11 Japanese Cafes: The Quirky, Unique, And Distinct Cafes To Chill With Friends

Japan is a nation with a very distinctive cuisine of its own which is celebrated and well recognized across the world. Although the Japanese cuisine is said to be the favorite of the Japanese population it doesn’t mean other cuisines don’t have a place amidst the Japanese people. Japan is home to restaurants dedicated to almost all the major cuisines of the world. In this guide we are going to talk about some of the best cafes in Japan.

Best Cafes In Japan

Known for the character and pet cafes around the world, Japan also has some of the best cafes in the world which are “normal” and still serve some of the most authentic and delicious food you can ever have. After in-depth research and first-hand experience, we have a compiled a list of the best Japanese cafes for those times you might want to go for a food walk when holidaying in this amazing and beautiful country.

1. Micasadeco and Café Jingumae

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The café situated in Meiji Jingumae is known for serving some of the softest pancakes not only in Japan but in the world. A major award-winning restaurant in Japan, this is amongst the top-notch in the list of Japanese cafes a tourist should visit in Japan. The pancakes taste best with the traditional maple syrup and will just melt in your mouth upon consumption.

Location: 6 Chome-16-５ Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Contact: +81 3-6892-7006
Cost for 2: INR 1000
Must Try: Pancakes with maple Syrup
Google Review: 4.3/5

Must Read: 25 Unbeatably Fun Things To Do In Japan That All Travelers Must Try

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2. Little Darling Coffee Roasters

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One of those cool cafes in Japan, located in a place filled with cafes and vegetable markets, this place manages to stand out. The secret is the relaxing environment that doesn’t let you get stressed. The coffee beans at this café are selected by the head barista Naoya Arakawa who is a Coffee Fest Latte Art World Championship Open finalist. Even though selecting the coffee beans is important, the real secret to the success of this place lies in how personalized your cup of coffee is. The coffee enthusiasts who enter this place have a variety of options as to how to brew their coffee and they can even take part in every step of preparation of their cup of coffee.

Location: 1 Chome-12-３２ Minamiaoyama, Minato, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Contact: +81 3-6438-9844
Must Try: self-brewed coffee
Google Review: 3.7/5

3. Totoro Café and Bakery

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Situated inside a pretty quiet neighborhood of Setagaya-Daita, this place looks straight out of a movie. Surrounded by trees and hidden inside a backstreet, the 2 storey house serves both as a bakery and a café. Famous for its epic Totoro Cream puffs, this place is amongst the finest. The bakery and café are famous amongst both locals and Totoro fans in Japan, so it is recommended that you check with them and make a reservation beforehand so that you are sure to get a place as well as a piece of Totoro.

Location: 5 Chome-3-１ Daita, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan
Contact: +81 3-5787-6221
Average Cost: INR 400 per person
Must Try: Totoro Cream Puffs
Google Review: 4.5/5

4. Fishing Restaurant

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This is one of the popular themed cafes for which Japan is known in the restaurant world. As the name suggests, the restaurant is dedicated to the theme of fishing based on a very simple philosophy according to them which is you eat what you wish. You have the option to let the waiter fish for you or you can fish for yourself. Although these restaurants can be found anywhere, the one in Tokyo is said to amongst the best cafes in Japan.

Location: Japan, 〒141-0021 Tokyo
Contact: +81 3-6417-9588
Must Try: Fishing
Google Review: 3.8/5

5. R Burgers and Liquor Bar

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Located far away from the station, unlike most eateries in Tokyo, the café makes a bold statement about welcoming those who can walk an extra mile or two for it. Set in an iconic red brick building located between Sangenjaya and Ikejiri-Ohashi on the Den-en-Toshi line, it is on the border with Setagaya park. The R burgers and Liquor Bar has an add-ons style lunch menu with mostly American and Mexican cuisine available. Having a laid back and relaxing environment unlike many other Japanese cafes, this place gives you a good overall experience.

Location: 2 Chome-44-11 Shimouma, Setagaya, Tokyo 154-0002, Japan
Contact: +81 3-6805-2833
Average Cost: INR 2000
Must Try: Steak
Google Review: 3.7/5

6. Cat Café Asakusa Nekoen

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One of the top listings in the list of animal cafes in Japan, this is a perfect place to follow the latest trend that has gripped the world. As the name suggests, the place has cats to give you company while you enjoy. Many cafes have been shut before this one due to their misconduct with animals, but this place ensures this isn’t the case with their café and they take special care to ensure the same.

Location: Japan, 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taitō, Asakusa
Contact: +81 3-3876-3813
Google Review: 4.1/5

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7. Weekenders Coffee

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Weekender’s Coffee is more of a pioneer in the changing coffee scene of the Kyoto region in Japan. The café was inspired by Tim Wendelboe and they adopted a Scandinavian roasting style instead of their original simple dark roast coffee. Although the place is located in a secluded location, people from all across Japan come to have a taste of the coffee served at this place which makes it one of the best cafes in Japan.

Location: 560 Honeyanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8064, Japan
Contact: +81 75-746-2206
Average Cost: INR 1500
Must Try: Scandinavian Style Roasted Coffee
Google Review: 4.5/5

8. R.a.a.g.f Rabbit Café

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This is a cute little Rabbit café that is located in Tokyo just two minutes from a busy subway station. One of the premier listings on the list of animal cafes in Japan, this place is known for its abundance of cute little rabbits. You can find around 20 species of rabbits here with whom you can eat and feed. Don’t worry if a bunny gets too attached to you or you get too attached to it because there is also the option to take it home.

Location: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya
Contact: +81 3-6805-0328
Average Cost: INR 900
Google Review: 3.8/5

9. RBL Café

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Specifically established for those who can’t live without the presence of coffee and books in their lives, the RBL Café is a famous place amongst the lovers of books and coffees. Also dubbed as a bookworm’s playground, the place is lined with books instead of concrete and paint in its walls. Sit on the comfortable blue armchairs, read some books while you chug on some of the best tea and coffee, and don’t worry if you like a book that you can’t let go off because there is also the option for purchasing books.

Location: 5 Chome-32-１２ Daizawa, Setagaya, Tokyo 155-0032, Japan
Contact: +81 3-6805-2046
Must Try: Royal Milk Tea
Google Review: 4.3/5

10. The Workers Coffee and Bar

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Established in the locality of Nakameguro, a place known for its dynamic nightlife, this is a star place for those looking to cure their hangovers early. A small establishment with a small breakfast menu, this cafe in Nakameguro area opens at 8:30 am in the morning. A humble place to sit back and enjoy, the café has made it to this list partly because of its oddity but its food is really delicious.

Location: Japan, 〒153-0042 Tokyo, Meguro
Contact: +81 3-6416-4646
Average Price: INR 650
Must Try: Smoked bacon Burger
Google Review: 4.1/5

11. Ninja Café

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If it was always your dream to see a real-life ninja and be one like many other kids in Japan then this place is perfect for you. Even the interiors of this place take you to the times of the Ninjas and waiters dressed as Ninjas complete the experience. Although not at all a cheap place, the place is worth going to for Ninja lovers. When do you plan to check out this place?

Location: Japan, 〒100-0014 Tokyo, Chiyoda
Contact: +81 3-5157-3936
Average Price: INR 8000
Must Try: Washoku
Google Review: 4.3/5

Further Read: Cherry Blossoms Are In Full Bloom & So Is The All New Spring Flower Cruise In Japan

As unique as the country of Japan is, the cafes are also pretty unique. There are hundreds of such cafes in Japan dedicated to different themes, but one thing is most common in all these cafes and that is the people who welcome you very warmly plus the food is always really delicious. Book your trip with TravelTriangle and explore these crazy Japanese cafes!