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Unique Cafes in Tokyo: 15 Must-Visit Places 2024
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In addition to worldwide famous coffee shops, Tokyo boasts cozy cafes with a unique atmosphere and original services. Recharge with sweets and a cup of freshly made coffee or tea at one of these one-of-a-kind cafes in Tokyo.
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Tokyo
This is the official account of MATCHA's English editorial team. We are bringing you the latest travel information on Japan.
Our beautiful cover photo features the fall foliage at Lake Kinrin in Yufuin (photo by Pixta). We hope you'll have a wonderful time exploring Japan.
Just like in most major cities, it's impossible to walk a couple of steps in Tokyo without passing by one of the major coffee shop franchises. Starbucks, Doutor Coffee, and Tully's greet you at every corner.
But what if you seek a unique experience while relaxing over a cup of coffee or tea? Look no further! This article features 15 unique cafes in the Tokyo area, where enjoying your coffee or tea becomes an experience in itself.
15 Unique Cafes in Tokyo
1. Cafe Stay Happy in Shimokitazawa
2. Momi No Yu Cafe in Ueno
3. Matsuzaki Senbei Cafe in Ginza
4. Cafe Fuji
5. Kosoan in Jiyugaoka
6. Asakusa Taisho Romankan
7. Kagurachaka Petit in Asakusa
8. Cafe Kissa Seikatsu in Higashi-Koenji
9. Les Grands Arbres in Minami-Azabu
10. R-za Dokushokan in Koenji
11. Pokémon Cafe at Nihonbashi Takashimaya
12. MR. FRIENDLY Cafe
13. OIMO TOKYO CAFE Nakameguro
14. Coffee no Kaori in Kodaira
15. Kuusoogai Kafe in Kichijoji
1. Cafe Stay Happy in Shimokitazawa
At Cafe Stay Happy, located in Shimokitazawa close to Shibuya, you can snuggle under a kotatsu during the colder months. There is something very relaxing about gathering around the heated table with hot beverages.
Even if you can't experience the kotatsu in the hotter months, Cafe Stay Happy invites you into its homely atmosphere at any time of the year to meet interesting people from all over the world. The items on the menu focus on organic produce obtained through natural growing methods, with minimal use of chemicals and frozen ingredients. Vegan options are available as well.
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2. Momi No Yu Cafe in Ueno
Ueno is a very popular area for a day out in the city. You can visit the Ueno Zoo, take a walk in Ueno Park or shop at Ameyokocho (*1).
However, all of this includes a lot of walking. Momi no Yu is the perfect place to relax your tired feet in Ueno.
Momi no Yu is part of Mominoki House, a massage and Ayurveda facility. The cafe itself occupies the second floor of the building.
At Momi no Yu, you can enjoy a relaxing footbath (known as ashi-yu) while you sip a delicious cup of herb tea (1,100 yen for 45 minutes). Doesn't this sound like pure relaxation?
*1 Ameyokocho: A famous market street between Okachimachi and Ueno Station.
Momi No Yu Cafe
Address: 4 Chome-5-2 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo Map
Hours: 11:00 - 23:00
Website: https://www.mominokihouse.jp/ashiyucafe/ (Japanese)
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3. Matsuzaki Shoten in Ginza
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Matsuzaki Shoten is a famous senbei (rice cracker) shop with a 200-year history. The shop was first opened in 1804 and operated as Matsuzaki Senbei until 2021 when it changed its name to Matsuzaki Shoten.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
In addition to traditional rice crackers, the shop offers a wide variety of sweets delights, such as the Matsuzaki rolls with delicious fillings, mini parfaits, ice cream and kakigori shaved ice, as well as cafe latte and matcha latte as beverages.
Despite being mainly a rice cracker shop, they are very particular about their coffee and use only carefully selected beans. Enjoy the rare combination of coffee and rice crackers at this historical cafe in Ginza!
Matsuzaki Shoten
Address: 4 Chome-13-8 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo Map
Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (last order 18:30)
Website: https://matsuzaki-senbei.com/store (Japanese)
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4. Cafe Fuji in Shimbashi
Embodying a legacy that echoes its inaugural year, Cafe Fuji pays homage to its founder, Mr. Ichihara's grandfather, hailing from Shizuoka Prefecture's Fuji City. The cafe's name and inspiration stem from the daily vista of the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji.
Cafe Fuji is a classic Japanese coffee shop, a type of cafe also known as kissa. An emblematic Mount Fuji sign, meticulously selected by Mr. Ichihara from a multitude of images, has adorned the cafe since 2013, adding a touch of grandeur.
Located near the bustling Shimbashi Station in Tokyo, Cafe Fuji beckons visitors to relish a cup of coffee and a moment of serenity in the enchanting aura of Mount Fuji's timeless charm.
Cafe Fuji
Address: 2-16-1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
Hours: weekdays 10:00 - 19:00, Saturdays 10:00 - 18:00, closed on Sundays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/coffee_fuji/
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5. Kosoan in Jiyugaoka
Kosoan is a traditional sweets shop located inside an authentic old Japanese house. The house was constructed during the Taisho period (1912-1926) and renovated recently. It currently functions as a sweets shop and art gallery at the same time.
While not exactly a traditional cafe, it is a place where you can enjoy a variety of handmade traditional sweets and beverages while time traveling back to 19th century Japan.
This traditional house also has a beautiful Japanese garden which invites the customers to daydream while they enjoy their sweet delights.
Kosoan
Address: 1 Chome-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo Map
Hours: 12:00 - 18:30
Website: http://kosoan.co.jp/
Read also
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6. Asakusa Taisho Romankan
Asakusa Taisho Romankan, near Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, is a cafe and kimono rental shop evoking the Taisho (1912-1926) era's charm. Inspired by the period's fusion of Japanese tradition and Western influence, the venue offers chic kimono styling and colorful desserts.
Patrons can enjoy a menu featuring crepes, cream sodas, and Japanese-inspired treats in a stylish, retro-meets-modern cafe setting. The kimono rental service allows guests to immerse themselves in Taisho-style fashion with a variety of vintage kimonos and accessories.
From picturesque High-Collar Cream Sodas to exploring Asakusa in traditional attire, Taisho Romankan offers a delightful experience blending historical flair with contemporary hospitality. It's a unique opportunity to indulge in the art of kimono fashion and savor nostalgic flavors, encapsulating the essence of a bygone era in vibrant Tokyo surroundings.
Hotels near Asakusa Taisho Romankan
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7. Kagurachaka Petit in Asakusa
Kagurachaka Petit is a Cafe in Asakusa where you can enjoy freshly ground green tea, that is rich in aroma, taste, and color.
At lunchtime (12:00 -17:00), the cafe offers parfaits made with fresh matcha green tea. You can choose five ingredients out of a list of 21 items to create your favorite parfait.
At dinner time (18:00 - 22:00), you can enjoy other delights made with fresh green tea, such as Matcha Beer, Matcha Cocktails or Matcha Potato Chips.
Of course, they offer matcha green tea and matcha latte as well. Freshly ground green tea is a very special experience for all senses and it's highly recommended that you try it at least once when you visit Japan.
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8. Cafe Kissa Seikatsu in Koenji
Kissa Seikatsu is a cozy jazz cafe in Tokyo's Koenji district. Customers get to choose the coffee beans from an extensive variety and the coffee is served in a wine glass. The freshly ground coffee and the presentation in the wine glass make for a very special experience.
The excellent jazz music and a cozy atmosphere make this a perfect place to relax.
Kissa Seikatsu
Address: 1 Chome-6-12 Koenjiminami, Suginami City, Tokyo Map
Hours: 10:00 - 21:00
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9. Les Grands Arbres in Minami-Azabu
Les Grands Arbres is a cafe like a green oasis in the heart of Tokyo. All the passersby can stop here to admire the flowers and plants embedded in the unusual cafe. Made famous by the Japanese series "Dear Sister", the whole building is a star in its own right.
The first and second floors are occupied by a flower shop, while the third and fourth floors house the actual cafe. You can enjoy here coffee, tea, sweet delights or healthy dishes a cooking expert creates with vegetables picked early in the morning.
The building also has its own treehouse. There aren't any seats inside but feel free to climb in and enjoy the atmosphere. This cafe is definitely worth a visit if you yearn for some nature in the hectic city.
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10. R-za Dokushokan Cafe in Koenji
R-za Dokushokan in Koenji is a quiet cafe with a unique style. It's designed as a cafe where you can relax with a good book, but it's so much more than that. R-za Dokushokan is much bigger than it looks from the outside and its interior is reminiscent of a library from the fairy tales.
Antique chairs, tables, and bookshelves amid an abundance of greenery make up its unique "storybook charm". Different seats will provide you with a different atmosphere, as well as different background music.
At this Cafe, customers are asked to refrain from speaking loudly, so that everyone can truly enjoy some quiet time.
You can complete your relaxing experience with a variety of beverages such as standard coffee and tea as well as drinks from China, Korea, and Mongolia.
Take some time off without leaving the big city at R-za Dokushokan.
R-za Dokushokan Cafe
Address: Tokyo, Suginami City, Koenjiminami, 3 Chome−57−6 Map
Hours: 12:00 - 22:00 *Closed on Mondays
Website: https://r-books.jugem.jp/ (Japanese)
Read also
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11. Pokémon Cafe
Located on the fifth floor of Takashimaya S.C. East Building, the Pokémon Cafe stands as a popular attraction within the refined ambiance of the Takashimaya department store. To indulge in this whimsical dining experience, early online reservations are a must due to its overwhelming popularity.
For those seeking Pokémon memorabilia without dining, the nearby Pokémon Center TOKYO DX on the same floor offers a treasure trove of merchandise to explore. This transformation of Takashimaya reflects a dynamic shift towards engaging the interests of a diverse audience, blending luxury with playful immersion in the colorful world of Pokémon.
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12. MR. FRIENDLY Cafe
For over two decades, MR. FRIENDLY Cafe has been a beloved fixture in Daikanyama, greeting patrons with its enduring warmth and charm daily.
Among their standout offerings is the renowned Mister Friendly Pancake, a culinary delight known for its crispy yet tender texture. Savor the pancake fresh and hot to experience its simple yet heartwarming deliciousness that captivates the senses.
Despite its unassuming presentation, this pancake boasts a modest yet profound flavor profile that is sure to leave a lasting impression, resonating with the cafe's ethos of providing not just food but a genuine touch of comfort and joy to all who visit.
MR. FRIENDLY Cafe
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisunishi, 2 Chome−18−6 SP Building 1F Map
Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Website: http://www.mrfriendly.jp/
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13. OIMO TOKYO CAFE Nakameguro
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Located in Tokyo's Nakameguro district, OIMO TOKYO CAFE is a sweet potato-focused haven, renowned for its desserts made with Honey Taro potatoes, cherished for their natural sweetness and unique aroma.
Offering an array of elegantly crafted parfaits, cakes, and snacks featuring these flavorful potatoes, the cafe provides a delightful culinary experience. Guests can also enjoy a diverse drink selection, including invigorating lemonades and rich lattes.
During special occasions like cherry blossom season, OIMO TOKYO CAFE unveils a special dessert collection blending sweet potatoes with sakura flavors.
OIMO TOKYO CAFE Nakameguro
Location: Tokyo, Meguro ward, Aobadai 1-14-4 CONTRAL nakameguro 1F Map
Business hours: weekdays 10:00 - 18:00, weekends and holidays 10:00 - 19:00
Website: https://www.and-oimo-tokyo.com/nakameguro/
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14. Coffee no Kaori in Kodaira
Coffee no Kaori, known as Arome de Café, stands as a haven for coffee enthusiasts near Kodaira Station. Part of the esteemed Nagata Coffee Club, this cafe embodies a deep-rooted love for coffee culture.
Established in 1993, Coffee no Kaori exudes a commitment to excellence in every aspect, from the quality of their coffee to the delectable sweets on offer.
The Nagata Coffee Club's vision of creating a space for patrons to relax and enjoy exceptional coffee permeates the welcoming ambiance of Coffee no Kaori, inspiring creativity and imagination among visitors.
Coffee no Kaori
Address: 1-8-1, Misonocho, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo Map
Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 *Closed on Wednesdays
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15. Kuusoogai Cafe in Kichijoji
Kuusoogai Cafe is operated by the Kuusogai Stationery Store in Kichijoji. Kuusoogai is a stationery and sundry shop handling goods designed with imaginary cities ("kuusoogai").
The cafe has a tasteful wooden interior decorated with artwork of imaginary cities. Visitors can enjoy coffee, soft drinks, and desserts served in ware with lovely Kuusogai designs.
While it is possible to buy cookies, tea, and other goods in boxes with lovely designs at the cafe, do stop by the stationery store itself. It's a world full of imagination and unbound creativity!
Kuusoogai Cafe - The Flying Fish
Address: 2 Chome-34-10 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo Map
Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Website: https://www.kuusoogai.com/ (Japanese)
Read also
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Have a Great Time at Tokyo's Unique Cafes
The cafes featured above are just some of the unique coffee shops in Tokyo. We hope you'll find one you like and enjoy your time with their tasty coffee and desserts.
This is the official account of MATCHA's English editorial team. We are bringing you the latest travel information on Japan.
Our beautiful cover photo features the fall foliage at Lake Kinrin in Yufuin (photo by Pixta). We hope you'll have a wonderful time exploring Japan.
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