Coffee shops, espresso bars
Excellent espresso - either single-origin or blend - as well as fresh-roasted beans to go from this Tokyo outlet of an Australian World Champion Barista. The coffe counter is located inside a branch of Salvatore Cuomo, so you can have pizza with your coffee if you're hungry; they also serve panini sandwiches and ricotta pancakes. Shorter opening hours on weekends.
Nishi-Shinjuku 1-26-2, Shinjuku Nomura Bldg. B1F. Open 7:30am-8:30pm daily.
Part of the Yoyogi Village eco-friendly shopping complex, Roots and Beat serves good coffee made from organic, sustainably grown, fair-trade beans. Beans are also available to go.
Yoyogi 1-28-9. Open 9am-8pm daily.
Serious espresso is served at this tiny neighborhood kiosk, and the friendly staff are happy to talk coffee all day long. A single espresso is Y150 while a large cafe latte is Y420; they also do drip coffee and sell beans (Y1050 for 150g). Open 11:30am-5pm weekends.
Sendagaya 3-51-6. Open 8:30am-6pm daily.
The first Japanese shop from Chicago's Intelligentsia coffee company, Identity brews single-origin coffees sourced from only the best farms around the world. Coffee starts from Y460 per cup, and single-origin and blended coffee beans are priced from Y2050 for a 226g bag.
Well-contructed lattes and nice latte art, plus free wifi, in a relaxed atmosphere. Open noon-6pm weekends.
Shibuya 1-20-28. Open 8am-7pm daily.
If you're looking for real coffee - rich, strong, and with a kick - Satei Hato is the place. Hand-picked beans and careful preparation translate into superb quality. Not only are the brews top-notch, they're served in the world's most exquisite china. Savor your java in a Y190,000 cup from the porcelain kilns of Arita, while the aroma of freshly made chiffon cakes and gentle classical BGM help calm your nerves.
Shibuya 1-15-19. Open 11am-11:30pm daily.
Espresso, drip coffee, coffee beans, and pastries from this conveniently located coffee specialist, one of several in the Hikarie complex. They also sell teas from Paris-based Betjeman and Barton.
Shibuya 2-21-1, Shibuya Hikarie 1F. Open 8am-9pm daily.
Well-made coffee in a cozy little cafe space; cafe latte runs Y380. Open from 10am weekends.
Ebisu 1-6-6, Saito Bldg 1F. Open 8am-12:30am daily.
An artsy little neighborhood cafe serving espresso beverages, drip coffee of the day, and matcha. Lunches run Y500-1000, and they also roast their own beans, on sale from Y450/100g.
A New Zealand coffee specialist, Mojo roasts their beans onsite and serves espresso drinks in down-under variations like Flat White and Long Black. The small neighborhood shop has a minimalist modern decor and a soundtrack veering towards alt-rock. Open from 7am for breakfast, they offer cakes and scones, a few nondescript panini sandwiches, New Zealand wines by the glass or bottle (from Y550/Y2700), and microbrew beers (Stoke dark and amber; Y700/bottle). Open 9am-9pm weekends.
Great espresso and drip coffee from the oddly named Harajuku-based coffee shop Be A Good Neighbor. Wintertime drinks also include hot cocoa, hot lemonade and flavored teas, with pastries to go with.
Oshiage 1-1-2, Tokyo Solamachi 2F East Yard 81. Open 10am-9pm daily.
Eigakan (Hakusan - Jazz kissaten). 3811-8932
This cozy cafe bar is furnished with European and Japanese antiques and heavy-duty lights used for shooting movies; the ambience seems almost like that of a private detective's office in a Raymond Chandler novel. The cafe's resident cat grooms himself to the rhythms of Thelonious Monk. This cozy cafe bar is furnished with European and Japanese antiques and heavy-duty lights used for shooting movies; the ambience seems almost like that of a private detective's office in a Raymond Chandler novel. The cafe's manager is also a director who makes documentary films. A big Eric Dolphy fan, he uses the sleeve from Dolphy's "Last Date" album as his menu cover. The cafe's resident cat grooms himself to the rhythms of Thelonious Monk.
Eigakan's coffee (Y500), which is carefully prepared using a siphon system, is quite extraordinary. They also serve premium shochu and malt whiskies (Y600-), and you can enjoy original-recipe pastas and stir-fried vegetables. One minute walk from exit A3 of Hakusan station. [Show more] [Show less] Hakusan 5-33-19. Open 3-11:30pm. Closed Sundays.
Fuglen (Yoyogi-Koen - Bar). 3481-0884
Japanese and Norwegian craft beers and artisanal cocktails are served at this very stylish Norwegian bar - the main branch is in Oslo. During the day they serve coffee and tea (but no food). Japanese and Norwegian craft beers and artisanal cocktails are served at this very stylish Norwegian bar - the main branch is in Oslo. During the day they serve coffee and tea (but no food).
Cafe hours are 8am-7pm weekdays and 10am-7pm weekends. The bar is open until midnight Wednesdays and Sundays, 1am Thursdays, and 2am Fridays and Saturdays. [Show more] [Show less] Tomigaya 1-16-11. Open 8am-midnight. Closed Mondays.
The espresso here is from your choice of single-origin beans, and fresh-roasted beans are also for sale (there's even a discount on your espresso if you buy beans with it).
Shimo-Uma 2-29-7. Open 11am-7pm daily.
High-quality coffee beans are roasted here, and there's also an espresso stand area; espressos are Y250, lattes are Y350-400.
Taishido 4-28-9. Open 9am-8pm. Closed third Wednesday.
Great espresso and drip coffee, and fresh-roasted beans to take away.
Okusawa 5-1-4. Open 9am-7pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Tea shops
A sister shop to the main Hamamatsucho branch, with a large tearoom and a retail shop selling tea leaves and equipment. The tearoom is open until 5pm, and the retail shop until 8pm.
Dogenzaka 1-18-6. Open 10:30am-5pm. Closed Tuesdays.
With 450 varieties of world teas from 32 countries, Mariage Freres in Ginza offers the tea aficionado a rare combination of elegance, atmosphere and quality. Only the "finest harvests" are offered to complement an excellent selection of light meals and sinful desserts. Non-smoking.
Ginza 5-6-6. Open noon-8pm.
Watch the beautiful people stroll by at Ginza's Fugetsudo while enjoying a big chunk of kasutera and okawari ocha for under Y600. Don't leave without visiting the wagashi counter.
Ginza 6-6-1. Open 11am-9:30pm daily.
Mother Leaf brews aromatic teas from five varieties of Sri Lankan tea leaves in a peaceful, smoke-free atmosphere.
If you'd like some scenery with your beverage, the Garden Lounge of the Hotel New Otani in Chiyoda-ku offers a stunning, panoramic view of a 400-year-old, perfectly maintained Japanese garden. Let your senses be transported to a different era as you enjoy a varied selection of coffees, teas, and seasonal desserts. Prices tend to be high, but the garden is a must-see. Continental and American breakfasts are served from 7-10am.
Kioicho 4-1, Hotel New Otani 1F. Open 6am-midnight daily.
Be A Good Neighbor (Kita-Sando - Coffee shop). 5770-3195
