Laura GibbsTokyo is a travellers’ paradise, and it is a hip and quirky destination. It seems like everything the Japanese do, they do it with a twist. Even cafes tend to be more than just a cafe – you can find some uniquely themed cafes in Tokyo. From cafes housing live animals to those serving the most amazing coffee, these 15 cafes in Tokyo should definitely be part of your itinerary.
Also Read: How to Travel Tokyo on a Budget in 2015
1. Omotesando Koffee
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Image Credit: Mikael Leppä
Omotesando Koffee looks like the type of cafe that you’d expect to see in Japan. Located in a small suburb away from the usual hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Omotesando Koffee is small and kiosk-styled with a cosy and wooden interior. It has a small outdoor garden and is just the place for someone who is looking for zen.
Omotesando Koffee 4-15-3 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku
＋81-3-5413-9422
2. Cure Maid Cafe
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Maid cafes are the most famous kind of cafes in Japan. The idea is simple: you can sit in a cafe and be served by girls who are dressed as cosplay maids. Maid cafes tend to be children-friendly and offer food as well as drinks. No photos are allowed unless it’s taken by the official staff photographer. Maid cafes can be found all over Tokyo but the best one to visit is the original maid cafe, Cure Maid Cafe in Akihabara.
Cure Maid Cafe: Gee Store 6F, Soto-Kanda 3-15-5, Chiyoda-ku
+81 3 3258 3161
3, Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
Image credit: Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
A cross between a greenhouse and a cafe, the Aoyama flower market tea house has an exciting menu to match its name. From flower toast to rose-flavoured desserts and a selection of teas to lighten your mood, the flower market is one not to be missed.
Aoyama Flower Market Tea House, 5-1-2, MinamiAoyama, Minato-ku
+81 3 3400 0887
4. Gundam Cafe
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Based on the popular sci-fi series originating from Japan, Gundam cafe is a heaven for Gundam fans. The staff are dressed in uniforms and salute customers when they arrive. There is also a large Gundam statue to pose with and the delicious food is also Gundam-themed. If you want some bring home some souvenirs, drop by the gift shop that is attached to the cafe.
Gundam Cafe, 1-1 Kandahanaokacho, Chiyoda
+81 3-3251-0078
5. Streamer Coffee Company
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Image Credit: Takeshi Tanabe
Streamer Coffee Company is one of Tokyo’s best cafes and it is popular with both locals and tourists. A 10 minute walk away from Shibuya station, the original branch of Streamer Coffee Company tend to be busy all day long. Their Harajuku branch is a much cooler spot to have coffee as it is less busy and its exterior is made from shipping containers.
Streamer coffee company, Harajuku, 3-28-19, Jingumae
+81 3 5772 6633
6. Moomin Cafe
Image Credit: Ville Masaki
I am lucky enough to have grown up with the Moomins so these oversized cuddly hippos are not new to me. If you haven’t seen them before, then as soon as you arrive in Tokyo you should visit one of the two Moomin cafes in Tokyo. Share a coffee with a Moomin and learn about these quirky characters which are originally from Finland.
Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 1F Sumida-ku
Tel: +813 5610 3063
Also Read: How Much Do You Really Need for Japan?
7. Cat Cafe Nekorobi
Image credit: Cat Cafe ねころび
Cat cafes originated from Tokyo, with the idea that many cat-loving people do not have time to look after cats, though they’d still love to be around them. Since thenn, the craze has gone global with cat cafes now available in every continent. No trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting one – it is only here that you will see why they were invented in the first place!
Cat Cafe Nekorobi, 3F Tact T.O Building Higashi-Ikebukuro
+81 3 6228 0646
8. Little Nap Coffee Stand
Image credit: Laura Gibbs
A tiny cafe that specialises in takeaways, Little Nap Coffee Stand is hidden behind the famous Yoyogi park. From Harajuku station, it is about a 15 minute walk through the park but the coffee and daily-baked treats are definitely well worth the walk.
Little Nap Coffee Stand, 5-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya- ku
+81 3 3466 0074
9. 7-11 cafe
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7-11 cafes are the most convenient and the cheapest place to get your coffee fix in Tokyo. While they may not serve the best coffee in the city, it is still pretty good plus you can buy a range of snacks from the store and eat it in the designated seating space. Almost all convenience stores in Japan now offer fresh coffee and a place to sit.
10. Starbucks Shibuya
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The Starbucks at Shibuya is said to be the busiest cafe in the world. Try to get a seat upstairs by the window where you will have a great view of the famous Shibuya crossing. Relax and sip your latte while watching thousands of strangers rush about.
Starbucks, Shibuya, 21-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya
+81 3-3770-2301
11. Starbucks Tokyu Plaza
Image credit: Laura Gibbs
You might wonder why Starbucks is on this list twice, but both Starbucks mentioned are great cafes that deserve a visit. Starbucks Tokyu Plaza is located at the rooftop garden of a hip shopping centre, in the busy Harajuku shopping district. It is a great place to rest your feet after some serious shopping. If you drop by on the weekends, try to come early as you will have to start queuing for a seat after 11am.
Starbucks, Tokyu Plaza 4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya
+81 3-5414-5851
12. Monocle
Image credit: Tim Riley
Monocle, a popular magazine, has branched out into food and drink with it’s own line of cafes. Their newest branch is located in Tokyo and it offers some of the finest lunches in town. Come dressed in a suit, bow tie and, of course, a monocle, and you’ll fit right in!
Monocle, 1 Chome-19-2 Tomigaya, Shibuya
+81 3-6407-0845
13. Fuglen
Image credit: Fuglen
Fuglen is a strange name for a cafe-by-day, bar-by-night kind of place. Fuglen actually means “bird” in Norwegian. There is one Fuglen cafe in Oslo and another in Tokyo, and are some overlap in the stylish yet understated design of the quaint cafe.
Flugen, Tomigaya 1-16-11, Shibuya-ku
+81334810884
14. Artnia: The Square-Enix Cafe
Image credit: Guilhem Vellut
For lovers of Final Fantasy, Artnia this is the perfect cafe and gifts shop combination in an architecturally stunning building. For those of you who have no clue what Final Fantasy is about, Artnia is still for you – they serve great lattes (with latte fan art), pancakes, sandwiches and sweet treats.
Artnia, 6-27-30 Shinjuku
+ 81 3-6457-6714
15. N3331 Cafe
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The name is odd and the cafe is bizarre. Designed for Japan’s numerous train enthusiasts, N3331 cafe is tightly packed between two train lines. N3331 Cafe has a small menu but one that is satisfactory. Customers can enjoy their coffee and sandwiches while admiring the trains that pass by.
N3331 Cafe, mAAch ecute, 1-25-4 Kanda-sudachou, Chiyoda-ku
+81 3-5295-2788
Also Read: Tokyo Bucket List: 20 Challenges for Your Next Trip
You might have to go out of the way to visit some of these cafes in Tokyo but it will be well worth the effort. Get yourself ready for the taste of amazing coffee and the warmth of Japan’s hospitality.
