Japan coffee shops you should visit

Visited a few coffee shops in Tokyo and Kyoto in the short period of time we had! There were definitely a lot we didn't get to try, but glad we went to as many as we could. Listing them all below:
Glitch Coffee & Roasters
Woodberry Coffee Shibuya
% Arabica Arashiyama
Kurasu
Blue Bottle
Koffee Mameya Kakeru
Latte Art Mania
Leaves Coffee
Honorable Mentions:
Koffee Mameya Omotesando
Coffee Wrights x Higuma Donuts
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withbrandonn
my coffee gear: www.withbrandon.com/coffeegear
➤ beacons.ai/withbrandon
business inquiries: [e-mail]
// #japan #tokyo #coffee #coffeeshop

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

Important info for all coffee lovers from the UK heading to Tokyo: Please get excited about the fact that Japan has soft water on tap, whereas the UK has mostly hard water. There is a GREAT difference in how your coffee will taste and most fantastically, how much better your skin will look after a few days washing your face in Japanese soft water. It feels like silk, it's so weird and wonderful! Finding hidden coffee houses in Japan is one of my niche hobbies. I really appreciated this video, thanks so much guys! I have no interest in generic, soulless corporate coffeeshop chains and Japan has an extraordinary variety of atmospheres to choose from so all personalities will find their perfect aesthetic experience in Japan. Arigato gozaimasu! 📚☕🗾😋

[@alexdriver4434]

I'm going to travel to Japan for my B-day. Could you share some specialty coffee places? This barista will appreciate it :D

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

@iver4434 Gladly. Could you tell me what kind of environment you'd get a kick out of so I can narrow down my list of 'highly recommended' places? 😄For my own tastes, I like the following three aesthetics and atmospheres: 1. High end, ultra modern design-led (ie; the kind of po-faced, directional gaffs which are akin to the precious art gallery in Beverly Hills Cop which made Axel Foley laugh in mockery and disbelief). This minimalist design and serious atmosphere seems to attract people in vintage Comme de Garcons gear. 2. Ultra-kitsch themed cafes and stuff from the Showa era. Nobody would drink there but early 1980s detectives and schoolgirls. 3. Tranquil, chic, dim, elegant places that feel antique; a place you'd take your future mother-in-law when trying to impress her after a day shopping. And yourself?

[@c0kefl0at]

Not the original commenter, but I'd like a list of numbers 2 and 3 please! Just got back from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka last week and now wanting to just go right back! @ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293

[@ciganyweaverandherperiwink6293]

@@c0kefl0at Oh you lucky thing! I relate intensely to the feeling of arriving home and just wanting to turn right around and return to Japan. Whenever your next trip is imminent please return to this thread and let me know where you're going and I'll go out of my way to write you an EXCELLENT list of coffee shops etc which I think you'll REALLY enjoy. I'm upset that Mugimaru 2 in Kagurazaka has closed. Gee thanks Covid, great work. Photos are still to be found online so please do check it out. It was a grand coffee chop to hang out in after a day at the flea markets. The owner was as charming and eccentric as you're imagining. Anybody who prefers Starbucks to Mugimaru 2 is my polar opposite as a human. Hopefully we'll speak soon. Have a super week!☕🎎

[@TwoTone.exe_]

I'd like to make a correction to this comment, England and Wales have hard water, Scotland however has soft water and I can attest to the difference in palatability of hard vs soft water 👌

[@IAmTheChaz]

Always nice to see a specialty coffee focused Vlog! We just got back from our Honeymoon in Japan and are huge specialty coffee fans, so we went to quite a few of these places well. Here are some other suggestions in case people want to know any more good places to hit in the Tokyo area: Kielo Coffee in Akihabara (Went here multiple times as it was near our hotel), Mermaid Coffee Ikebukuro (Coffee is not amazing, but service is, even for Japan!), CHEEERS COFFEE (Technically in Kamakura, but highly recommended for the vibes/friendly atmosphere), Turret Coffee (Also not the best coffee here, but still quite good), and SHI-TEN coffee. We went to 20-30 coffee places during our 3-weeks and never had a bad cup!

[@gregorious123]

I used to go to Kurasu coffee in Singapore which was one of their branches. They had a nice combo item that included a milk coffee and a single shot of espresso on the side to enjoy best of both worlds.

[@abderahemanenejjam1094]

This was such a relaxing and enjoyable vlog! As someone who's going to live in Japan starting from April, I find myself wondering what's the coffee like there. Your video is like a warm treat for me, love your style and keep on going!

[@MikeBifulco]

Great video, thanks for sharing! I was in Tokyo last month for a very short visit, and made it to a couple nice cafes, but I always wish I took the time to take more video. Love the reviews, and TIL about hojicha! I'll have to try it soon.

[@KurasuKyoto]

Thanks for visiting!

[@withbrandonn]

HI BIG FAN

[@fernyd.t.6716]

This is the first video I seen of your channel and I was impressed! Love how everything was filmed.

[@Burn143]

Beautiful vlog, such a vibe and the editing is very well done. I hope to visit some of these in person one day.

[@watermage25]

Kurasa Kyoto Stand was my favorite cafe i tried in Japan. Loved their matcha latte espresso.

[@ren7297]

I really love this vlog! it's a great vlog, very calming and entertaining! I hope u make another vlog again like this Brandon, really love your content!

[@wafichoudhury5305]

The production quality is insane

[@withbrandonn]

omg i'm honored ty

[@remidays6664]

@@withbrandonnwhat camera you use?

[@withbrandonn]

@@remidays6664sony zv-1 mark ii

[@BobWulff]

missed a lot of these places on my last trip. youre making me excited to go back

[@lezapzap311]

Good vlog man! Makes me want to go to Japan honestly

[@Benjafto]

Besides loving the video of course... im in love with the energy this vid has.

[@akavolt]

I just got back from Japan yesterday and visited two places from your video. Glitch and Kobe Mameya, both great. Thanks again for all the suggestions on this video.

[@akavolt]

btw, do you have a pour over ration/recipe for Colombia Hula Monteblanco from Glitch? I purchased beans from them. Thanks!

[@Jarod.mp4]

Really dig the vibes, can't wait to see more spots

[@withbrandonn]

thank you sir

[@Avatar711Wizard]

First timer here. Love your work bro. Great editing. Great warmth and cander. Great cover of the necessary coffee bits but not too much. Liked. Subscribed. Shared.

[@withbrandonn]

[@sval_tigerwall]

Nice visiting and thank you for sharing these experiences! For Sumida-ku, I highly recommend Macchinesti Coffee and Coffee Elementary School. Both have good coffee and good sweets I think!

[@Lann01]

Loved the style of this video, more like this!!

[@damndeniz]

One of my favorite recents subs. Keep it up bro!

[@imtheluckiest]

I would highly recommend checking out “æ” pronounced “ash” in Shibuya! They have amazing coffee and coffee cocktails / some classic cocktail riffs. It’s zero waste, beautiful interior and tasty café food. They’re from the SG Group, also “SG Club” is very close by, fantastic cocktail bar! Thanks for the great vid 😊

[@neoxochitl]

In Tokyo is it easy to find "alt" milks like soy or oat milk?

[@Joostin8]

Love this kind of content. Love going to new coffee shops

[@keiralynh]

makes me miss japan so much 🥹🤍

[@jeriji6592]

if you're in japan, you gotta try ikoi in hachioji for the best straight up best pour over i've ever had. the desserts are also great. everything is roasted in house. old school showa vibe.

[@fytrik9279]

I really love how the video went, I can't explain why but it really is my cup of coffee(pun intended) so I subbed. I'd love to see more of these! ^^ bonus: 3:41 WOO AN 86 IN THE BACK

[@_lucades_]

Really chill vibes and great video! There are so many cool coffee shops to explore in Tokyo. Next time you’re visiting feel free to check out Möwe Coffee, Akha Ama, Coffee County and Laundry Koffiehuis as well, just to name a few. Would also show you around if you like :) cheers ☕️

[@user-bv8zy3ik7m]

I Don't know why but this video fills so comfort to me

[@akahayden]

Just Subscribed!! Love the quality

[@santococchiara7685]

Thanks for the video! I will definitely try to visit those places once I finally go there

[@emilioalvarado-alanis8229]

Awesome video man thank you! Now I want to go and visit them with my son! Stay safe man!

[@graipdrink]

been to %arabica myself, that whole area is just beautiful

[@Viajalavida]

Nice vlog, we love specialty coffee too.

[@andrewb1230]

Sick vlog man! What a great itinerary :)

[@adddelay]

We visited Koffee Mameya earlier this year and had a great experience. 10/10 for me, but I guess it depends heavily on what beans you choose. Also had a great coffee at Ogawa Coffee Lab in Shimokita. Will have to check out Glitch and Leaves next time we're over there.

[@withbrandonn]

ogawa is amazing, i’ve been before

[@pannawatphijarnwanit6306]

always love your storytelling and editing man.. i was really looking forward to Koffee Mamiya but you have it a 6/10 so im debating now lol

[@withbrandonn]

bro trust me, try the omotesando location first

[@wizexel22]

👆. That’s why I asked how the geisha was. You could see his face go from a look of disappointment from the other drinks to lighting up with the geisha 😂.

[@fierywomanpacnw7004]

30 or so years ago; the coffee at Hotel Nidom (I drank it over a period of 6 months) Tomakamai, Hokkaido : wow!

[@Slowlyoptomistic]

Glitch and Leaves were winners for me as well. One to add in Tokyo is Koffee Mameya, no seating but stellar coffee and service.

[@withbrandonn]

koffee mameya omotesando is a 10/10

[@carlosaquilayan945]

I think Cafe de l'ambre should be on the list - It's a good way to compare thirdwave coffee vs Japanese kissatens!

[@Channe1F2k]

Visited the old school joints mainly for iced coffee in my last trip…..Kanno Coffee, Komeda Coffee to name a few….do check them out😊

[@gretx.]

i'm not going to japan anytime soon (wish i could), but i loved the video, subscribed!

[@kopirantau]

wowww nice... nice... will try next trip to Japan

[@Jeetacademykl]

Thank you for all these new addresses to try !! :-D

[@therascals8237]

I went to Glitch last month..good stuff.

[@aizul9134]

Best coffee cafe jumping video ever.

[@withbrandonn]

best comment ever

[@donthaveaname]

love the vibe! what playlist are you using for your vids?

[@yasir1161]

Amazing content and quality !

[@chenookapril187]

Hi brandon.. what eye glasses are you wearing? the clear one? just curious. its.quite nice 😊

[@FT__Cool_Stuff______-of5pi]

@11:30 in my experience every non-milk coffee tastes best at room temperature. Often it tastes WAYY better compared to when it's hot. IDK why it works that way but I think it is related to your mouth/nose - not so much the coffee itself. My high level coffee expert friends are better than me at tasting details while it's hot - but they also nearly always prefer / can taste more after it has cooled. Interesting that they use the temperature measuring device. That's fun.

[@beanieboy641]

all the coffee looked so good, especially that all black presentation from latte art mania! Also, does anyone know if they do that omakase/coffee flight style experience state-side? i'd love to try something like that but have never seen it before. This was a fun watch, keep it up!

[@withbrandonn]

i’ve heard blue bottle do it before

[@lomtuna538]

Lmao the Cryo cameo at 2:51

[@mikexbox1]

I was like Cryo?? Haha

[@rurouniboi]

For me Leaves Coffee Roasters is my top spot followed by Glitch in Tokyo. Onibus in Nakameguro is up there too. IMO 6/10 is a bit harsh for Koffee Mayama. I love that they source beans from so many roasters, but the coffee course price is a bit high. I would recommend it just cause of the unique experience and the opportunity to try some unique coffee. Kurasu Coffee is always a stop when I'm in Kyoto and if their roastery is open that is a cozy place to relax for a bit. What was missed though was Weekenders Coffee. Also Archieve Coffee in Hiroshima is definitely worth a visit, it was recommended to me by Ishii at Leaves.

[@withbrandonn]

i know it's a bit harsh but i just had SUCH high expectations. the omotesando location for me was a 10/10 so i was expecting the same, but i was also told the beans i got were a hit or miss

[@rurouniboi]

@@withbrandonn I do think it comes down to what coffees you try. I've gone there on two occasions and had pretty good experiences. For me you can play it safe there and order coffees that you know you will probably like or use it as an opportunity to try coffees you don't usually drink. If I was going to critique anything there it would be the milk cold brew. 1) I do not think cold brew is the best way to get the most out of most coffees 2) I found the coffee taste too subtle both times. For me I'd give it a 7.5/10 and only really recommend it to friends that enjoy single origin coffee

[@Klaude]

agreed all. Fuglen is a safe bet to try as well. Mel Coffee was best in Osaka to mention.

[@DennyUtama]

I love the video!

[@ristretto3896]

There’s a %Arabica at the Grove in LA

[@JT10511]

which camera r u filming with? it has a great color tone.

[@sandip2784]

What kind of camera(s) do you use for filming? And what editing tool are you using? Great quality video!

[@jajaken4696]

Loved the video

[@suitrBJ]

Really important to note is black coffee taste fantastic in Japan but milk based coffees eehhh not as much. The espresso is well extracted but every single Cafe I went to (even in Saporo) used UHT cows milk difference between fresh is like night and day

[@franzjimeno8322]

loved the video

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

sick video super casual!

[@erehinater]

Come to Chiang Mai, Thailand and you will falling in Love with ours cafe

[@leilas.2027]

Hey, love the video! What kind of coffee is it in the Thumbnail Picture? The black one with latte art ? ☺️

[@Bruno-coffe]

Wow

[@ChristopherMichaelR]

Did I just see cryocells? Crazy!!

[@sejonggong9455]

I just keep thinking who is this guy?! An apartment barista!!! Time to subscribe boyyyyyyyy!!!

[@shindylife2226]

Hello! That was a great video! As a Japanese person, I'm glad that you enjoyed our Japanese cafe! Next time you come to Japan, please try the following cafes! 🙌 Recommended! 💯 ・iki Espresso　2-2-12 Tokiwa, Koto-ku, Tokyo ・STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY　1-20-28, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo

[@roniadiatmoko929]

Great content, I love it. Oh no I mean "We love it"

[@darcoeme]

very nice content very enjoyable thank you for share the japon coffee shops , second part ?

[@AK27AK]

Omg I used to live right across from Glitch Coffee but had never gone because I was not into coffee back then!!

[@withbrandonn]

it was my favorite

[@AK27AK]

Will def check out when I’m nearby again! Thanks🎉

[@mowana.x]

what camera were you using?

[@HUMANOIDTECHNO]

which sony camera model you are using for vlog?

[@Personal_Development_TH]

Do the black latte in Latte art Mania is Charcoal Latte ?

[@lasagnalord9129]

great video and hello to Cryocells

[@DerniereWilt]

Did you really try an new espresso blend with latte?!?!?!?!? Impressive

[@TheAutisticCat]

I have noticed the soft water in Hawaii contributes to great coffee. It isn't the Kona beans!

[@paneujun5067]

dude, which hotel was it you stayed at the super small looking one?

[@Tesla_Coffee_Tech]

If you don't mind me asking, what in the world was that black drink?

[@namephanan]

Amazing production. What hoodie are you wearing toward the end. At the 9.45 mark. It looks extremely comfortable.

[@withbrandonn]

it's a basics hoodie from GU

[@namephanan]

Looks great on you.

[@candiinoodles]

out of all the coffee shops you went to on this trip, how many of them served oat milk?

[@kuro2317]

is it a hojicha latte? planning to buy one how do i make it?

[@michaelcamongol]

quality video 🔥

[@ethanchen921]

Next trip, please visit bear pond!

[@user-bu7gp4io1h]

A lot of help with your high-quality coffee recommendation vlog! Can you tell me the information about the accommodation you stayed in Tokyo?

[@withbrandonn]

hotel tokyo intergate kyobashi is where we stayed!

[@karigrandii]

10:57 wow never seen this before even from the fanciest coffee shops

[@priceandpride]

Where did your eyebrows go?

[@kuro2317]

How much is the hojicha powder? 😮

[@IzettaNicole]

What roast did you bring back from Glitch?

[@JodiesContent]

i wanna go so bad

[@wizexel22]

What was your rating for just the geisha at Mameya? (Not all the drinks combined.)

[@withbrandonn]

9/10, super fruity, sweet n sour

[@wizexel22]

Awesome. Thanks for the reply. Was curious since a geisha at Mameya was what really got me into coffee (like when Ratatouille first combined strawberry and cheese lol). Looking forward to trying Glitch down the road!

[@wizexel22]

Oh I should add I tried it at the omotesando location which seems like a better experience as I was able to just have a 1 on 1 conversation with the barista the whole time. (By the 2nd trip 5 years later the store was very crowded)

[@jhonne___]

what is the hotel name u stay ?

[@leaode_cafe]

"boa sorte" ótimas palavras de motivação 0:52

[@not_a_tomato]

Yo what’s the name of that tiny hotel u stayed at?

[@shawndaiki]

How are your teeth so white as a coffee lover? 😂 My dentist tells me to drink white wine or white coffee and I just can’t do it. Also curious did Fuglen come up at all in your list?

[@jaimesantos3568]

Is that Cryo on this random coffee vlog?

[@gonpagni8437]

excelent videoo😎

[@RickardoAgusta]

japan didnt have their original bean right?

[@DogerFedus-cw6zf]

Oke nice vlog, then next 😅

[@worldbaz147]

What’s that black late?

[@withbrandonn]

charcoal latte!

[@allen.9]

i'm a hardcore coffee lover, but i'd never pay $18 for that reservation place lol. with coffee there is a very definite plateau at which it can't really get better, no matter the price. a very nerdy way to explain it is that it's like a √ X graph lol.

[@sanmikazuki4358]

Yamagata and Aomori are secret coffee spots.

[@shongeem]

is that cryo?

[@withbrandonn]

what's a cryo

[@shongeem]

@@withbrandonnwait nvm

[@withbrandonn]

@@shongeem jk it is him we love cryocells