TOKYO | Westerners don’t usually associate Japan with coffee, and the question of where to find the best coffee in Tokyo is something we’re often asked. There’s been a coffee culture in Japan for centuries, with pour over filter coffee, like that brewed using a Hario V60 or Kalita Wave most popular.
What has changed in recent years is the emergence of Tokyo’s third wave coffee scene. Today Japan is home to several specialty coffee rosters, and many of them have their own cafes and/or supply great cafes. As well as filter brews, it’s not difficult to find fantastic espresso based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There’s places like Koffee Mameya who import the best beans from their favourite roasters around the world (including Melbourne’s Code Black), and Onibus Coffee, who source beans directly from coffee plantations and roast on site.
What’s consistent amongst all of Tokyo’s best coffee spots is the Japanese attention to detail and quality control. The result for the consumer is coffee as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world.
And of course, if you don’t take things too seriously, there’s always coffee in a can. As great as a perfectly brewed cup of fresh coffee is, we’re always going to enjoy a few cans of Suntory Boss coffee from a vending machine when we’re in town.
Check out our Tokyo City Guide for more tips on where to eat and drink, and what to do in Japan’s capital.