When it comes to casual outings, it’s hard to ignore the appeal of a coffee shop. Coffee isn’t just “a thing” in Tokyo. It’s an entire genre of restaurant that can feature unique experiences, elegant cups of coffee, and sweet treats. Many even have their own themes.

If you want to get a little caffeine in your system, our guide will help you out. After all, even the most exhausted travelers will feel better after hitting up the right cafe. That’s why we’re offering up our ranks of the best cafes in Tokyo.

What Are The Best Gourmet Coffee Shops In Tokyo?

The cool thing about Tokyo is that there’s a coffee experience for every type of person. It’s hard to come up with just one definitive list on the matter. With that said, we’re going to offer up some serious suggestions that work for almost every palate.

By the way, many of these coffee shops are located in Shibuya, arguably the most popular ward in Tokyo. However, if you’re wondering whether to stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku, read this.

Onibus Coffee

Onibus Coffee is a coffee shop that gives you an unusually delightful respite from the main street of Tokyo. This split-story store features a gorgeous building, delicious chocolates, and some of the best coffee in the city.

Fun fact: you can try before you visit here. Onibus Coffee has an online store that ships all over the world. So, you can shop their goods and get a taste of Japan without having to book a flight. If you visit their Japan location, then you get the perfect place to watch the action Metro train tracks on the second floor.

Address: 2 Chome-14-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051, Japan

The Usual Coffee

This Shimokitazawa coffee shop is one of the many, many Western-influenced cafes that adds a little fancy flair to their coffees. Expect beautifully illustrated foam art, delicious sweet treats, and a classy European twist to everything in the store.

If you need a break and a bite while you’re out shopping in this district, try this venue. You can’t go wrong here.

Address: 林ビル 林 ビル 1F, 2 Chome-27-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

Blue Bottle Coffee

Admittedly, Blue Bottle is a coffee shop franchise, but it’s one that serves up excellent coffee and delicious baked goods. This particular cafe has multiple locations throughout the Tokyo area. Every cup of coffee is offered up with a friendly atmosphere and great staff.

If you need a drink while you’re on your day trip, it’s a good idea to keep this name in your back pocket. It might be a California-based coffee chain, but this coffee shop always seems to get locals talking. It’s worth a trip.

Address: Varies, multiple locations.

Camelback Sandwich and Espresso

Most cafes that are in Tokyo will either stick to a standard latte menu with a small selection of espresso shots, but Camelback in Yoyogi Park takes it a little eepr. The sandwiches here are just as popular as their great coffee selection.

Most people hit this tiny Tokyo cafe in order to get a taste of their egg sandwiches—a local treat that has become legendary among clients. Several travel guides point to this as one of the most popular places to grab a latte in Shibuya City. We’re inclined to agree.

Address: 42-2 Kamiyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0047, Japan

The Roastery by Nozy Coffee

There seem to be two main types of coffee shops in Tokyo: coffee shops that have a “shtick” involving themes and activities, and coffee shops that are all about the coffee. Nozy Coffee is about as serious about coffee as you can get.

It has an extremely limited menu: espresso, latte, or Americano. There’s no tea, there’s no special cocoa, it’s just coffee. However, they make art out of coffee. Expect some of the best drinks you can find in every cup you buy. It’s one of the best places to visit on Cat Street.

Address: Reveur Jingumae, 5 Chome-17-13 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Chatei Hatou

So, you might have heard of many of those “mainstream” cafes, but did you hear about the Tokyo-based cafe that inspired Blue Bottle to begin with? Chatei Hatou is the one that is rumored to have that claim to fame.

This long-standing cafe is one that is worth a visit, if only for its history. It’s been a staple in Japan since 1989, and it features one of the most eclectic collection of antique coffee cups in Japan. Hot chocolate, luxury desserts, and tea are among the menu’s more popular highlights.

No matter how you look at it, this venue is a cafe fiend’s dream location.

Address: 1-15-19 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Cafe Reissue

Are you a fan of latte art? If so, this is the Harajuku-based coffee shop you absolutely have to visit. The coffee artists here do both 2D and 3D coffee foam art. So, alone with great coffee, you get artwork that you’ll want to take a photo of as soon as you get it.

We strongly suggest having an idea of what kind of character you want topping your coffee before you go. Oh, and charge your phone! You’ll want photos for the ‘gram.

Address: 3 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Ogawa Coffee Laboratory

Have you ever wanted to feel like a mad scientist with coffee? This is one cafe that has that ability. Built in a warehouse setting that was converted into upscale dining, the coffee shop is all about creating the ultimate cup of coffee.

You can choose from pour over cups, lattes, and a handful of foods. The “lab” has a flavor wheel that helps you pick the perfect roast and you get to choose from an exceptionally wide variety of coffee beans. The beans are so good, you can purchase them for take home and even reserve flavors via an app.

Address: 〒154-0014 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Shinmachi, 3 Chome−23−8 桜新町 １階 2F エスカリエ

Tokyo Saryo

So, most of the cafes that we’ve added to this particular part of the list are all about coffee. The traditional drink of tea has kind of been pushed to the side in favor of the almighty bean, but not at this cafe.

Tokyo Saryo is a tea house that’s dressed up as a cafe, with pour over tea brewed to perfection. If you want one of the best cups of tea you can get in a minimalist environment, this is the go-to place to visit. Unlike other cafes on this list, it’s only open Saturday, so book ahead.

Address: 1-34-15 Kamiuma, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

Allpress Espresso Tokyo Roastery

Finally, our list of delicious coffee shops to visit will have to include Allpress. This is a bean roaster that is dedicated to roasting beans to perfection. While their espresso shots are generally the most popular part of their work, the truth is that many folks go here just to buy some beans for their own use.

You can get wholesale beans here, or you can just kick back and enjoy a good cup prepped by expert baristas. Either way, it’s worth noting that this roaster also partners with other cafes in the area. So while you might have visited other cafes, you still might end up with a cup of Allpress in your hands.

It’s just that popular.

Address: 3-7-2 Hirano, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0023 Japan

What Are The Best Themed Cafes In Tokyo?

The other major “style” of cafe that you might see in Tokyo are themed cafes. Travelers go cafe hopping simply because these themed cafes can offer a unique experience unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world. Let’s see which themed cafes are worth the tr

Mononopu

By now, you may have heard of maid cafes. This is a maid cafe unlike any other. It’s a themed cafe that lets you live it up like a warrior during Japan’s Warring States era. Each table is done up in elegant, historic styles.

The maids? Oh, they are dressed up in period clothing. This cafe doesn’t serve coffee as much as it serves full meals and tea.

Address: Isuzu Bld.5F(Bfuroa), 4-6-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan

Pinafore Maid Cafe

If you are going to go to a maid cafe, then you might as well go to the original granddaddy of all maid cafes: Pinafore. Featured in hit shows like Densha Otoko and movies galore, Pinafore has been serving up coffee and sweets in cute outfits since 2002.

Saying this venue is iconic doesn’t do it justice. If you are a fan of the maid cafe world of Japan, this is the one location that you absolutely must visit.

Address: Santyuu Bld.1F, 1-19, Kandasakumacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0025, Japan

Sanrio Cafe

Is it really a trip to Japan without a trip to a venue involving the cutest cat in Tokyo? We think not. Sanrio’s own Hello Kitty-themed cafe allows you to sip coffee, tea, and other drinks while surrounded by decor featuring your favorite characters.

Along with crisp and clean cartoon-themed surroundings, guests who grab a seat at this cafe also get a menu filled with treats in the shape of Sanrio characters. The coffee is pretty decent, so it’s bound to be a venue you’ll enjoy.

Address: Japan, 〒170-6090 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−28−1 サンシャインシティアルパ B1F

Ninja Cafe and Bar

If Sanrio isn’t a classic enough theme, why not go to the only ninja-themed cafe in Tokyo? Ninjas are just as much a symbol of Japan as they are a part of global pop culture. In this Taito-based cafe in Tokyo Prefecture, you can get the drink of your dreams—all while being served by ninjas.

This isn’t just a cafe. Because it’s become so popular with visitors, the Ninja Cafe also got a bar for alcoholic beverages. It also has a sit-down restaurant menu with English translations.

Address: トーア浅草マンション, Japan, 〒111-0035 Tokyo, Taito City, Nishiasakusa, 3-chōme−27−14

Temari no Ouchi

Did you know that Japan is the original home of the cat cafe concept? It’s true, and that means that you can choose plenty of kitty-filled places to sip a cup. Temari no Ouchi is a standout cat cafee that is worth a visit.

Here, you get to have a cup of cutely-poured coffee and cakes while you get to watch cats frolic in a “wooded” environment. You’ll be purring with joy when you see all the cute, fluffy friends in their adorable home.

Address: 180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 2 Chome−13−14

Yadorigi

This is another cafe that tends to lean more into the restaurant scene, but it has another claim to fame as well. Yadorigi happens to be one of the most popular cat cafes in its area. The menu at Yadorigi is a bit different than most.

Unlike the vast majority of other cafes in Japan, Yadorigi is actually dedicated to Italian fare with a smaller coffee menu. So, if you’re craving some pasta and pets, this is a smart location to check out.

Address: 3-chōme-15 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan

Pokemon Cafe

When it comes to themed restaurants, it sometimes feels like you just “gotta catch ’em all.” The Pokemon Cafe is exactly what it sounds like: a themed cafe dedicated to one of the most popular game franchises of all time.

Unsurprisingly, this is an incredible way to make your Japan trip just a little more anime-filled. You can grab a coffee with latte art of your favorite pokemon here, or just snap a pic of Chef Pikachu walking around the cafe.

Address: 103-0027 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashi, 2 Chome-11-2

The Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe

Are you a fan of the classic Peter Rabbit books by Beatrix Potter? Then you might want to check out this quaint, Victorian-chic cafe dedicated to the magical books by Beatrix Potter. This garden-cafe hybrid lets you bask in a place that feels like a Victorian-era home filled with plush characters of the Rabbit crew.

This gorgeous cafe is one of the few in Tokyo to offer quick reading materials that you can enjoy. Lots of natural light, good food, and cozy perks make sitting here a treat regardless of your age. Oh, and if you want to try before you visit, you’ll be happy to know they have an online coffee shop too.

Address: Japan, 〒152-0035 Tokyo, Meguro City, Jiyugaoka, 1 Chome−25−20, Myu, 1F

Ready To Visit Your First Coffee Shop In Tokyo?

Great! It all starts with a little planning. Cafe culture in Tokyo is a bit different than other countries. We suggest checking to see if seating is limited. If it is, the best course of action is to book a table in advance. After all, coffee is not just coffee here. It’s a lifestyle.