If you know us, you know our obsession with coffee. Our travels are DEFINITELY centered around visiting as many coffee shops as we can. We were excited about coffee shops in Japan in particular, especially after they were featured in Drift Magazine first edition. The Japanese are known for their pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail in everything they do. Coffee is no different. Perfectionism lies in each cup of black coffee, and they all have their spin to it. We certainly had a long list of shops to visit. But, to be honest, many hole-in-the-wall cafes that we stumbled upon were equally as good as those that made the list. So even though this list highlights our top ten must visit coffee shops in Japan, don’t shy away from walking around the neighborhood and popping into a kiosk or coffee stand. You won’t be disappointed.

Must Visit Coffee Shops in Japan

These are not listed in any order. If you want to see my ratings on these ten coffee shops, scroll to the very bottom of the post.

Mameya Coffee Kakeru (Tokyo)

Mameya Coffee Kakeru is what coffee is to fine dining. Reservations are required, but this is not something to miss! We made our reservations months in advance. This experience is like walking into a science lab, where baristas are wearing white coats. It’s a mixologist’s lair, with a bar to sit around. Engagement with your guide is a must, as they are a wealth of knowledge and information. We recommend trying one of their flights for the full experience. And taking home bags of beans so that you can prolong your Japan coffee journey when you’ve returned home. Just remember, you will be drinking a LOT of coffee. If you don’t, you are doing it wrong.

Wavy Coffee Roasters (Tokyo)

This co-working space is on the second floor of a tiny dried flower shop. We almost missed it, and were walking up and down the block until a kind lady at the flower shop asked if we were searching for coffee. That kind of is how it is in Japan. Things aren’t what they appear to be. Upstairs at the cafe, they pour everything by hand and have a large selection of beans to choose from! This was the first time coffee was served in a wine glass. I think I need to do that more often!

Shi-Ten Coffee (Tokyo)

Shi-Ten Coffee is one of those middle-of-nowhere coffee shops that you happen to walk upon. It sits next to another coffee shop so don’t confuse it for the other. The guy who owns it proudly makes your coffee with a smile. The cement interior and tiny stools make this a perfect spot to rest and relax. There isn’t much except a few magazines and potted plants. It gave me Melbourne vibes. And it’s good!

Single O Coffee (Tokyo)

Single O Coffee is a well-known name in the coffee world. It was quite a trek from Tokyo proper so only coffee loves who really know of them might journey this far. They are tucked away in a neighborhood and have very LA grunge vibes and branding. Don’t get me wrong when I say this, but the hype just wasn’t there for me. Perhaps because the coffee world expanded so much more since Single O first made it’s appearance on the map. The coffee was good, the offerings bleak and to spend your time trekking here does take time. If you do venture here, I would HIGHLY recommend walking through the park to Tokyo Sky Tree and doubling up on…

Unlimited Coffee Bar

Unlimited Coffee Bar was by far one of my favorite coffee shops. Its location right by the Tokyo Sky Tree makes it a worthy stop. There is a huge shopping mall at the base of Tokyo Sky Tree and a wonderful food court inside so that even if you don’t want to go to the very top of the tower, there is something to do in this area. It’s pretty cool to see they have a barista training program above the coffee shop, but I doubt foreigners could attend. This coffee shop has been awarded and recognized globally for making the best coffee cocktails. You have to try some from their bar. If you don’t drink alcohol, the cold brew with orange slices was so refreshing!

Direct Coffee (Kyoto)

Direct Coffee in Kyoto was Mike’s first pick. This hole in the wall gem is definitely worth a stop. They serve delicious sweets with the coffee. We didn’t even know that and jealously stared at the table next to us 😅

% Arabica (Kyoto)

This coffee shop is a new one to the coffee scene. They were mentioned in Sprudge’s list for 2023. Therefore it made sense that almost every single person walking around Kyoto was carrying one of their cups, demarcated by their “%” logo. The coffee was good, but not life-changing. However the branding was on point and they serve baguettes! They are conveniently located by the Gion District, a short walk from the famous Kiyamizudera temple.

Weekender’s Coffee (Kyoto)

This was my personal favorite spot. It is what I imagine a local coffee shop in Japan would be. Hidden in the back of a parking lot, the standing-only coffee spot is a dreamy space to start your day. A lone bench and few low walls provide the only seating underneath a canopy of trees. They serve espresso drinks and some mean pour-overs.

Lilo Coffee Roasters (Osaka)

A gold winner for pour-overs. They have a wide collection of beans (just as wild as Mameya!). I have tried a lot of coffee but this was the first time I got to try beans from China. They boast bright flavors, with unique tasting notes such as ginger and bubblegum. This is another great spot to buy beans to take home. The only thing is that they are all the way in Osaka. It wouldn’t make sense to travel to them if you weren’t planning to visit this area in the first place.

Leaves Cafe (Tokyo)

Leaves coffee, deserves their spot as one of Japan’s best for years. They share the space with a burger joint that slings EXCELLENT burgers. We ordered some and ate it in the small space upstairs (stairs are steep!). I know their bags of beans are pricey, but it is such good coffee!