8 must-visit speciality coffee spots in Tokyo
Japan may be famous for matcha, but trust us — it’s heaven for coffee lovers, too. While Australia often claims the global coffee spotlight, Japan (and especially Tokyo) quietly stands out as one of the most exciting coffee destinations today, thanks to its design-led roasteries, Nordic-inspired cafes, and tranquil Japanese-style brew counters. Indeed, speciality coffee in Tokyo is an entire culture of its own.
But what is speciality coffee exactly?
Here’s a quick introduction for the uninitiated: Speciality coffee sits at the very top of the coffee world. Coffee beans are scored through multiple processes, from physical grading (size, density, and defects) to sensory evaluation (also called cupping), where experts rate attributes such as aroma, flavor, acidity, sweetness, and body on a 100-point scale.
Only coffee beans that score 80+ on the Specialty Coffee Association’s grading scale earn the “speciality” title. With its focus on ethical farming, careful processing, and exceptional flavour clarity, speciality coffee is the gold standard for anyone who loves and appreciates a truly beautifully brewed cup.
Can’t wait to get sipping?
Whether you’re a serious coffee enthusiast or simply hunting for a great cup, these must-visit speciality coffee spots in Tokyo promise unforgettable brews, thoughtful craftsmanship, and beautiful spaces worth whiling an afternoon away:
1. Koffee Mameya Kakeru
Why visit? We’re starting things off with this absolute must-visit cafe for coffee connoisseurs. Koffee Mameya Kakeru is known for its distinctive omakase-style coffee experiences known as the “Koffee course”, which features a curated flight of drinks showcasing rotating coffee bean varieties.
Some pours are even paired with “Koffee Kashi” or small sweets and canapes to elevate the tasting.
At Koffee Mameya Kakeru, expert baristas guide you through each beverage, explaining the brewing methods and tools used — from cold brew and milk brew to filter coffee and espresso — turning the experience into both a sensory and educational journey.
Do note that Koffee Mameya Kakeru is reservation-only, with no walk-ins allowed, so be sure to book your slot in advance via its website.
Crowd favourites: The signature “Koffee course” (from 6,500 yen or S$54) is the star here, a one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully curated experience that highlights the very best of speciality coffee. While it is a tad pricier than your average cup of coffee, it’s the most memorable way to experience Kakeru if your wallet allows.
If you prefer something simpler, you can go a la carte and choose your beans and preferred preparation. For something a little more fun, treat yourself to one (or two) of its Koffee Cocktails. These coffee-based tipples come in creative options such as cassis au lait (1,600 yen), featuring cassis and a milk brew, or Signorina (1,950 yen) that has cold brew, elder flower, tequila, and Lillet Blanc (a wine aperitif).
2. Leaves Coffee
Why visit? In Tokyo’s competitive speciality-coffee scene, Leaves Coffee stands out as a favourite among both locals and tourists alike. In fact, it’s probably one of those names that always pops up when people ask where to find the city’s best brews. Often described as one of Tokyo’s most acclaimed micro-roasteries, Leaves has built a loyal cult following since it started in 2016.
Founded in Kuramae, a neighbourhood affectionately known as “Tokyo’s Brooklyn”, the cafe earned its reputation through its rigorous attention to detail, from the sourcing of its beans and roasting to the final cup. Don’t be surprised if you find a snaking queue outside, the people of Tokyo know a good coffee is well worth the wait. That being said, we recommend coming as early as possible if you’d rather not wait too long in line.
Crowd favourites: As with many speciality cafes, Leaves offers a rotating selection of beans sourced from different regions. It’s definitely a real treat for anyone who is curious about coffee, and enjoys discovering unique flavour profiles.
The roastery is best known for its light-roast pourovers (from 700 yen) brewed with the Hario V60, producing clean, fruity, and sweet cups. Prices vary depending on the beans you choose, but if you’re unsure, the friendly baristas are always happy to recommend something based on your preferences.
3. Fuglen Tokyo
Why visit? With roots in Oslo dating back to 1963, Fuglen brings a slice of Scandinavian coffee culture to Tokyo. The brand currently has four outlets across the city: Fuglen Sangubashi (Shibuya), Fuglen Hanegi Koen (Setagaya), Fuglen Asakusa (Asakusa), Fuglen Tokyo Tomigaya (Shibuya), with the Asakusa and Tomigaya locations being the most popular and convenient for visitors.
Fuglen is one of those cafes where you come for a quick coffee… but somehow end up staying way longer. Its clean, minimalistic Nordic interiors across all of its stores are perfect for people-watching (and if I’m being honest, barista-watching, too — they just look so cool when they’re preparing the drinks!).
Did you know that Fuglen isn’t just a cafe, but that it’s a bar, too? If you love your cocktails as much as you do coffee, swing back at night when the space transforms into a full-fledged cocktail bar for amazing coffee-based cocktails, from 1,250 yen, shaken to perfection. Great coffee, great vibes, all day long.
Crowd favourites: Fuglen is known for its Nordic-style brews, which feature light-roast beans and a distinctly fruit-forward profile. The best way to experience this is through its pourover (700 yen) as it really brings out those zesty, bright flavours.
If you’re ordering an espresso-based drink, especially a latte (from 580 yen), we recommend going for a double shot, as the lighter roast can taste a little delicate once milk is added.
For something extra special, head to its Asakusa location — it’s the only Fuglen in Tokyo that serves an authentic Norwegian favourite — the heart-shaped waffles (1,100 yen)!
4. Bongen Coffee
Why visit? Step into Bongen Coffee and you’ll feel as though you’ve wandered into a modern Japanese teahouse, complete with light wood interiors, soft lighting, sliding doors, and iconic bonsai displays. A Japanese speciality coffee brand rooted in craftsmanship, the brand roasts its beans at its own facility using a unique technique known as “high craft modest roast”.
This method increases air intake and uses high heat to preserve the beans’ freshness, aroma, and natural flavours for longer.
Because the roasting is done entirely in-house, the brand is able to offer a wide range of roast levels to suit different palates — from medium (light roast) to Italian (extra dark roast) — so whether you prefer something delicate or bold and robust, there’s something for you here.
Psst, if you plan on visiting, we recommend going earlier before the cafe opens at 10am, else you might have to wait in line for up to an hour when it’s busy — plan wisely!
Crowd favourites: Bongen Coffee is known for its silky, smooth brews and its signature smoky flavour profile. Can’t decide on what to have?
Once in there’s only one thing to do — order the Bongen Latte (830 yen), perfect for those who love a good robust dark roast coffee, served smooth and creamy with cold milk.
If you find yourself at the Nihonbashi outlet, it has little nibbles ranging from salt onigiri (rice ball, 460 yen) to filled sea bream-shaped monakas (traditional Japanese wafers with red bean paste or matcha filling, 790 yen).
5. Onibus Coffee
Why visit? Onibus Coffee carries a huge reputation among Tokyo’s coffee lovers, and for good reason. Even with multiple outlets across the city — from Nakameguro to Jiyugaoka — each shop stays true to the brand’s philosophy of “connecting people through coffee”.
Its name “onibus” comes from the Portuguese word for “public bus”, reflecting its mission to bring people together: From the farmers who grow the beans, to the baristas who brew them, and to the customers who savour each cup.
That warmth also comes through in your experience at its outlets — baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and always happy to chat about the beans and brews of the day. If you’re after a cosy neighbourhood escape from Tokyo’s bustle, look no further than this spot.
Crowd favourites: Onibus favours lightly roasted profiles that highlight each coffee’s natural character, making it a wonderful stop for anyone who loves their filter coffee (from 630 yen) bright and funky.
It also has a wide range of beans to choose from, depending on what you might like in your cup. Favourites include Kenya (from 780 yen for a hot version) with blackcurrant and darjeeling tea notes, and Ethiopia (from 780 yen for a hot version) which has peach and floral notes.
6. Tasse Coffee Roastery
Why visit? Tasse Coffee Roastery is a cosy cafe and roastery in Shinjuku, serving freshly brewed speciality coffee. Originally founded in Hong Kong in 2020, Tasse expanded to Tokyo in 2023, bringing the concept’s passion for quality beans and thoughtful roasting to Japan.
Beyond great coffee, Tasse also offers a range of workshops that you can book in advance on its website: Its two-hour “Discover Japanese Coffee Experience” workshop (S$300 for two people) introduces you to the art of tasting and appreciating coffee, complete with samplings of premium Tokyo-roasted beans and special discounts on your favourites.
If you prefer a hands-on experience, the 1.5-hour “Discover Coffee Experience: Latte Art Workshop in Tokyo” (S$128 for one person) teaches you how to pour and create latte art with guidance from the pros.
Crowd favourites: Tasse is well known for its distinctive coffee profiles and tasting notes. You can choose from a selection of beans at its tasting corner, with light roast filter coffee being a popular choice among its patrons.
Prices vary depending on the beans you pick, starting from 700 yen for the Indonesian Mandheling Porong Selib blend, said to have mango, earthy and candy-like notes.
If you prefer something bolder, with more chocolatey, nutty, and balanced notes, its espresso (500 yen) is also a great way to enjoy your coffee.
7. Acid Coffee
Why visit? For something refreshingly different in Tokyo’s speciality coffee scene, Acid Coffee is the place to be. Known for its bright, juicy and super fruity flavour profiles, this cafe serves its pourovers in elegant wine glasses instead of your usual coffee cups — a fun twist that enhances both aroma and experience.
The counter is lined with vials of coffee beans, each paired with coloured cards describing their origin and tasting notes, just take your pick from the counter directly after reading, smelling, and mulling! If you can’t decide (because honestly, who can?), opt for its half-pours to explore multiple coffees in one go.
Crowd favourites: The signature here is its hand-drip (from 900 yen), showcasing the cafe’s bright and fruit-forward roasts. Expect taste profiles ranging from winey, muscat grape to juicy berries and tropical fruit, depending on the beans you pick — prices also vary and can go up to 2,000 yen for more premium choices.
For something light and tea-like, try the Ethiopia Gesha Village Oma, which has clear floral flavours of jasmine and chamomile along with the delicate fruitiness of white peach.
8. Raw Sugar Roast
Why visit? Raw Sugar Roast is a neighbourhood gem which blends Tokyo cool with an industrial charm. Unlike many speciality cafes in the city where seating is limited and turnover is quick, this spot invites you to slow down and stay awhile. With two airy floors and plenty of natural light, Raw Sugar Roast is where you can trade the rush of city life for slow sips and people-watching.
Originally a roasted-bean wholesaler before opening its cafe in 2022, you can expect a strong lineup of beans and a team who knows their craft well. Every cup comes with a card describing everything you need to know about your brew, from region and varietal to tasting notes and even the farm the beans came from.
Crowd favourites: If you enjoy citrus-leaning pours, Raw Sugar Roast’s pourovers (from 770 yen) are a must-try. Its washed-process selections are known for flavour notes like lemon candy and grapefruit peel, making them a hit among fans of clean and bright brews.
For something a little more adventurous, go for the finca don jaime (1,210 yen) which has notes of red wine, cassis, strawberry compote — and wait for it — cherry tomato. Sounds crazy? Don’t knock it before you try it!
For more places to explore around Tokyo, check out our round-up of places to dine in the city.
Beatrice once dreamed of being in space, but now explores cafes and writes for a living— probably for the best, since she can't live without pizza or bubble tea.
Read more stories from this writer.
