I was taken by the power that savoring a simple cup of coffee can have to connect people and create community – Howard Schultz
Given the name of this blog, it might surprise you that this is my first post about coffee! Despite a deep love for the stuff, I’m still learning to put words to exactly what I like. For me, coffee is often more about community and connection than what’s actually in my cup (although that’s important too!) It wasn’t until my senior year that I became a fixture at the local coffee shop close to campus. I would spend hours there sipping black coffee, writing for class, and chatting with classmates as they rotated in and out. The best part about this particular coffee shop – one free refill!
Since then, I’ve started brewing at home. In the early days, Folgers was good enough. Not to mention it was cheap, and it allowed me to experiment a little. These days, Husband and I love to bring coffee back from our travels. We’re also slowly experimenting with pour-over coffee, a popular brewing method in Japan. My palate has changed quite a bit since college. Instead of black, I now add a little almond milk and stevia to my coffee, although I’m still working to find the perfect mix. That’s the great thing about coffee – it can change with my tastes.
Part of what I’m loving about being stationed in Japan is the freedom to explore. Although I don’t have a hard and fast schedule these days, I do have rhythms. I reserve certain days of the week for cleaning, another day for errands – you get the idea. One of my weekly rhythms (and maybe my favorite) is to get out of the house, find a new coffee shop to check out, and write. Leaving the house to write gives me new energy – and without WiFi, I can focus a bit more than I can at home. Not to mention there’s no unwashed dishes or laundry fighting for my attention!
In the last few months, I’ve explored a lot of coffee shops. Most I don’t go back to, for one reason or another. But there are a few that got my attention. I assure you; this won’t be the only “coffee shop roundup” post, but to start us off, here are 5 coffee shops I keep returning to.
Tully’s Coffee in Sagami Ono – Sagamihara, Kanagawa
Although I try not to make a habit of frequenting chain businesses, Tully’s might be an exception. I first stopped in last year, looking for a pumpkin-flavored fall drink. A friend recommended Tully’s as a good local spot. I’ll be honest – it didn’t disappoint. Tully’s offers a lot of the seasonal “frou-frou” drinks you’d expect to find at Starbucks.
Like many chain businesses, your experience is somewhat curated. Visitors can expect mostly the same experience in any Tully’s shop, no matter where you are. Their coffee is tasty and not so bitter than I need to add a lot of sweetener or cream. Most of Tully’s shops offer a selection of food, from heavier dishes like pasta and sandwiches to sweet treats to compliment your drink. They offer a consistently good product and experience. Not to mention, they’re everywhere. Drinks prices usually fall between ¥400 and ¥700 depending on your order.
Bear Pond Espresso in Shimo-Kitazawa – Setagaya, Tokyo
Husband and I have stopped into Bear Pond Espresso on more than one occasion. It’s small enough that you might walk right on by, but I promise you’ll want to stop in. Wandering through the streets of Shimo-Kitazawa, a well-known fashion district of Tokyo, always makes me want to stop in for a coffee – especially when the weather turns colder.
Bear Pond is tiny, seating around ten at a time. Each time Husband and I have stopped in for a drink, the seats have been full. Looking around, I’ve noticed one distinct difference among the patrons here. No one has a laptop or a phone out. Most people are sitting in twos and threes, chatting. It could be just a coincidence. Or it could be a natural consequence of really great coffee.
Bear Pond’s coffee is flavorful without being too bitter, and I can enjoy it without cream or sugar. Plan to spend between ¥300 and ¥600 for a cup of coffee. Although we’ve only been able to enjoy it mochikaeri, that’s not always a bad thing. Plan to pop across the street to NY Cupcakes for a sweet to go along with your coffee.
Tokyo Café in Soubudai – Zama, Kanagawa
Tokyo Café is a spot I passed by a few times before going in. I didn’t have a good sense of the hours, and honestly, I was afraid of being turned away. But once I finally got up the nerve to walk in, all was well. What initially caught my eye about this coffee shop was its curb appeal – plants and greenery surround the entrance. Although the building itself could use a little TLC, the shop inside is comfortable.
Inside, Tokyo Café seats about 25 people and reminds me of my grandmother’s house. There are a few dated knick-knack items scattered around, most in need of a good dusting. Smoking is allowed inside, so the interior smells a bit stale. There is no English menu, so if you’re looking for something outside of coffee, have Google translate ready to go. The prices fall into an expected price range – ¥450-¥600 for a cup. Tokyo Café’s coffee is smooth and not as bitter as others I’ve had. I don’t feel the need to add cream or sweetener to it. This shop is cash only, so make sure to have enough on hand.
Flat House Café in Chou-Rinkan – Yamato, Kanagawa
Flat House Cafe made the list as one of the more unique coffee shops I’ve visited. Positioned in a neighborhood a short walk from the Chou-Rinkan train station, it’s apparent this building with the bright orange door is different than others in the area. The café is in former US military housing from the 1960s. The interior has a retro vibe, and its evident care was used when refurbishing the space. It sounds silly, but make sure to visit the bathroom while you’re here – the fixtures and tile look to be original to the house.
Inside, there’s seating for maybe 30 people, including some outdoor seating and a private conference room for rent. While the coffee isn’t the smoothest blend I’ve had, a little cream and gum syrup helps. The price is lower than many other shops, only setting you back about ¥350 for a cup. Despite the cheaper price, the size is surprisingly large. There are a few food items for sale, as well as some pre-packed treats. Like other small coffee shops, Flat House is cash only. Although the coffee was only so-so for my taste, I keep coming back for the vibe. Flat House is one of the more unique coffee shops I’ve visited so far.
Terasu Coffee in Sagami Ono – Sagamihara, Kanagawa
I originally came across Terasu Coffee from a Google search. Looking for a place to spend the afternoon, I was initially drawn to their clean lines and minimal interior decoration. I’ve always wanted to be a minimalist (alas, I’m not sure that’s in the cards for me)!
Terasu is a small shop that packs a big punch. With only ten seats, you may have to wait a bit for a table. The owner, who speaks some English, is happy to help you make a drink selection. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, he can recommend some coffee to complement it. You can also buy beans to go.
What impressed me most about Terasu was their in-house roasting. I’ve seen roasters in other coffee shops, but what I haven’t seen is the owner hand sorting the beans for the best, cleanest taste. My first visit was on a slow day, and I got the pleasure of watching this meticulous work. Like other coffee shops on the list (and in Japan), Terasu is cash only. Expect to pay ¥450-¥500 for a cup of coffee, but refills are only ¥300. With their variety of beans and helpful service, Terasu Coffee should definitely make your list of shops to visit!
For the last six months, I’ve made a point to (try) get out at least once a week and visit a new coffee shop. This list is only a short snippet of some of my favorites; don’t worry, I’ll have more recommendations soon! What do you look for in a good cup of coffee? What piques your interest and draws you to visit a new coffee shop? Leave me a comment and let me know! Until next time, coffee lovers!
