Artisan Coffee Shops in Tokyo

May 24, 2022

Artisan Coffee Shops in Tokyo

It seems hard to believe, but there was once a time when finding a good cup of coffee in Tokyo was a challenge or at the very least required a journey to an artisan shop invariably located on some far side of town. Nowadays, artisan coffee and the coffee scene are thriving in the megalopolis, and you can find a good cup of coffee in almost any neighborhood. I have had a lot of coffee in Tokyo over the years, and I can say that the coffee selection only gets better every year. That said, it is hard to pick the best places or make a definite ranking. Instead, I’ve compiled a list of places I like to get you started on your journey. And I encourage you to try shops in your neighborhood to support the local scene． Let’s get started, shall we?

Streamer Coffee Company

This chain of shops in Western Tokyo has good coffee, specializing in latte art. The coffee can be a bit on the milky side since they like their foam. They pull a good shot, and they have plenty of amenities that Westerners appreciate, such as free Wi-Fi and shared seating arrangements.

Website: streamercoffee.com

Address: (see site for more branches) 1-20-28 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo

Sarutahiko Coffee

Named after a powerful Shinto deity, Sarutahiko Coffee near Ebisu station opened in 2011. It is popular with a young crowd, though situated ideally for the passing salaryman market. There is limited seating, but the steampunk décor makes it worth visiting. Their service is superb, and their macchiato was precisely what I needed when I started my long and caffeinated day “researching” coffee shops. Their coffee was a bit acidic but not overbearingly so. Despite the crowded shop, I felt very welcome by their excellent staff. This shop is worth a visit. They also have several locations in Ebisu and nearby Harajuku. 

Website: sarutahiko.co

Address: 1-6-6 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Blue Bottle Coffee – Kiyosumi Café

Heading to the Eastern side of Tokyo, we have Blue Bottle Coffee. Blue Bottle is already a famous institution both abroad and in Japan. Blue Bottle is well-known for its excellent coffee and wonderful cafes, notably the flagship Kiyosumi Café. The menu is extensive, and the coffee is superb.  

Website: bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes/kiyosumi

Address: 1-4-8, Hirano, Koto-ku Tokyo,

The Roastery by Nozy Coffee

Located on Harajuku’s trendy Cat Street, the Roastery is worth visiting if you are in the area. The inside of the café, which is located directly below The Smokehouse, is quite dark but is also cozy. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee when it’s not too hot or too cold. The coffee is roasted on-site, hence the name. As a bonus, the ice cream is pretty good to boot. 

Website: https://www.tysons.jp/roastery/

Address: 5−17−13 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

Downstairs Coffee

The last entry on this list brings us to a Mercedes dealership in Roppongi. Downstairs Coffee is an odd addition, but it has a great ambiance and better coffee. It is also an excellent place to stop by before heading out on the town at night or before touring the National Art Center.

Website: https://www.mercedesme.jp/cafe_restaurant/downstairs/

Address: 7-3-10 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032

Wiliamkuy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons