Top Tokyo Cafes: 9 Best Local Cafes in Tokyo

Tokyo is the place to eat. The city has more Michelin stars than New York and Paris together and even if you’re not up for paying 300 euros for a quick sushi lunch, you will always find something tasty and affordable in this culinary metropolis. Of course we recommend eating Japanese food once in Tokyo but the versatile city offers delights from various other cuisines: be it Korean food on Shin-Okubo or Chinese in Yokohama. No-one could possibly ever visit all the (at least 80 000) restaurants and food joints in Tokyo because they are made to cater more that 15 million people daily, but here are some of the (thousands of) hidden gems. The rules being, as always, simple: get out of the tourist spots and be adventurous in picking a random thing in the often only-in-Japanese menu.

University of Tokyo - Hongo Campus (東京大学本郷キャンパス)

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By Kazue

Top University with Unique Attractions

University of Tokyo - Hongo Campus (東京大学本郷キャンパス)

This tradutional campus has lots of stories. As the top university in Japan, it's been the birthplace of many historical legends. The Yasuda Auditorium located in the center of this campus is known as the base of student movement in 1960s. Back in the old time, the campus used to be the site of the residence of a feudal lord...

by Kazue

Ippuku-tei (甘味処いっぷく亭)

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By Kazue

Japanese Sweets Cafe for Streetcar Fans

Ippuku-tei (甘味処いっぷく亭)

Unique Japanese sweets cafe located on the platform of Toden Streetcar. It's famous for Japanese traditional sweets called "ohagi", oval shaped sticky rice ball coated with sweet bean paste or other ingredients such as roasted soybean flour. They also serve fried noodles, other sweets and drinks.

by Kazue

Local Experience

Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Tour

We love this charming nightlife tour! You will get a chance to enjoy many kinds of sushi and yakitori (skewers) as well as classic RAMEN! (on everyone’s MUST TRY LIST) Throughout your adventure, you will have the chance to try different Japanese foods.

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Prices from

188 USD

Duration

3 h

Languages

English

Café 1894

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By Kazue

Feel the Early Modern Times of Japan

Café 1894

This cafe is part of Mitsubishi Ichigokan located 5 minute walking distance from Tokyo Station. It's a replication of the first Western office building in Japan, which was designed by Josiah Conder and constructed in 1894.

by Kazue

Angelus (アンヂェラス)

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By Kazue

Classical cafe in Asakusa

Angelus (アンヂェラス)

Established in 1946, this cafe has attracted novelists and artists such as Kawabata Yasunari, Ikenami Shotaro, Dazai Osamu and Tezuka Osamu. Getting away from the busy touristic streets, you can enjoy a feeling of the good old times in Japan.

by Kazue

Kotoricafe Kichijoji（ことりカフェ吉祥寺）

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By Kazue

Cafe for parakeet and budgie lovers!

Kotoricafe Kichijoji（ことりカフェ吉祥寺）

Just in front of the famous Ghibli Museum, this cafe offers a unique experiece for parakeet and budgie lovers. You can enjoy tea time with cutest birds in the clean and cozy environment! It's also a fun to get some cute souvenirs.

by Kazue

Kuriya Kashi Kurogi (廚菓子くろぎ)

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By Kazue

Authentic Warabimochi & Quality Coffee

Kuriya Kashi Kurogi (廚菓子くろぎ)

If you are a wagashi (Japanese sweets) lover, it's worth visiting! You can taste beautiful, high quality Japanese desserts with tasty coffee or matcha in the building in the building designed by Kengo Kuma located on the campus of Tokyo University.

by Kazue

Local Experience

Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Tour

Book tour ›

Prices from

188 USD

Duration

3 h

Languages

English

Bridge

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By Kazue

Stylish Cafe in Kappabashi

Bridge

Calm and stylish cafe in Kappabashi. You can enjoy tasty, authentic coffee, ice cream and muffins in the relaxing atmosphere. It's one of the best places to take a break when you feel a bit tired during or after Kappabashi walk.

by Kazue

About Life Coffee Brewers

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By Isabella

Quick coffee break in Shibuya

About Life Coffee Brewers

Small coffee spot not far from Shibuya station, ALCB is very popular in Tokyo and abroad. They often have some guest baristas from overseas and of course the coffee is great!! I would recommend you the espresso and caffè latte. Free wifi and nice chat with the staff!

by Isabella

AKIBA FUKUROU

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By Yuki

Owl Cafe

AKIBA FUKUROU

In recent years, cat cafes are getting more and more popular, but to be honest cats are really common. In that respect, owls are something you don't see every day, in fact most people haven't seen them close up at all. Therefore the concept of owl cafes is a cool idea and give people the opportunity to pet owls.

by Yuki