5 beautiful cafes in Japan

Looking for a Japanese-style cafe to visit? Here are some suggestions on beautiful Japanese cafes you can visit in main cities in Japan. Enjoy the beautiful drinks and architecture!

【Tokyo】Kayaba Coffee

A popular Japanese cafe which has been standing in downtown Tokyo for over 100 years. The store retains its old-fashioned appearance, loved by both tourists and locals. 

If you visit this place, you need to try their "egg sandwich". It is one of the most popular menus at Kayaba Coffee, very thick egg sandwiches that will make you full. 

There is also Ueno Park and art museums nearby, so it will be a great idea to stop by at this cafe during your quiet, pleasant day. Being a popular coffee shop, there is often a line of people waiting. For further information, make sure to check their official Instagram!

Address

6-1-29 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Opening Hours

8:00 - 18:00 (*Closed on Mondays)

Access (train)

・Nippori station (JR) 10 minute walk
・Nezu station (Tokyo Metro) 10minute walk

【Kyoto】eXcafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store

Arashiyama is one of the popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. The popular eXcafe Kyoto Arashiyama Honten, located in one of its back alleys, is a Japanese-style cafe with a calm and warm atmosphere. 

They renovated a Japanese-style house, so you can fully enjoy the calm atmosphere of Kyoto. If you get a seat by the window, you will have a beautiful view of the Japanese garden, along with delicious Japanese sweets.

Their popular menu is “Tenryuji Parfait”, named after Arashiyama. You can enjoy the combination of tea ice cream and hojicha ice cream with shiratama dumplings, red bean paste, and warabimochi. There are more items on the menu, such as green tea, dumplings, and roll cakes. If you ever go to Arashiyama Kyoto, be sure to stop by!

Address

35-3 Saga-Tenryuji Zoujicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Opening Hours

10:00 - 18:00 (L.O. 17:30)

Access (by train)

・Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line) 1 minute walk
・Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR) 10 minute walk

【Osaka】Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten

Ujien Shinsaibashi is a long-established Japanese tea specialty store that has been well-loved in Osaka. On the first floor, you can purchase high-quality tea leaves and sweets, a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts!

The second floor is a cafe space called "Kissako”, where you can enjoy Japanese tea and Japanese sweets in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The most popular item on the menu is the Mont Blanc Parfait. Japanese-style tiramisu made with mascarpone cheese is also very popular. They offer seasonal menus too so make sure to check them out!

Address

Ujien Bldg. 2F, 1-4-20 Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Opening Hours

11:00 - 19:45

Access (by train):

・Shinsaibashi Station (Midosuji Line) 1 minute walk
・Shinsaibashi Station (Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line) 4 minute walk

【Kamakura】Mushin-an

Mushin-an is a unique Japanese-style cafe in Kamakura, with the Enoden train running right in front of the gate. You will be welcomed by a beautiful garden filled with a number of trees and wildflowers. The garden can be viewed from the tatami rooms, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing and quiet time.

Their popular menu is the cream anmitsu, a Japanese dish with fruit, red bean paste, and vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy other Japanese dishes such as mamekan, and shiratama kinako and so on. If you get a chance to visit Kamakura, be sure to check this place out!

Address

3-2-13 Yuigahama, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Opening Hours

10:00 - 17:00 (*Closed on Thursdays)

Access (by train)

・Front of Wadazuka Station (Enoden)
・Kamakura Station 15 minute walk

【Tokyo】Kyoto Uji Chasou Moritaen

An authentic Japanese-style cafe offering the finest matcha and hojicha teas. There are six locations nationwide, including one in Tokyo. You can enjoy a wide range of items including Japanese sweets, shaved ice with tea, chasoba, dashi chazuke, and more.

The drink menu includes hojicha and sencha green tea with matcha, as well as matcha lattes, hojicha lattes, and even frozen drinks. If you visit this place, you must try their "Ocha-zukushi parfait”. It is popular for using a lot of matcha, a perfect choice for a matcha lover. Lunch menus are also available at this cafe.

Address

CENTER PORT 1F, 2-4-9 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Opening Hours

10:00 - 20:00

Access (by train)

・Toyosu Station (Tokyo Metro) Exit 2b directly connected