Getting a coffee has now become a part of most people’s daily routine. Even if you aren’t a coffee drinker, chances are that you still like to stop by a cafe to relax and have a change of scenery.
It is no secret that Tokyo is overflowing with independent and chain coffee shops – all with their unique drinks and concepts. Although it is nice to walk around and find somewhere spontaneously, sometimes you just want somewhere specific to go.
That’s why in this series, we will be highlighting some of the best, and aesthetic, cafes in Tokyo to visit. From those serving impressive espressos to those with specialty coffee beans, these are the five cafes you should stop by this month.
Cois Espresso Club
Having only just opened late last year, this quaint coffee shop has taken social media by storm. Although it is located on a quiet backstreet near Shinjuku Gyoen, away from the hustle and bustle, there is almost always a queue of people eagerly waiting to grab a seat. From the unique coffee concoctions to the chic interior, it is no wonder that Cois Espresso Club has become one of the trendier places to grab a shot of espresso.
There is a range of aesthetically pleasing espressos and coffees to choose from, including Choco Berry Espresso, Tiramisu Espresso, and Nutty Caramel Latte. These range in price, starting at ¥450 for a normal shot of espresso and going up to ¥700 for one of the fancier drinks. The brulee basque cheesecake, which costs ¥750, is just as in demand as the drinks.
The cafe, with its European feel, is relatively small – with there only being a few seats both inside and outside. Given that it is all the rage on social media right now, you will most likely have to queue for at least twenty minutes or so. Keep in mind that on busy days, you may not be able to stay too long.
- Cois Espresso
- 〒160-0022, Shinjuku 1-chome Building 1F, 1 Chome-5-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
- 13 minute walk from Shinjuku Station
- Mon - Sun: 11am - 7pm
- Cash only
- cois_official
- NA
PRETTY THINGS
A short walk away from Komazawa Olympic Park is PRETTY THINGS. This spacious coffee shop not only has a laid-back atmosphere but also feels homely and somewhere that locals go. Dogs are even welcome to sit inside. With its stylish interiors and comfortable seating, it is the perfect place to have a long overdue catch up with friends or family.
On the menu, you will find Colombian, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Guatemalan, and Costa Rican coffees. As well as this, there is iced coffee, cafe au lait, chai milk tea, and even coffee jelly au lait. Prices range from ¥400 for a regular coffee to ¥600 for the specialty drinks. If you are feeling like a sweet treat, there is an amazing selection of fresh cakes, pies and cookies.
On top of serving great coffee, this coffee shop has some pretty cool, retro-style branding. At the front of the cafe, you can buy some original goods like a hoodie, tote bag or mug. You can even buy used records. Make sure not to miss out on this hidden gem!
RAD BROS CAFE
RAD BROS CAFE is a popular cafe situated in Koenji. Its owners wanted to create a space where locals could come every day and connect with others. With both indoor and outdoor seating, this cafe is a great place to relax and rejuvenate with a cup of good coffee.
Here, you will find classic coffee options such as lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites for around ¥600. Speciality coffee beans from different roasters are used, meaning that you are guaranteed a great cup. If coffee isn’t your thing, there is also tea, chai, and Japanese tea available.
This cafe is also known for its delicious and original basque cheesecake, which is made in-house. Other sweet treats include a strawberry cheesecake, orange chocolate pound cake and green tea brownie. Each slice costs anywhere between ¥450 and ¥780.
- RAD BROS CAFE
- 〒3495-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
- 7 minute walk from Koenji Station
- Mon - Sun: 10am - 6pm
- Cash, card and electronic payment
- radbroscafe_koenji
- https://plus-caffelatte.com/
Cafe Secret Window
Although in Shin-Okubo, Cafe Secret Window is often missed by passersby as it is situated off the main street. Mainly serving desserts and drinks, this cafe takes its inspiration from American diners. By far, the most popular item on the menu is the pancakes. From chocolate pancakes to special seasonal flavors, there is a solid selection on offer. If you aren’t feeling pancakes, then you can always opt for one of the other desserts such as a caramel pudding, chocolate brownie, banana cream pudding.
What’s more, this cafe has some unique and aesthetic drinks. For those who crave coffee, there is the Blue Ice Latte and Secret Latte, as well as regular coffee. On a warm summer’s day, you should opt for one of the colorful ades. They are not only super refreshing but are perfect to post on Instagram.
This dessert and drink cafe is slightly more expensive than some of the others on this list, with desserts costing anything from ¥710 to ¥1760 and drinks from ¥580 to ¥760. However, it is definitely worth the price!
- Cafe Secret Window
- 〒169-0072 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Okubo, 2 Chome−25−35 1F
- 6 minute walk from Shin Okubo Station
- Mon - Sun: 11am - 9pm
- Cash, card and electronic payment
- cafe.secretwindow
- NA
DUCT COFFEE LAB
DUCT COFFEE LAB is a small cafe in Shibuya city. Its casual and friendly feel makes for a great setting to study, relax, or to people watch. The cafe is most recognised for its blue neon sign and signature hand-drip coffee which is carefully brewed by the baristas.
As well as coffee, there are other drinks like lemonade and royal milk tea available. The baristas even do latte art. One of the coolest things, and most photographed things, in DUCT COFFEE LAB is the cups the drinks come in. When you are feeling peckish, you can enjoy one of the cafe’s original puffins, doughnuts and hot sandwiches. The prices are fairly reasonable too – with drinks being around ¥500 to ¥600.
Once you have sat back and enjoyed your drink, you can also buy some original goods, including the DUCT COFFEE LAB hoodie or the original glass.
- DUCT COFFEE LAB
- 〒150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisunishi, 1 Chome−33−18 Court Daikanyama 1F
- 6 minute walk from Ebisu Station
- Mon - Sun: 10am - 7pm
- Cash, card and electronic payment
- duct_coffee_lab
- https://ductcoffeelab.com/
Which of these cafes will you be going to first?







