Coffee shops are abundant in Tokyo. From uber-trendy and posh third-wave coffee hangouts to old-school mom-and-pop neighborhood spots, you’ve got an almost endless amount of shops to choose from! Today we’re going to take a brief look at five unique coffee spots and the neighborhoods you can find them in!
And if exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods and streets is right up your alley, find me on Twitter at @howtotokyo and let me know what you’d like to see more of!
Otsuka – Coffee Barubato
Otsuka probably will not top the charts in terms of name recognition, but there is a lot to love about this super convenient neighborhood. It’s located on the Yamanote Line and is only one stop away from the major hub of Ikebukuro – but doesn’t have the downtown crowds. It’s a great fit for those looking for something close, but not in, downtown Tokyo. In addition to this old-school coffee joint, Otsuka is known for the Michelin starred Nakiryu ramen (and tantanmen) restaurant.
For more info:
- Check out our Otsuka Area Guide for more details on the neighborhood
- Check out listings for apartments in Otsuka!
Nishi-Ogikubo – Dongurisha
Nishi-Ogikubo is one of those residential neighborhoods that balances urban and suburban. It doesn’t feel busy or crowded, and you’ll be able to find gems like this coffee place. On top of that, since Nishi-Ogikubo Station is located on the Chuo Line, there’s direct access to Shinjuku. West Tokyo neighborhoods like this are pretty popular with those looking for a commutable neighborhood that offers a balance of space and convenience.
For more info:
- Check out our Nishi-Ogikubo Area Guide for more details on the neighborhood
- Check out listings for apartments in Nishi-Ogikubo!
Omotesando – Lattest
You’ll find this stylish coffee spot smack dab in one of the most fashionable neighborhoods of Tokyo: Omotesando. If you’re swinging through the area, this is a great place to grab a delicious cup of coffee. The walls are often adorned with works from local independent artists. One of the downtown areas that is basically built for walking and window-shopping, Lattest is the perfect place to relax on a day out in Omotesando.
Included in the pictures above are a shot from a hands-on coffee brewing workshop and decorations from last Christmas!
For more info:
- Check out our Omotesando Area Guide for more details on the neighborhood
- Check out listings for apartments in Omotesando!
Sunamachi – Moka D’or
Sometimes you have to go a bit off the beaten path to find treasure! Although it’s located in the Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street, there’s not really much else in the area to attract visitors. Because of this, the area has a very residential feel – a nice contrast to busier downtown neighborhoods! A walk to the west will bring you to the wide open Kiba Park, where you’ll find the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, a BBQ area, and lots of walking paths.
For more info:
- Check out listings for apartments in Sunamachi!
Kunitachi – Coffee Bun
Another coffee shop in this lineup in the western reaches of Tokyo. Close to the station, Coffee Bun provided a very warm and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy an iced coffee (it was summer when I went) and some sweets. Kunitachi is a bit of a college town, with Hitotsubashi University being located right next to the station. It has a unique location close to many destinations like Tachikawa (Showa Kinen Park and IKEA), Kichijoji (Inokashira Park), Takao (Mt. Takao), and Shinjuku (I don’t really have to explain this one, right?) since it’s located on the Chuo Line.
For more info:
- Check out our Kunitachi Area Guide for more details on the neighborhood
- Check out listings for apartments in Kunitachi!
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Lead photo: Real Estate Japan staff