Tokyo's café culture is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. Take a look at our list of most in-demand speciality coffee shops, classic Japanese kissaten and artisanal tea rooms – all great places to spend a few quiet moments in the city.
Not all kissaten (old-school coffee shops) in Tokyo are worth the moniker, but this one sure makes the grade: stained-glass windows, antique clocks and the soft jazz soundtrack make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
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Pink walls, antique crockery, tricksy floors. The words ‘cute’ and ‘whimsical’ immediately spring to mind when describing this café, opened in February 2017 and completely DIY’d by the owner. There really is no place like it.
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Tokyo went through a green tea boom in 2017. One of the quirkier tea shops out there, the sleek Tokyo Saryo puts a new spin on green tea by hand-dripping it the same way you might do with coffee.
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There are some things that Japan really gets right. Tea is one of those things. Garden landscaping is another. And creating a calm space within a massive busy city is also right up there. Kosoan manages to offer all three.
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The sociable and friendly head barista here was once crowned one of the best latte artists in the world, but Davide’s coffee is worth the trip to Iriya for its flavour alone.
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A good cuppa in calm surroundings: that’s what Café Kitsuné does best. The décor incorporates Japanese touches like custom-made tatami and fusuma sliding doors – all the result of a wholesale renovation this June.
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Trois Chambres feels a world away from the busy streets of Shimokitazawa, and time truly appears to stand still here – in a good way. It’s loved by people of all ages too, making for an eclectic crowd.
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Owned by a born-and-bred local eager to liven up his 'hood, this comfy joint has earned a steady following over the decade it's been open. Don't miss the no-bake cheesecake, certified by the local authorities.
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Your Instagram likes are set to jump up at this café that does ‘rainbow lattes’: technicoloured latte art with a white or brown base and, even more unusually, for non-exorbitant prices.
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Satei Hato’s hand-drip offerings maintain the absolutely highest quality. Choose from up to eight varieties of charcoal-roasted beans and watch as the formally dressed staff prepare your treat with almost religious dedication.
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