Aesthetic Cafés in Tokyo: Top 10 Instagrammable Spots
Tokyo is known for its futuristic skyline, rich culture, and unique style. But beyond the hustle of Shibuya and the traditional temples of Asakusa lies a vibrant café scene that’s as picturesque as it is welcoming. From floral backdrops to minimalist aesthetics and even quirky animal-themed spots, Tokyo’s cafés offer something for every aesthetic taste and Instagram feed. Let’s dive into the top 10 most Instagrammable cafés in Tokyo that are sure to add charm and color to your photos.
1. Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
- Location: Minami-Aoyama
- Vibe: Floral paradise meets urban sanctuary.
- What Makes It Special: Aoyama Flower Market Tea House is a café nestled within a beautiful flower shop. With a greenhouse feel, the café is filled with seasonal flowers and greenery, creating a refreshing, garden-like setting.
- Signature Menu:
- Herbal Teas: Enjoy fragrant teas infused with edible flowers.
- Flower Parfaits: Intricate desserts with edible flowers.
- Photo Tips:
- Capture shots with floral arrangements in the background for a soft, natural aesthetic.
- Take close-ups of their signature flower parfait against the floral backdrops.
2. Onibus Coffee
- Location: Nakameguro
- Vibe: Minimalist with a touch of rustic charm.
- What Makes It Special: Onibus Coffee combines simplicity with a warm ambiance, making it a haven for coffee enthusiasts and photographers alike. Nestled near the Nakameguro river, it offers views of cherry blossoms in spring.
- Signature Menu:
- Pour-Over Coffee: Crafted with high-quality beans and expert precision.
- Espresso: Rich and aromatic, perfect for purists.
- Photo Tips:
- The rustic wooden interiors provide a warm contrast to the clean, minimalist setup.
- Capture shots of the coffee cups on wooden tables with natural light streaming through the windows.
3. Little Nap Coffee Stand
- Location: Yoyogi Park
- Vibe: Cozy and hip, ideal for a relaxed outing.
- What Makes It Special: Known for its relaxed vibe, Little Nap Coffee Stand is a tiny yet charming café located right by Yoyogi Park, making it a perfect pitstop for a quick caffeine fix after a stroll.
- Signature Menu:
- Cold Brew Coffee: Perfect for a hot day, with a rich and smooth flavor.
- Cinnamon Rolls: A delightful treat to accompany your coffee.
- Photo Tips:
- Capture shots outside the café with its retro sign and unique typography.
- Experiment with flat-lay shots of coffee and pastries against the rustic table surfaces.
4. Café Kitsuné
- Location: Omotesando
- Vibe: French-Japanese fusion with chic branding.
- What Makes It Special: Café Kitsuné is renowned for its fashion-forward design and attention to detail. From its chic cups branded with the Kitsuné fox logo to its trendy interiors, this café is an Instagram favorite.
- Signature Menu:
- Matcha Latte: Smooth, with a deep green hue that looks great on camera.
- Fox-Shaped Biscuits: A Kitsuné signature, perfect for photo props.
- Photo Tips:
- Capture shots of the matcha latte with its rich green color against the minimalistic background.
- Take a snap of the fox-shaped biscuit with the café’s stylish branding in the backdrop.
5. Reissue Café
- Location: Harajuku
- Vibe: Artistic and quirky, with a relaxed ambiance.
- What Makes It Special: Reissue Café is famous for its custom 3D latte art. Baristas here can create detailed designs, from anime characters to personal portraits, making each cup of coffee a work of art.
- Signature Menu:
- 3D Latte Art: Request any design, and the skilled baristas will bring it to life.
- Caramel Macchiato: Smooth and lightly sweet, a perfect pairing with the latte art.
- Photo Tips:
- Capture close-up shots of the 3D latte art for an impressive, Instagrammable moment.
- Use natural lighting to enhance the details in the latte art.
6. Mocha Coffee
- Location: Shibuya
- Vibe: Vintage Middle Eastern aesthetics with earthy tones.
- What Makes It Special: Mocha Coffee offers a Middle Eastern-inspired experience with traditional Yemeni coffee. Its unique design, earthy decor, and authentic feel make it stand out from the typical Tokyo café.
- Signature Menu:
- Yemeni Coffee: Made with beans from Yemen, it has a distinctive, rich flavor.
- Traditional Sweets: Complement the coffee with Middle Eastern pastries.
- Photo Tips:
- Capture the unique coffee cups and Middle Eastern decor elements.
- Experiment with warm tones to highlight the café’s earthy and rustic vibe.
7. Arise Coffee Roasters
- Location: Kiyosumi Shirakawa
- Vibe: Industrial and cozy, with a touch of eclectic decor.
- What Makes It Special: Situated in the “coffee town” of Kiyosumi Shirakawa, Arise Coffee Roasters exudes a laid-back vibe. With vintage furniture and an eclectic array of decor, it’s a hidden gem in Tokyo’s coffee scene.
- Signature Menu:
- Hand-Drip Coffee: Rich and full-bodied, showcasing the roaster’s skill.
- Seasonal Coffees: Different flavors throughout the year.
- Photo Tips:
- Capture the industrial-style interiors for a rugged, urban look.
- Focus on the coffee-making process for authentic action shots.
8. The Lobby Café (Conrad Tokyo)
- Location: Minato
- Vibe: Luxurious with panoramic city views.
- What Makes It Special: Located in the Conrad Tokyo, The Lobby Café offers a luxurious setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tokyo Bay. Its elegant atmosphere and impeccable service make it a favorite for a refined café experience.
- Signature Menu:
- Afternoon Tea Sets: Beautifully presented with exquisite pastries and teas.
- Specialty Coffees: A variety of unique coffee blends.
- Photo Tips:
- Capture shots of the afternoon tea set with the panoramic cityscape in the background.
- Take advantage of the natural light coming through the large windows.
9. Blue Bottle Coffee Kiyosumi
- Location: Kiyosumi Shirakawa
- Vibe: Clean, modern, and minimalist.
- What Makes It Special: Blue Bottle Coffee’s Tokyo outpost is known for its minimalistic, light-filled space. With clean lines and an emphasis on simplicity, it provides a serene atmosphere perfect for coffee purists and Instagrammers alike.
- Signature Menu:
- Single Origin Coffee: Meticulously sourced beans with distinct flavors.
- Café Latte: Smooth and creamy, a classic favorite.
- Photo Tips:
- The clean, white aesthetic works perfectly for minimalistic, modern shots.
- Use natural lighting to bring out the neutral tones of the café.
10. Tsutaya Books Daikanyama T-Site
- Location: Daikanyama
- Vibe: Modern and artsy, perfect for book and coffee lovers.
- What Makes It Special: Tsutaya Books Daikanyama T-Site is more than just a café; it’s a haven for book lovers. With a vast selection of books and an in-house café, it offers a unique, intellectual ambiance that feels like a retreat from the city.
- Signature Menu:
- Matcha Latte: Green tea and frothy milk blend beautifully here.
- House-Made Pastries: Pair with coffee for a cozy reading experience.
- Photo Tips:
- Take shots of your coffee with books in the background for a cozy, intellectual vibe.
- Experiment with lighting near the bookshelves for a warm and inviting look.
Final Thoughts: Capturing Tokyo’s Café Culture
Tokyo’s café scene is diverse, offering everything from botanical tea houses to chic, minimalist coffee spots. Whether you’re a lover of cozy corners, modern designs, or quirky concepts, these cafés provide endless inspiration and photo opportunities. Here’s a final recap of how to make the most of these Instagrammable spots:
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for capturing empty spaces and soft lighting.
- Experiment with Angles: Try overhead shots, close-ups, or wide angles to showcase different perspectives.
- Use Natural Elements: Plants, natural light, and textures like wood or metal add depth and warmth to photos.
- Capture the Details: Whether it’s a latte art design or an intricate dessert, close-ups can highlight the unique offerings at each café.
Tokyo’s aesthetic cafés offer an immersive experience into both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture, adding not only beauty to your feed but also depth to your travel stories. So next time you’re in Tokyo, make sure to stop by these picturesque spots and capture the essence of Tokyo’s vibrant café scene!