Looking for the best cafes in Japan? From Tokyo’s latte art masters to Kyoto’s cozy tea-inspired hideaways, Japan’s café culture blends creativity, aesthetics, and taste like nowhere else in the world. Whether you’re after a bear-themed café, a vintage kissaten, or the most Instagrammable coffee spots, Japan’s cafés promise an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Discover the most unique and must-visit cafes in Japan that make every cup of coffee an adventure.
Here’s a list of the most Instagrammable cafes in Japan that you can’t miss on your trip:
1. Cafe Reissue
Cafe Reissue (Harajuku) One of the best themed cafes in Japan, Cafe Reissue is famous for its 2D and 3D latte art that turns your coffee into a masterpiece. Guests can show any image for a custom design, making it one of the most Instagrammable and fun cafes in Japan. With its cozy ambiance and creative touch, it’s a must-visit nice cafe in Japan for travelers who love personalized experiences.
Attractions
- 2D and 3D Latte Art: Cafe Reissue is one of the most famous cafes in Japan, known for creating amazing and cute latte art. You can pick from their designs or request a special customized design. From your favourite Pokémon to your cute pet, you can get anything personalised.
- Desserts: To complement their amazing coffee, Cafe Reissue has delicious desserts too. You must try their tea chiffon cake, cheesecake, chocolate and matcha ice cream.
- Irresistible Charm: A charming and bustling establishment, coffee lovers and locals frequent it. You can also try their special lunch menu with spicy beef curry and sandwiches.
- Loved by the Internet: Cafe Reissue’s 2D and 3D latte art has made it an internet sensation. It is loved by tourists who travel thousands of miles to try their unique, beautifully crafted loam latte.
Key Details
- Location: 3 Chome-25-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
- Contact: +81 3-5785-3144
- Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM
- How to Get There: Harajuku Station or Meijijingū-mae Station
Price Range
- 2D and 3D Latte: ¥1,100
- Desserts: ¥600
- Lunch Men: Starting at ¥1000
General Reviews:
- Staff and Service: The staff is friendly, accommodating, and helpful. They will give you great recommendations for items to try out.
- Atmosphere: The place is quiet, efficient, and a great place to talk and catch up with friends and family.
- Pro Tip: If you love high-quality coffee with amazing art at affordable prices, this place is a must in Tokyo!
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2. Bongen Coffee
Bongen Coffee (Ginza) For coffee lovers looking for good cafes in Japan that focus on craftsmanship, Bongen Coffee delivers the perfect cup. Its minimalist interior and calm setting make it a tranquil spot to relax. Known for its expertly sourced beans and skilled baristas, it’s often called the best cafe in Japan for those who appreciate pure coffee artistry.
Attractions
- Coffee Variety: Bongen Coffee offers an amazing collection of coffee drinks, including hand-dripped coffees, BONGEN lattes, matcha lattes, and espressos.
- Giftables: They also sell a wide range of premium products in a variety of coffee flavours. They also sell beautifully designed cups, bags, coffee equipment, tumblers, T-shirts, and more.
- Popularity: Bongen Coffee is super famous in Japan. There is usually a big queue outside, and coffee is sourced from Brazil and Uganda. It is considered one of the top cafes to visit in Japan.
- Loved by the internet: This Japanese cafe is Instagram-famous and has over 20,000 followers. Its beautiful bonsai-based interiors, clean minimalism, and serene calm make it a great coffee spot.
Key Details
- Location: 2-16-3, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Contact: 03-6264-3988
- Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM
- How to Get There: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or the Toei Subway Asakusa Line.
Price Range
- Matcha Latte: ¥1,100
- Desserts: ¥600
- Matcha Espesso: Starting at ¥1000
General Reviews
- Staff: The staff is sweet, helpful, and welcoming. The service is efficient and prompt.
- Atmosphere: The tiny shop is stunning, loved by the customers, and highly rated.
- Pro Tip: Dress up for this cafe because you will regret not taking multiple photos here.
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3. Pelican Cafe
Pelican Cafe (Asakusa) A beloved neighborhood gem, Pelican Cafe captures the charm of Tokyo’s classic coffee culture. This affordable cafe in Japan is known for its simple yet perfect coffee and buttery toast, served with warmth and nostalgia. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience old-school Japanese hospitality in a timeless setting.
Attractions
- Coffee and Desserts: The seasonal special coffee drinks, Japanese desserts, and delicious pastries at affordable prices are a major highlight of this cafe.
- Fruit Sandwiches: The cafe serves outstanding, fluffy fruit sandwiches. They are a Japanese specialty and a must-try in Tokyo.
- Delicious Sandwiches: Pelican is one of Tokyo’s most famous breakfast spots; you will notice a queue even in the early morning. The place is popular for savory sandwiches like charcoal toast, ham and pork cutlet sandwich, and ham and fried egg toast. They also serve great soup; it is usually a daily special.
- Oldest Establishment: Pelican Cafe is one of the oldest cafes in Japan, having been in the country since 1945. Locals love their bread, and the cafe is well-known for its scrumptious food and drinks.
Key Details
- Location: 3-9-11 Kotobuki, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Contact: 03-6231-7636
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Sundays, national holidays, special holidays)
- How to Get There: 5 minutes walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and 5 minutes walk from Asakusa Station.
Price Range
- Tiramisu Latte: ¥715
- Sandwiches: Starting at ¥400
- Other Beverages and Bites: Starting at ¥500
General Reviews
- The Crowd: This cafe is loved by tourists and locals. You can expect a mixed crowd of people; friends, family and more.
- Staff: The service is impressive, the staff is super warm, and it’s a great place to people-watch.
- Pro Tip: This cafe is extremely popular, and you may be expected to wait for 20-40 minutes to be seated.
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4. Whitely
Whitely in Shibuya is a bright and airy cafe that provides a relaxed and welcoming environment. Its clean design and comfortable seating make it an ideal spot for working, studying, or simply unwinding with a good cup of coffee. Whitely also offers a selection of light meals and desserts, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
Attractions
- High Quality Coffee & Tea: This place offers a rich collection of caffeinated beverages; you can try regular espressos or special lattes. If you like to experiment, you must try the Honey Latte or Dubai Latte.
- Reading Nook: This cafe is the perfect reading spot. You can do some people watching while reading your favourite novel.
- Loved by Locals: It is a sleek, modern cafe is that makes it an iconic coffee spot for locals. The cafe overlooks the streets and is a good place to destress.
- Delicious Desserts: To complement the great coffee, you also have amazing, delicious desserts like Fluffy Waffles, Italian Croffle, Cookies, Mochi, and seasonal desserts.
Key Details
- Location: 1-6-14 Jinan, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0041
- Contact: 03-4400-2622
- Timings: 10:30 AM to 10 PM
- How to Get There: Shibuya Station
Price Range
- Lattes: ¥1000
- Desserts: Starting at ¥600
- Other Beverages and Bites: Starting at ¥500
General Reviews
- The Crowd: The cafe has a mixed crowd of customers, including regular locals and tourists.
- Atmosphere: The cafe’s vibe is cozy and relaxed. It’s a unique experience where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee.
- Staff: The service is attentive, helpful, and aims to impress the customers with efficiency.
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5. Ogawa Coffee Laboratory Shimokitazawa
Ogawa Coffee Laboratory Shimokitazawa is a haven for coffee experimentation and education. This cafe goes beyond simply serving coffee, offering workshops and a space where customers can learn about different beans and brewing techniques. The atmosphere is modern and engaging, attracting those with a deep interest in the science and art of coffee.
Attractions
- High Quality Beans and Brew: Ogawa is the best spot for trying delicious coffee in Tokyo. It has 21 different varieties of carefully selected coffee beans, which are served in a number of ways such as single origin coffee, coffee blends, cocktails, and a variety of signature drinks.
- Coffee Workshops: Ogawa hosts coffee workshops, too. You can learn about coffee varieties, beans, brewing techniques, how it is made, and how locals drink coffee. They have over 40 types of coffee tools selected by professional baristas.
- Insta-Famous: Ogawa Coffee Laboratory is extremely famous for serving the best coffee in Tokyo. They have over 43K followers on Instagram and
- Toothsome Scones: This coffee spot is one of the best cafes in Japan for its scones. It is served with butter cream, rum raisin cream butter, Tahitian vanilla gelato, and more!
Key Details
- Location:〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 3 Chome−19−20 reload1-1
- Contact: +81(0)3-6407-0194
- Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM
- How to Get There: Shimokitazawa Station
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting at ¥1000
- Mocktails: Starting at ¥1000
- Baked Goods: Starting at ¥750
General Reviews
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; locals and tourists frequent the cafe.
- Staff: The staff is very well educated and understands coffee in brilliant detail. You will leave this place as a coffee sommelier!
- Pro Tip: There are no reservations, so prepare to wait to be seated.
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6. Anakuma Cafe Harajuku
Anakuma Cafe Harajuku offers a delightful and whimsical experience—you will be served by a bear through a hole in the wall! It stands out with its adorable bear-themed decor and offerings. This green cafe is known for its bear-shaped lattes and bear-themed sweets. The cute and playful atmosphere makes it particularly popular with those looking for a fun and charming cafe visit.
Attractions
- Exquisite Coffees: Famous for its special black coffee, latte, iced tea, frappuccino, and desserts such as canelé, forbidden fruit, and doughnuts.
- Perfect for Introverts: Anakuma Cafe is the perfect coffee spot for introverts; the cafe’s 8 resident bears serve you delicious coffee, pass thoughtful and quirky notes that make the entire experience unique and wholesome.
- Thoughtful Initiative: Anakuma is a safe space for its employees and customers. They hire students with emotional disorders, help them cope with life, and allow them to integrate into society seamlessly. The employees don’t have to speak or interact with customers directly; they can interact thoughtfully through a wall.
- Bear Collectibles: It is one of Japan’s most unique bear cafes. They also have amazing bear-themed souvenirs you can get as memorabilia, such as keychains, mugs, themed bottles, and tumblers. They also have a Gatchapon machine that you can use to win stickers, goodies, and chocolates.
Key Details
- Location: 1-23-28 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 1F
- Contact: 03-6447-0720
- Timings: 7:30 AM to 10 PM
- How to Get There: 3 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit. 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji Jingumae (Harajuku) Station Exit 2
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting at ¥1000
- Iced Tea: Starting at ¥1000
- Baked Goods: Starting at ¥750
General Reviews
- Staff: The service is unique, friendly, and highly attentive. You will enjoy the ordering process and remember it as a highlight of your trip.
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; the cafe is frequented by locals and tourists.
- Pro Tip: Seating is limited, and there may be a little bit of waiting but it is worth the effort!
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7. Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando
Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights (Omotesando) This stylish collaboration blends Hokkaido-style doughnuts with artisan coffee. Known as one of the most good cafes in Japan for sweet lovers, it’s a cozy and nice cafe in Japan where you can enjoy a perfect pairing of fluffy doughnuts and smooth brews without breaking the budget.
Attractions
- Coffee and Doughnut Masters: If you love donuts and coffee, this is your spot. Get the best of both amazing dishes at affordable prices and a great ambience.
- Open Space Cafe: The spacious open cafe has outdoor and indoor seating, and you can choose to sit in either place. It is one of the must visit cafes in Japan for tourists.
- Ice Cream Donuts: One of the specialties of this cafe is its delicious ice cream donuts. You must try the scrumptious flavours like the ice cream caramel sauce, cinnamon sugar, matcha, and more!
- InstaFamous: Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando is also popular on the internet. They have over 7000 followers; their scrumptious donuts attracts locals and tourists alike!
Key Details
- Location: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 4 Chome−9−13
- Contact: +81 3-6804-3163
- Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM | Wednesday closed
- How to Get There: Nearest Omotesando Station.
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting at ¥700
- Donuts: Starting at ¥320
- Ice Cream with Dobuts: Starting at ¥800
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive.
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; the cafe is frequented by locals and tourists.
- Pro Tip: It can get crowded; get a reservation before planning a visit.
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8. 2D Cafe
2D Cafe (Shin-Okubo) Step into a comic book world at 2D Cafe, one of the best themed cafes in Japan. Everything from the furniture to the walls looks like a hand-drawn sketch. This immersive black-and-white café is both quirky and photogenic, offering visitors an unforgettable and affordable cafe in Japan experience.
Attractions
- Coffee and Bites: The beverage menu at 2D cafe is huge, too. You can try their varieties of coffee and some savory bites for lunch.
- 2D Cake: One of the most famous dishes at the 2D Cafe is the 2D Cake. This visually enticing pastry is as beautiful as it is delicious. You can also try other desserts such as Mango Shaved Ice, Chocolate Cake and Waffles.
- Bustling Ambience: The atmosphere is chaotic and crowded. The cafe is extremely popular and gets busy quickly as its doors open.
- Monochromatic Illusion: This cafe is known for its snazzy monochromatic design. It is gorgeous, Instagrammable, and memorable. The cool design looks hand-drawn and creates a strange, intriguing illusion that you are in a comic strip.
Key Details
- Location:169-0073 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Hyakunincho, 1 Chome−7−5 Kura Biru 1
- Contact: 03-6457-3032
- Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
- How to Get There: 3-minute walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting at ¥500
- Bubble Tea: Starting at ¥500
- 2D Cafe: Starting at ¥500
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are friendly, and it’s a great place to try coffee with macarons.
- The Crowd: It is a crowded cafe, loved by locals and tourists.
- Pro Tip: Dress up for the place because you can click photos at the gorgeous monochrome cafe.
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9. Roar Coffee
Roar Coffee (Hatchobori) If you’re after a sleek, modern vibe, Roar Coffee stands out among good cafes in Japan for its focus on single-origin beans and expert roasting. Each cup highlights unique flavors, making it an excellent choice for travelers searching for a best cafe in Japan that combines quality with design.
Attractions
- Rainbow Art Coffee: Roar is known for its unique rainbow latte art coffee. The beautiful, intricate rainbow designs are visually mesmerising and elevate your coffee experience! It is also an Instagram favourite and a must-try for coffee enthusiasts.
- Snacks and Desserts: The cafe is also home to a great collection of snacks and desserts. You must try Ice Cream Daifuku Monaka, Homemade pudding, coffee jelly pudding, and the Special hot sandwich.
- Buy Roar Coffee Beans Online: Roar Coffee also sells high-quality coffee beans that are widely available globally and online for customers. The packaging is gorgeous, the coffee is divine and the service is amazing. You must buy coffee roasts such as Kenya Pink Flamingo, Costa Rica Honey, and Mandheling Taboo.
- Zen-Like Ambience: This is the perfect quiet spot to spend time with your friends and family. Its calming vibe lets you focus on the rich, delicious drinks and food.
Key Details
- Location: 2-19-11, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan 104-0032
- Contact: (+65) 6266 3933
- Timings: 8 AM to 6:30 PM (Open from Tue to Sun; Monday is off.)
- How to Get There: The closest MRT is the Boon Lay MRT station
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting at ¥500
- Coffee Beans: Starting at ¥2000
- Desserts and Snacks: Starting at ¥500
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. Service is quick.
- The Crowd: The cafe is small and gets crowded quickly. Lunch is a rush hour, and you may find trouble getting a spot and service without waiting.
- Pro Tip: You must buy their delicious coffee beans as souvenirs, too.
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10. Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Starbucks Reserve Roastery (Nakameguro) Not your regular Starbucks, this luxurious space offers small-batch, rare coffees roasted on-site. With its stunning interiors and immersive experience, it’s one of the best cafes in Japan for coffee aficionados who want something elevated. It’s also a top pick for those seeking a nice cafe in Japan with a global twist.
Attractions
- Coffee and Cold Brew: The cafe offers a unique selection of coffee drinks, from a great cup of latte to a quick espresso. You can learn about different coffee varieties, techniques, and understand the bean-to-cup journey.
- Botanical Inspired Beverages: With a new season, the Roastery has launched an exciting coffee selection inspired by flowers like lavender, butterfly pea flower, sakura, and ube.
- Floral Desserts and Cocktails: This cafe is known for its adorable decor and graphics; you try the new selection of bites such as Matcha Butterfly Swirl Cake and Rose Pistachio Twice-Baked Cornetto, and discover striking new cocktails.
- Copper Interiors: This roastery is designed in brown hues and a copper finish. It is a great place to click photos, learn about coffee, and Starbucks’ unique techniques.
Key Details
- Location: 2 Chome-19-23 Aobadai, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0042, Japan
- Contact: +81 3-6417-0202
- Timings: 7 AM–10 PM
- How to Get There: Nakameguro Station is accessible via the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Price Range
- Coffee: Starting at ¥100
- Coffee Beans: Starting at ¥2000
- Desserts and Snacks: Starting at ¥100
General Reviews
- Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
- The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd and is loved by locals and tourists.
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FAQs
What are the best cafes in Japan for coffee lovers?
Some of the best cafes in Japan for coffee lovers are Whitely, Ogawa Coffee Laboratory Shimokitazawa, Anakuma Cafe Harajuku, Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando, and Pelican Cafe.
Are there any Instagrammable cafes in Japan?
Some of the most Instagrammable cafes in Japan are Anakuma Cafe Harajuku, Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando, 2D Cafe, Roar Coffee and Cafe Reissue.
How much does a coffee cost in Japan?
The average cup of coffee in Japan costs 500 to 1000 Japanese Yen.
Are there themed or concept cafes in Japan?
Yes, there are various concept cafes in Japan, such as Anakuma Cafe Harajuku (Bear-themed cafe), Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando (Known for delicious ice cream donuts), 2D Cafe (Known for its 2D designs and cake), Roar Coffee (Known for its rainbow latte art), and Cafe Reissue (Known for its adorable latte art).
What are the opening hours for most cafes in Japan?
Most cafes in Japan open from 7 to 9 AM. This allows you to start your morning with some caffeine.
