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Coffee just tastes better at an unfinished wood table in an art-plastered café, with its foam perfectly fashioned by a barista who is oh so hipster chic, doesn't it? That's why we've compiled a list of à la mode coffee spots in Tokyo with Instagram-worthy presentation, reasonable prices, and (for the most part) free WiFi. Hearts Light Coffee The coffee roaster, as well as the extensive vinyl collection, impedes on the meager sitting/standing space—correctly indicating that this little cafe cares more about taste and quality than it does commerce. They offer dark and light roasts and single-origin options for your espresso (you can also buy the beans). The cafe is well away from the noise of central Shibuya, which makes for a nice, quiet stop frequented only by locals and fellow bean hunters. Hours Monday–Friday: 09:00–18:00Saturday: 12:00–19:00Sunday: Closed Free WiFi No Access Shinsen or Shibuya Station Link Hearts Light Coffee Alpha Beta Coffee Club Tucked away in Jiyugaoka, this excellent cafe is the creation of innovative coffee bean subscription company ABC Coffee Club. The space is bright and airy with great outdoor terrace seating too. It scores full hipster points with the free WiFi and a San Fransisco–style bites menu to go with your single-origin roast. Hours Monday–Friday: 08:00–22:00Saturday: 09:00–22:00Sunday: 09:00-21:00 Free WiFi Yes Access Jiyugaoka Station Link Alpha Beta Coffee Club Hiki Cafe Hiki Cafe isn't exactly cheap, but it's a nice, chilled cafe/restaurant right on the edge of all the neon, shopping and business of Shibuya. They have free WiFi, a wide range of drinks and a few terrace seats. Also, the "Deep Chocolate Latte" is a real treat. Hours 11:30–17:0018:00–23:00 Free WiFi Yes Access Shibuya Station Link Hiki Cafe Ballon D'essai Great coffee spot with good coffee, artsy interior and outdoor seating. Prices are very reasonable. Bonus Aussie points for the flat white on the menu. Also, they do very cool latte art. Hours Tue-Fri 11:30 to 21:00 | Sat, Sun, and holidays 10:30 to 21:00 | Monday Closed Free WiFi No Access Shimokitazawa Station Link Ballon D'essai The Roastery Good single-origin coffee, some nice outdoor seating, free WiFi and a bustling vibe. Obviously run by massive hipsters because by default they serve their espresso in a champagne flute (but you can ask for a normal espresso cup when you order). And try some of the pastries. Hours 10:00–21:00 daily Free WiFi Yes Access Meiji-jingumae Station Link The Roastery Lattest An out-of-the-way cafe in the ultra-hip Omotesando neighborhood. Try the signature drink "Lattest", cold milk with an espresso dripped on top, you have to drink it fast before it turns back in to a less sexy ice latte (recommended you drink at least the half quickly, you can enjoy the rest as a "normal" ice latte). Hours 10:00–19:00 daily Free WiFi Yes Access Omotesando Station Link Lattest Omotesando Streamer Coffee Great espresso, outdoor seating if you can snag a spot, and sometimes even some English service. Shibuya Hours 10:00–18:00 daily Free WiFi Yes Access Shibuya Station Link Streamer Shibuya Harajuku Hours Weekdays: 10:00–18:00Saturday–Sunday/Holidays: 11:00–18:00 Free WiFi Yes Access Harajuku Station/Meijijingumae Station Link Streamer Harajuku Kayabacho Hours 9:00-18:00 Free WiFi Yes Access Ningyocho Station Link Streamer Coffee Kayabacho Fuglen An overachieving cafe with nice atmosphere, beans for purchase, tasty pastries, comfy couches, free WiFi, and (*channeling Professor Snape*) obviously good coffee. Also, cocktails. Note: Fuglen is currently operating as a coffee stand only for take-away drinks. Hours Monday-Tuesday: 08:00–22:00Wednesday-Friday: 08:00–19:00Saturday–Sunday: 09:00–19:00 Free WiFi Yes Access Yoyogi-Kōen Station Link Fuglen Tokyo Cafe Rostro A great cafe with nice outdoor terrace seating, on the side of a roastery and just a stone's throw from Fuglen. Hours Monday–Friday: 08:00–19:00Saturday–Sunday: 08:00–21:00 Free WiFi No Access Yoyogi-Kōen Station Link Cafe Rostro Mercedes Benz Connection – Downstairs Cafe Award-winning baristas, impeccable presentation, large glass windows, high ceilings and tons of space. The only downside is the top 40 electro beats. That being said, it's not so intrusive that you can't get some work done, read a book or chat away with some friends. Also, they have lots of outlets. Hours Temporary reduced business hours: 09:00–20:00 daily (normal business hours from 07:00–23;00 daily) Free WiFi Yes Access Nogizaka Station Link Downstairs Coffee at Mercedes Benz Connection Bear Pond Espresso When it comes to coffee, the Bear Pond people are all business. The coffee's incredible but you've gotta follow the house rules (like no pics) and you can only order espresso for a limited time each morning to afternoon—it's either their way or the non-coffee-drinking highway. Hipsters can be harsh. Hours 11:00–17:30 daily Free WiFi No Access Shimokitazawa Station Link Bear Pond Espresso About Life Coffee Brewers A sweet little coffee stand with nowhere to sit down and stay awhile—only pure caffeine indulgence at this cafe. Espressos will set you back only a pop and it's been certified "one of the best cafes I've been to in Tokyo" by our resident coffee fiend and hobo CEO Chris Kirkland. Hours Monday–Friday: 08:30–20:30Saturday–Sunday/Holidays: 09:00–19:00 Free WiFi No Access Shibuya Station Link About Life Coffee Want to try someplace a little more traditional? Try these kissaten, or traditional Japanese coffee shops reminiscent of the Showa era. This post was originally published on May 14, 2015 and was updated in August 2020.

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