This adorable little coffee shop is a must try for some delicious coffee and a pastry to start your day. It was the very first coffee shop we went to on our first day in Tokyo.

I tried their caramel and fig bread and it was positively sinful. Paired with a latte and I was in heaven. I even momentarily forgot about my jet lag as the caffeine settled into my system.

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

Location: Shibuya

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 you’re paying for not only the coffee but the art as well and I thought it was worth it for a unique experience!

Get Better Coffee & Sandwich

Location: Honmachi, Shibuya (residential neighborhood)

Another tiny coffee shop (are you sensing a theme here?), Get Better Coffee & Sandwich was a spot near the hotel we were staying at. 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. I’ve since tried to recreate this sandwich at home and, despite the simple concept, and have never quite gotten it right. Guess that means I just need to make a return trip to Tokyo!

There were also a lot of locals visiting this spot, which is always a good sign!

Murrma Coffee Shop

Location: Honmachi, Shibuya (residential neighborhood)

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

Location: Chiyoda City

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.

Tokyo has a vibrant coffee scene. Check out this guide for the best coffee shops in Tokyo.

Menotti’s Tokyo

Location: Kitazawa, Setagaya City

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.

We actually stopped here right before heading to the Koshu Valley Wine Region, a perfect day trip from Tokyo.

Click to check out my favorite coffee spots in Tokyo!

Chill Out Coffee & Records

Location: Sumida City, Midori

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.

Click to uncover the top coffee shops in the city. From classic brews to modern twists, find the best coffee in Tokyo.

Coffee shops I didn’t make it to but were on my list to try

Unlimited Coffee Bar

Location: Sumida City

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

Location: Koto City

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!

Tokyo Café Culture: What to Expect

Tokyo’s coffee scene isn’t just about grabbing a latte. It’s a full-blown culture rooted in craftsmanship, ambiance, and intention.

In many cafés, the barista isn’t just pressing a button. They’re carefully measuring beans, skillfully pouring the pour-over, and using different methods to coax out delicate flavors.

I’ve honestly never seen a coffee culture so steeped in intentionality as I have in Japan.

You’ll also see a beautiful mix of old and new. Traditional kissaten (classic Japanese-style coffeehouses) still exist — cozy, nostalgic cafés where you might sip drip coffee to soft jazz or quietly read.

Then there are sleek, modern specialty cafés where minimalist design meets single-origin beans, and baristas guide you through your options like a sommelier recommending wine. It’s truly something to experience.

One thing to know: a lot of coffee shops here are tiny. Think standing room only or just a few stools by a window. It’s completely normal to see people sipping their coffee just outside the shop.

If you can’t snag a seat, grab your coffee, enjoy it outside, and then hand back your cup and trash, they’ll toss it for you.

Pro tip: You’ll rarely find public trash cans in Tokyo — a helpful tip to know before visiting Japan. It’s part of how the city stays so clean. Unless you want to carry your cup all day, don’t walk off with it.

Coffee First, Food Next: Keep Exploring Tokyo

Tokyo’s coffee scene is absolutely thriving. Whether you’re into latte art, pour-overs, or just want a great spot to start your day, there’s something here for every kind of coffee lover.

And if you’re planning your caffeine stops, chances are you’re also thinking about where to eat (I know I always am). If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just love a great plant-based meal, don’t miss my post on the don’t miss my guide to where to eat in Tokyo as a vegan or vegetarian.