There are plenty of third-wave cafes around Tokyo, but this old-school shop is decidedly first-wave, one of the pioneers that inspired today's crop of specialty coffeehouses, both in Japan and abroad. As such it's become something of a pilgrimage destination for coffee fanatics from around the world.

If you take a seat at the long front counter you can watch the coffee-making process up close, and also take in the display of exquisite porcelainware that's used to serve the coffee here. In addition to the counter there are several individual and group tables in back - the shop is a lot larger than it looks from the outside - with some rather large flower arrangements that dominate the space.

Although it's the kind of place you'd expect to be non-smoking, smoking is in fact allowed. A cup of the very strong house blend is Y850, with other options like cafe au lait priced at around the same level. There's also tea, and traditional coffeeshop dessert options like chiffon cake.