If you’re like me, sometimes you just want to go somewhere quiet to read a book. Finding an oasis of calm, away from the hustle and bustle, neon lights and looming high-rises of concrete streets can seem like an impossible task, but we’ve done it. From cozy cafes to peaceful parks, find the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and lose yourself in a good book.
Best Book Bars in Tokyo: R-za Dokushokan, Koenji
R-za Dokushokan is a little haven for book lovers, a cozy café-library hybrid located in Koenji, Tokyo’s premier counterculture hub. Its mahogany interior and dim lighting make it an ideal spot for those seeking a space for contemplation. Whether you bring your own novel or choose one from its collection, R-za is a great place for anyone looking to escape to a good book. It’s also open late and offers a variety of drinks and cakes.
Tokyo Favorites: Coffee Aristocrats Edinburgh and Shinjuku
Coffee Aristocrat Edinburgh in Shinjuku is an old-school coffee shop known for its spacious, grand interior and 24/7 opening hours. When you need a comfortable, quiet place to read or read at any time of the day, this is the place for you Ideal place to go. night. A spacious resting place, far away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku, with luxurious seats and an atmosphere full of Showa era elegance. Whether you want a late-night literary break or an early morning start, Edinburgh is the perfect place for a long read. It’s divided into smoking and non-smoking areas, so if you don’t like the smell of tobacco, ask for a seat away from the smoke.
Best views in Tokyo: Streamer Coffee Company, Setagaya Ota
Streamer Coffee Company is a modern coffee chain from Shibuya, and its branch in front of Setagaya-Ota Station is particularly special. Not only does it serve excellent “new wave coffee” (as they say), but on a clear day (emphasis on “clear”) you’ll also be treated to an unforgettable view of Mount Fuji. Grab a window seat or – weather permitting – grab a takeaway coffee and head to the small park across the road. While admiring the book, I secretly glimpsed the majestic mountain peaks in the distance.
Best Chain Store in Tokyo: Ginza Renoir, Various
The café in the Ginza Renoir chain is a beloved staple in the Tokyo café scene, known for its classic charm and retro interiors. The chain has several brands, two of which are particularly good to read: Cafe Renoir and Coffee Room Renoir. Whenever your water glass or teacup gets low, staff rush in to refill it for you. Whether you sit in a plush armchair or a comfortable booth, the relaxed Renoir ambience makes it easy to sit down and read a book. There are many places throughout the city where you can always find a work by Renoir when you are in the mood to read.
Tokyo’s Best Bars: These, Minato-ku
It’s an intimate spot, perfect for relaxing after dark. The bar’s dark, book-filled interior invites readers to embrace themselves, sip carefully crafted cocktails, and lose themselves in their books. Known for their carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, these bars are sophisticated, quiet places to spend the evening. Highly recommended to those who like to read in an elegant atmosphere.
Best Hotel in Tokyo: BookTeaBed (Shibuya)
Shibuya’s BookTeaBed is designed for book lovers who want to sleep with a book at their feet. This bookstore-slash-hotel combines capsule sleeping pods with multiple bookcases, giving you the chance to experience the joys of capsule accommodation while still enjoying a library at your fingertips. Whether you’re an overnight guest or just a stopover during the day, the BookTeaBed has you covered.
Best parks in Tokyo: Inokashira Park, Kichijoji
Inokashira Park is a large, tree-lined green space just outside Tokyo’s 23 wards and is a great choice for book lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Since the place is dotted with many benches and grassy areas, it’s easy to find a quiet spot to dive into your latest book. Avid readers can even rent a swan boat and read while floating on the pond. With its lush surroundings and charming cafes, Inokashira Park is a great place to enjoy some literary time.
Best sauna in Tokyo: Kanda SaunaLab
Tokyo’s SaunaLab brings an unexpected twist to the classic sauna experience. Relax and rejuvenate in the beautifully designed Finnish sauna, then head to the lounge area to sip a cold drink and read a good book. Then you can enter the sauna again! Repeat as many times as you want within the allotted time. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind.