January 22nd, 2025
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Tokyo Neighborhoods Every Coffee Lover Should Know About
The Best Areas in Tokyo for Coffee Enthusiasts to Live
Tokyo isn’t just a city; it’s a living, breathing entity, and for coffee lovers, it’s heaven. Beyond the well-trodden paths of places like Shibuya or Omotesando, there are corners of the city where coffee culture flourishes in its own quiet way. These neighborhoods might not be the first places you think of, but they offer a slower, richer experience—perfect for those who like their coffee strong and their neighborhoods full of charm. Here are seven of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets for coffee aficionados: Kuramae, Jiyugaoka, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Oshiage, Hatsudai, Yoyogi-Hachiman, and Nakameguro.
1. Kuramae
Tucked between Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, Kuramae has long been a haven for artisans and craftspeople. Once known primarily for leather workshops and wholesale shops, it's now a thriving community where creativity meets caffeine. Young entrepreneurs have flocked here, giving the area a fresh energy without losing its old-school Tokyo charm.
- Train Station: Kuramae Station (Toei Asakusa Line, Toei Oedo Line)
- Who lives here: A mix of traditional craftsmen, young creatives, and entrepreneurs drawn to the affordable rents and vintage vibes.
- What it feels like: Imagine strolling down quiet streets lined with indie boutiques, hearing the hum of a sewing machine from an old leather shop, and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the air.
Cafés to check out:
- Coffee Wrights Kuramae – Local roaster with amazing selections of coffee and woody, warm toned cafe for a good conversation.
- Sol’s Coffee – Cookies, scones & other pastries in a relaxed spot highlighting carefully sourced artisanal coffee..
- ARC – With its signature dotted counter, serves bold, dark-roasted coffee in a relaxing setting, opens until late.
2. Jiyugaoka
Jiyugaoka is that effortlessly cool friend who never tries too hard. It’s chic, it’s relaxed, and it’s the kind of place where you can linger in a sun-drenched café for hours without a care in the world. With its European-style streets and boutique-lined avenues, Jiyugaoka offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban charm.
- Train Station: Jiyugaoka Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Oimachi Line)
- Who lives here: Affluent families, creative professionals, and those who appreciate the finer things in life.
- What it feels like: Strolling through quaint alleyways, past flower shops and artisanal bakeries, European atmosphere with many essential shops.
Cafés to check out:
- Bread and Espresso – a offers a unique, Gaudí-inspired interior with flowing curves** – An outdoor café that feels straight out of a Paris postcard.
- Kosoan Cafe – A traditional Japanese tea house offering matcha and sweets in a garden setting.
- *Latte Graphic* – Brings a taste of Melbourne to Tokyo, serving authentic flat whites and Australian cuisine.
3. Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
In the past decade, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa has emerged as Tokyo’s undisputed coffee capital. This once-sleepy residential neighborhood is now teeming with trendy roasters and cafés, each vying for the title of the best cup in town.
- Train Station: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Oedo Line)
- Who lives here: Art students, young professionals, and long-time locals who’ve seen the area’s transformation firsthand.
- What it feels like: Quiet, with lots of coffee shops in every corner.
Cafés to check out:
- Blue Bottle Coffee – The brand that put Kiyosumi-Shirakawa on the map, offering a sleek industrial-chic vibe.
- Arise Coffee Roasters – A small, friendly spot with a rotating selection of single-origin beans.
- Allpress Espresso – Bringing a bit of New Zealand to Tokyo with its perfectly balanced espresso.
4. Oshiage
Best known as the home of Tokyo Skytree, Oshiage is where tradition meets modernity. The area’s mix of old-school charm and futuristic developments makes it an intriguing spot for coffee lovers who appreciate contrast.
- Train Station: Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tobu Skytree Line, Toei Asakusa Line)
- Who lives here: Families, office workers, and tourists exploring Tokyo Skytree.
- What it feels like: A dynamic mix of soaring skyscrapers and tiny hidden cafés offering a quiet respite.
Cafés to check out:
- Unlimited Coffee Bar – A must-visit for serious coffee lovers, offering single-origin brews and barista training.
- TASxCOFFEE – Serves espresso drinks, homemade bakes, and chubby “Toon” sandwiches in a cozy, photo-filled space.
- Alternative Entrance Tokyo – A cozy café and stylish hotel suites with kitchens and rooftop terraces.
5. Hatsudai
Hatsudai is one of those neighborhoods that still feels like a secret. Just west of Shinjuku, it’s calm and artsy streak, thanks to the nearby New National Theatre.
- Train Station: Hatsudai Station (Keio New Line)
- Who lives here: Artists, performers, and those seeking a quieter and cheaper life just minutes from the city.
- What it feels like: Understated, with a quiet charm, low-key and a sense of community you don’t find everywhere.
Cafés to check out:
- uba COFFEE – Great toast, cold-pressed juice, and specialty coffee in a cozy setting inside ART HOTELS SHIBUYA.
- Y's C COFFEE STAND – Offering meticulously brewed coffee with a focus on hospitality.
- FUGLEN SANGŪBASHI – A café in a renovated traditional Japanese house. They offer meticulously crafted hand-drip coffee and Norwegian-style Kokekaffe.
6. Yoyogi-Hachiman
Yoyogi-Hachiman is a peaceful and green area ideal for families and creatives alike. The neighborhood offers excellent cafés.
- Train Station: Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line), Yoyogi-Koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- Who lives here: Families, young creatives, and expatriates drawn to the tranquil park-side setting.
- What it feels like: Green space and hip stores offering a perfect balance between urban life and nature.
Cafés to check out:
- Nephew – A café by day and a bar by night, offering homemade sweets, coffee, cocktails, and small plates in a cozy, multi-story setting.
- Fuglen Tokyo – A Norwegian-inspired café-bar offering expertly brewed coffee and craft cocktails.
- Camelback Sandwich & Espresso – A tiny café known for handcrafted espresso drinks and gourmet sandwiches.
7. Nakameguro
Nakameguro is a stylish neighborhood famous for its scenic Meguro River, lined with cherry blossoms in spring. Numerous independent coffee shops appealing for both locals and visitors.
- Train Station: Nakameguro Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- Who lives here: Young professionals, expats, and creatives that loves to eat and appreciate well designed stores.
- What it feels like: A fashionable yet laid-back atmosphere with riverside strolls, boutique shopping, and great izakayas.
Cafés to check out:
- Onibus Coffee – A small roastery known for its rich, flavorful coffee served in a minimalist, stylish space.
- epulor – Famous for its great coffee and jazz records, a hipster-friendly ambiance.
- Sidewalk Stand Nakameguro – A café offering excellent coffee alongside craft beer, ideal for an outdoor coffee experience by the river.
Why These Areas Are Great for Coffee Enthusiasts
For those looking to relocate to Tokyo and immerse themselves in the city's dynamic coffee scene, these seven areas offer the perfect mix of excellent cafés, livability, and community.
These neighborhoods, each with their own flavor, prove that Tokyo’s coffee scene extends far beyond the usual suspects.
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