Tokyo

Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is a small bakery and cafe in Setagaya, a short walk from the bohemian Shimokitazawa. It is known for its cream puffs, which are shaped like the character Totoro from Studio Ghibli films. The cafe has two parts: a ground-floor bakery for takeaway purchases and an upstairs cafe called TOLO, which serves light meals and coffee alongside the cream puffs. The cream puffs come in flavours like custard, chocolate, and seasonal varieties. The cafe’s interior features decorations that evoke a whimsical, Ghibli-inspired atmosphere. Due to the limited seating, a queue can form for the cafe, though the takeaway service typically has a shorter wait.

Onibus (literally "demon bus") Coffee operates from a renovated house directly beside Nakameguro Station. Housed in a renovated traditional home, this specialty roastery is a pilgrimage site for serious coffee drinkers. The aesthetic is functional and minimally adorned, focusing squarely on expertly roasted single-origin beans from producers in Rwanda and Guatemala. The menu is pleasingly straightforward: choose from espresso, americano, latte, or hand drip. While a few stools sit outside, this is primarily a grab-and-go spot, especially during extreme weather. For a more relaxed experience, seek out their larger, quieter outlets around Tokyo. Come for the precision and an Instagram-worthy photo, stay for the potent, no-frills caffeine hit.

Koffee Mameya in Omotesando operates more as a coffee bean gallery than a conventional cafe. The small, minimalist space focuses on a curated selection of beans from respected Japanese and international roasters. The baristas provide individual consultations, discussing flavour profiles and brewing methods before you can sample a drink or purchase beans to take home. This is a specialist destination for coffee enthusiasts, not a place for a casual sit-down. The personal service means queues are common, and the capacity is limited to a handful of standing customers. For a deeper exploration, their sister location in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa (Kōtō City, eastern Tokyo) offers a dedicated omakase-style coffee tasting.

Yazawa Coffee Roasters is a small, take-out focused coffee shop located in a back alley of Tokyo's Katsushika ward. The owner operates as a solo roaster and barista, personally preparing each order. The emphasis is on the quality of the beans, which are roasted on-site and available for purchase alongside basic merchandise. As a one-person operation, service can be deliberate, especially when busy. The atmosphere is informal and neighbourhood-oriented, reflecting its local setting.

Run by tea master Shinya Sakurai, this distinctive spot where past and present beautifully melt together is situated right outside Omotesando station. A place where the guests are invited to discover and enjoy a great variety of top-quality Japanese teas. Shinya Sakurai dedicated 14 years of his life to becoming a tea master, pop in and enjoy the ultimate experience and taste of this hot beverage.

Dean & Deluca is a well-regarded café chain offering a solid selection of coffee and tea. Its locations, such as the one in Marunouchi which features an espresso bar and both indoor and terrace seating, provide a convenient spot for a light meal. The menu includes freshly prepared food, packaged bakery items like cakes and pies, and a range of salads.