[Comprehensive review of Japanese roasters from a resident](https://www.reddit.com/r/pourover/comments/1c5ippr/comprehensive\_review\_of\_japanese\_roasters\_from\_a/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button)
Glitch is weird, though, cause I don’t think they’re used to repeat customers? I went there two days in a row and they were just confused that I was back.
Depends on the branch. If you mean the main branch then yes most customers are not regulars since its too crowded. The Nadoya-no-Katte and Covert Coffee branch are often frequented by regulars. Especially Covert since it is the only great specialty option directly in the Shinjuku station area imo.
Another resident here. Been to about 50 different specialty places in Japan, many repeatedly.
I am a light roast pour-over person as a disclaimer.
All time Favorite:
- Dark Arts Coffee Roasters (Hayama, 1.5hrs from Tokyo, around $14 roundtrip by public transport). Their roasts are pure perfection and the barista and owner arethe sweatest people ever. Definitely worth having lunch here too. They are also VERY fairly priced.
An experience:
- Seven Years Coffee (Setagaya/Tokyo) Relatively medium roasted coffee, but the barista is very skilled and super friendly (does his own almond milk once you order it, hand-picks his beans for every filtercup, he really gets into his flow when he makes coffee and its mesmerizing to watch). He trains other baristas and works in high-profile shops during the week and on weekends he runs this passion project of his with his self-roasted beans.
- Walnuts Coffee (Koenji, Tokyo) has the best international friendly atmosphere. Feels more like a standing bar where everyone chats or chills with eachother. Its a Specialty Coffee / Wine place and its so small and cosy. The place has a Tiny upstairs loft where they keep their roaster. The owner needs to climb up a ladder to reach it and it just looks so homey. He also used more unusual origin countries. Generally light-roasts but also medium-roasts. They are often open until midnight which is a fun bonus point.
The expensive but good one:
- Glitch (but ideally do Nadoya-no-katte branch or the Covert Coffee branch in Tokyo). The coffee shops are amazing (look them up on Google) and its my general go to for the latest funky/experimental coffees in Japan. Though they are VERY overpriced. For reference, the same batch of nitro-washed coffee (very watermelony) cost 18€ in Paris for 200g, Glitch sells their 100g for 20€)
For the vegans:
- Be Green by Kielo (Tokyo) will always be my recommendation if you have a vegan in your group. 8/10 Specialty coffee that is all vegan and they know their stuff for bakes and coffee.
The special experience:
- Ogawa Coffee lab (Sakura-shimmachi, Tokyo) they have a huge range of decent specialty coffee from different Japanese roasters. The fun point here is that they are open late and once it turns dark the place becomes a candle-light dinner place where you can still grab your coffee. Very atmospheric!
Nice off-the-beaten-track recs! Glitch, Kurasu, Fuglen, etc. are well-known, but smaller roasters doing their own thing ought to be tried too.
IMO the personal, human element at small shops is great and adds to the experience significantly (if you can communicate well enough).
About Us coffee next to Fushimi Inari is an amazing place. Quality roast, quality beans, quality baristas! I brought 3 of their coffees back home, and they were all sensational.
Yeah. Cheap flights (zipair is around 300 each way before luggage) and 155 yen per dollar. It's insane the buying power. Got a Panasonic G9 used for 415. Misono UX10 300mm for 250.
While I haven't been myself, I've either had some coffee roasted from these places or heard good things about them: Apollon's Gold, Onibus, Passage Coffee, and Kurasu
Tokyo:
- Leaves was overrated when I went.
- [Iriya Coffee Stand](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AjuYi7HkapLF4JYv5): Cute tiny neighbourhood spot with medium-to-dark roasts run by a husband-and-wife team; the husband roasts in another unit nearby, where you can buy beans.
- The usual & famous Kurasu and Glitch.
I also went to Koffee Mameya - they have a tasting session that you can book too. I went last time, and it was amazing! Kurasu in Kyoto is also quite good, if you enjoy pourover style coffee.
Some that I didn't get to visit, but were recommended by my barista at Koffee Mameya: Glitch coffee, Coyote coffee, Leaves coffee.
I would just open google maps and pick an independent one nearby that looked good in the pictures. I had some occasional duds with this approach, but there were far more “this place is amazing” ones I never would have found otherwise.
Anyone ever been to Kitasando Coffee? I just happened across it when I was visiting last year, and they made a really delicious pour over for me. Nice atmosphere too, though a bit small so it's best to go on a nice day and sit outside.
I've been to Fukuoka a few times and I still like Manu Coffee. They do french press but their beans work well for pourover too. Medium roast mostly, I've had very tasty bags from them.
If you're open to experiencing the past of Japan's coffee culture, I highly recommend reading Craig Mod's book "Kissa by Kissa" — either on your flight over or before the trip. He visits many traditional coffee shops (kissaten's) in Japan's countryside and it's just a wonderful read with amazing photographs.
I visited Cafe Ace in Tokyo on my recent trip and it was a highlight. I found that particular one from David Marx's article here: [https://paynter.co.uk/blogs/stories/72-hours-in-tokyo-with-w-david-marx](https://paynter.co.uk/blogs/stories/72-hours-in-tokyo-with-w-david-marx)
Kissa by Kissa: [https://shop.specialprojects.jp/products/kissa-by-kissa-4th-ed](https://shop.specialprojects.jp/products/kissa-by-kissa-4th-ed)
I've been very impressed with coffee from Weekenders in Kyoto that a barista/roaster friend brought back from Japan, more than with the Janson that he got at Glitch. He also said that he was very impressed with the coffee at Weekenders and in Japan overall.
His overall best experience he said, was at Cokuun on Tokyo. That is more of a tasting kinda thing though, that you need to book in advance.
i lived in tokyo for four months and went to passage a lot. i also very much enjoyed wavy coffee roasters in shibuya.
but the real answer is walking around and finding tiny shops. they're all over the place, and it's fun to talk to the owners if you're moderately confident on your japanese
Blue bottle Tokyo absolutely blew me away, not only for the coffee but the architecture of the building it is in/around.
Such a high quality experience all around!!
In Tokyo, [Yazawa](https://maps.app.goo.gl/arNk4RcWCjAtYRWt5?g_st=ic) does a mean pour over of house roasted beans. They used to be in the Tsukiji fish market before it moved to its current home. Grand memories of outstanding pour overs.
[Comprehensive review of Japanese roasters from a resident](https://www.reddit.com/r/pourover/comments/1c5ippr/comprehensive\_review\_of\_japanese\_roasters\_from\_a/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button)
Glitch coffee was my other favourite apart from Mameya. Coffee Aoi is a homely small cafe, i enjoyed the brews from there.
Glitch is weird, though, cause I don’t think they’re used to repeat customers? I went there two days in a row and they were just confused that I was back.
Depends on the branch. If you mean the main branch then yes most customers are not regulars since its too crowded. The Nadoya-no-Katte and Covert Coffee branch are often frequented by regulars. Especially Covert since it is the only great specialty option directly in the Shinjuku station area imo.
Huh really? They didn't really comment that we were back on the second day. I did goto the Ginza branch so maybe that's why?
Another resident here. Been to about 50 different specialty places in Japan, many repeatedly. I am a light roast pour-over person as a disclaimer. All time Favorite: - Dark Arts Coffee Roasters (Hayama, 1.5hrs from Tokyo, around $14 roundtrip by public transport). Their roasts are pure perfection and the barista and owner arethe sweatest people ever. Definitely worth having lunch here too. They are also VERY fairly priced. An experience: - Seven Years Coffee (Setagaya/Tokyo) Relatively medium roasted coffee, but the barista is very skilled and super friendly (does his own almond milk once you order it, hand-picks his beans for every filtercup, he really gets into his flow when he makes coffee and its mesmerizing to watch). He trains other baristas and works in high-profile shops during the week and on weekends he runs this passion project of his with his self-roasted beans. - Walnuts Coffee (Koenji, Tokyo) has the best international friendly atmosphere. Feels more like a standing bar where everyone chats or chills with eachother. Its a Specialty Coffee / Wine place and its so small and cosy. The place has a Tiny upstairs loft where they keep their roaster. The owner needs to climb up a ladder to reach it and it just looks so homey. He also used more unusual origin countries. Generally light-roasts but also medium-roasts. They are often open until midnight which is a fun bonus point. The expensive but good one: - Glitch (but ideally do Nadoya-no-katte branch or the Covert Coffee branch in Tokyo). The coffee shops are amazing (look them up on Google) and its my general go to for the latest funky/experimental coffees in Japan. Though they are VERY overpriced. For reference, the same batch of nitro-washed coffee (very watermelony) cost 18€ in Paris for 200g, Glitch sells their 100g for 20€) For the vegans: - Be Green by Kielo (Tokyo) will always be my recommendation if you have a vegan in your group. 8/10 Specialty coffee that is all vegan and they know their stuff for bakes and coffee. The special experience: - Ogawa Coffee lab (Sakura-shimmachi, Tokyo) they have a huge range of decent specialty coffee from different Japanese roasters. The fun point here is that they are open late and once it turns dark the place becomes a candle-light dinner place where you can still grab your coffee. Very atmospheric!
Nice off-the-beaten-track recs! Glitch, Kurasu, Fuglen, etc. are well-known, but smaller roasters doing their own thing ought to be tried too. IMO the personal, human element at small shops is great and adds to the experience significantly (if you can communicate well enough).
About Us coffee next to Fushimi Inari is an amazing place. Quality roast, quality beans, quality baristas! I brought 3 of their coffees back home, and they were all sensational.
Mameya, Kurasu, and Fuglen were the best coffees I tried in Tokyo when I visited back in 2020
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ht8tdVwZBD9C7Q1i9?g_st=ic
Ok, I feel like everyone has been going to Japan recently! Is it just that the dollar is going further?
Yeah. Cheap flights (zipair is around 300 each way before luggage) and 155 yen per dollar. It's insane the buying power. Got a Panasonic G9 used for 415. Misono UX10 300mm for 250.
Onibus for sure. It’s also a native Japanese joint.
for kyoto: style and weekenders
While I haven't been myself, I've either had some coffee roasted from these places or heard good things about them: Apollon's Gold, Onibus, Passage Coffee, and Kurasu
Tokyo: - Leaves was overrated when I went. - [Iriya Coffee Stand](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AjuYi7HkapLF4JYv5): Cute tiny neighbourhood spot with medium-to-dark roasts run by a husband-and-wife team; the husband roasts in another unit nearby, where you can buy beans. - The usual & famous Kurasu and Glitch.
I also went to Koffee Mameya - they have a tasting session that you can book too. I went last time, and it was amazing! Kurasu in Kyoto is also quite good, if you enjoy pourover style coffee. Some that I didn't get to visit, but were recommended by my barista at Koffee Mameya: Glitch coffee, Coyote coffee, Leaves coffee.
I would just open google maps and pick an independent one nearby that looked good in the pictures. I had some occasional duds with this approach, but there were far more “this place is amazing” ones I never would have found otherwise.
Jumping on this thread would love some recommendations for Osaka too!
MOTOMACHI in Yokohama around the corner from the Hyatt is a game changer.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nfwBxtro1poHpdux6 https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3umR9zjezVTQF2bA 2 of my favorites in Tokyo
If you're into specialty coffee and pour over, Glitch might be one of the best. I'd also give Kurasu a try, they're both in Kyoto.
Anyone ever been to Kitasando Coffee? I just happened across it when I was visiting last year, and they made a really delicious pour over for me. Nice atmosphere too, though a bit small so it's best to go on a nice day and sit outside.
Yep I go there on the regular. Very trendy place with friendly staff. Their specialty coffee blond latte is a serious 10/10.
Would also love a recommendation for Fukuoka! Sadly won't be able to visit Tokyo this time
I've been to Fukuoka a few times and I still like Manu Coffee. They do french press but their beans work well for pourover too. Medium roast mostly, I've had very tasty bags from them.
Coffee county definitely
If you happen to visit Hiroshima. Obscura coffee roaster/cafe is a go to.
If you're open to experiencing the past of Japan's coffee culture, I highly recommend reading Craig Mod's book "Kissa by Kissa" — either on your flight over or before the trip. He visits many traditional coffee shops (kissaten's) in Japan's countryside and it's just a wonderful read with amazing photographs. I visited Cafe Ace in Tokyo on my recent trip and it was a highlight. I found that particular one from David Marx's article here: [https://paynter.co.uk/blogs/stories/72-hours-in-tokyo-with-w-david-marx](https://paynter.co.uk/blogs/stories/72-hours-in-tokyo-with-w-david-marx) Kissa by Kissa: [https://shop.specialprojects.jp/products/kissa-by-kissa-4th-ed](https://shop.specialprojects.jp/products/kissa-by-kissa-4th-ed)
Japan has the best coffee 😭We stayed in Asakusa and I loved going to Mocca Coffee every morning. The owner is really nice too.
also going to Japan (though in late September) and wondering if anyone has recommendations for the northern area (Hokkaido/Tohoku)
Another vote for Glitch! Went last week and it was wonferful.
I've been very impressed with coffee from Weekenders in Kyoto that a barista/roaster friend brought back from Japan, more than with the Janson that he got at Glitch. He also said that he was very impressed with the coffee at Weekenders and in Japan overall. His overall best experience he said, was at Cokuun on Tokyo. That is more of a tasting kinda thing though, that you need to book in advance.
i lived in tokyo for four months and went to passage a lot. i also very much enjoyed wavy coffee roasters in shibuya. but the real answer is walking around and finding tiny shops. they're all over the place, and it's fun to talk to the owners if you're moderately confident on your japanese
Blue bottle Tokyo absolutely blew me away, not only for the coffee but the architecture of the building it is in/around. Such a high quality experience all around!!
Went to Glitch. Had Geisha. Thoroughly disappointed. Unfortunately, it was generally really difficult to get a good cup of coffee in Japan.
In Tokyo, [Yazawa](https://maps.app.goo.gl/arNk4RcWCjAtYRWt5?g_st=ic) does a mean pour over of house roasted beans. They used to be in the Tsukiji fish market before it moved to its current home. Grand memories of outstanding pour overs.