Tokyo Cafes with Great Coffee and Stunning Architecture

Cafes in Tokyo are gaining attention worldwide. From specialty shops that carefully hand-drip coffee beans sourced from around the globe to cafes designed by renowned architects, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.

In this article, we introduce 12 recommended cafes which are especially popular among foreign tourists. Many of them are located in areas like Shibuya and Harajuku, making them easy to visit while sightseeing. Take this opportunity to discover a new favorite!

Tokyo offers an abundance of cafes, from stylish spots to traditional kissaten (old-fashioned coffee shops). Below are six must-visit cafes when you’re in town.

KOFFEE MAMEYA Kakeru offers a unique coffee experience that challenges the conventional concept of coffee. Located in Kiyosumi Shirakawa, this cafe serves coffee in several stages, much like a French restaurant.

Guests can immerse themselves in the nuances of different beans, brewing methods, and pairings. Of course, individual coffee orders can also be made.

Little Nap COFFEE STAND is a cozy coffee stand located right next to Yoyogi Park. The name “Little Nap” evokes a place where you can relax and enjoy everyday moments.

In addition to coffee, they offer food options which include cookies, pound cakes, lemon cakes, and brownies, which are all also popular.

UNLIMITED COFFEE BAR is located near Tokyo Skytree and is known for serving carefully crafted cups by experienced baristas. As a flagship store for specialty coffee, it’s beloved by coffee enthusiasts.

The menu offers a wide range of options, from espresso drinks to drip coffee, Aeropress, and cold brew.

GET BETTER Coffee & Sandwich offers a delightful union of delicious coffee and hot sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere. Many customers visit for breakfast to enjoy their coffee and sandwiches.

Located near Hatagaya Station,this cafe specializes in single-origin coffee, allowing you to savor the beans’ natural flavors.

MURRMA COFFEE STOP is a small roastery that coffee lovers will love, with a focus on in-house roasting. The owner was inspired by coffee shops while studying in New York, and carefully roasts select green beans.

Located near Hatagaya Station, they serve drip coffee, cold brew, hot coffee, and espresso. They also sell beans, so you can enjoy your favorite coffee at home anytime.

dotcom space Tokyo, near Harajuku Station, is a refined cafe offering specialty coffee in a stylish space. More than just a cafe, it also functions as an event and rental space.

The interior is simple, yet sophisticated, and is designed by architect Keiji Ashizawa.Popular menu choices include honey butter toast, cheese toast, and homemade cheesecake.

Tokyo is also home to cafes located in stunning buildings designed by famed architects. When you visit, be sure to stop by one of the following cafes.

CONNEL COFFEE operates inside the iconic Sogetsu Kaikan near Aoyama-Itchome Station, a building designed by modern Japanese architect Kenzo Tange.

The space features a stone garden by world-renowned artist Isamu Noguchi as well, making the architecture highly esteemed. CONNEL COFFEE offers a robust menu, with popular dishes like their weekday-only lunch box, panino Milanese, and signature cheesecake.

Located near Kyodo Station, FINETIME COFFEE ROASTERS sources coffee beans from micro-mills in Central America and from Nordic Approach and Collaborative Coffee Source for beans from South America and Africa.

The cafe serves a variety of specialty coffees at all times, and the owner is both a certified Coffee Meister and Q-Grader (coffee quality evaluator) who placed third in the 2016 Japan Aeropress Championship.

Sarutahiko Coffee The Bridge Harajuku Station is located within Harajuku Station’s new building and offers a premium coffee line, “The Bridge,” available exclusively at this location.

The Harajuku Blend is considered one of Sarutahiko Coffee’s finest, made from a blend of Yemeni and Ethiopian beans. Located inside Harajuku Station, it’s a convenient spot for tourists.

VALLEY PARK STAND connects the new sequence MIYASHITA PARK landmark with Miyashita Park in Shibuya. During the day, the cafe serves carefully brewed coffee and pastries, and transforms into a bar offering unique cocktails made with craft spirits in the evening.

Popular items include their original blend coffee, homemade baked goods, and hearty pita sandwiches.

Wakuni Café, located in Aoba Shopping Street in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, features a building design that incorporates traditional Japanese metalworking techniques.

The cafe is a renovated 53-year-old vacant store whose design was overseen by Kengo Kuma & Associates, and was repurposed as a new community space. Inside, you can enjoy delicious coffee brewed by skilled baristas while appreciating artisan crafts on display.

OKA CAFE, located in Showa Memorial Park in Tachikawa, was designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and opened in December 2022. The cafe blends seamlessly into the park’s lush surroundings with its warm wooden interior.

OKA CAFE offers a park-exclusive original blend called “Oka Blend,” a combination of beans from Colombia, Mocha, and Guatemala, known for its floral aroma and rich flavor.

Tokyo boasts a large number of stylish cafes across its many neighborhoods. You can find cafes that carefully hand-drip each cup, allowing you to savor the unique flavors of the beans. Many cafes are also designed by renowned architects, offering not just great coffee but also the beauty of architectural design.

The atmosphere of cafes varies by area, with areas such as Aoyama and Daikanyama being home to many sophisticated and stylish cafes, while Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya are known for their cozy, relaxed spots. When visiting Tokyo, be sure to check out the cafes introduced in this guide.

*This article is based on information available as of September 2024.