The Best Tea Cafes in Tokyo

Japan’s vibrant tea culture offers many options for those who don’t like coffee. However, my lack of enthusiasm for matcha and hojicha has fueled my quest for the perfect cup of tea. Tea has recently surged in popularity, quickly becoming a staple on many Tokyo cafe menus. But it’s hard to find a tea house that nails it.

When choosing the best tea cafes in Tokyo, I took several aspects into consideration. First, the cafe needed to have an atmosphere that was both inspiring for those focused on work (while also offering free Wi-Fi) and relaxing for those who wanted to meet privately. Second, there needed to be enough seating to chat with friends for a long time without having to worry about lines out the door. Third, the accompanying baked goods had to be unique. Finally—and most importantly—the tea had to meet a certain standard of strength, creaminess, and sweetness to get my stamp of approval. The following three shops met all of my requirements and more.

Heim Coffee Shimotaka Well Road

Hikers heading to Mt. Takao or travelers who want to escape Shinjuku to the suburbs can stop by here. Heim Coffee Have a delicious cup of chai tea. The first time I went to Heim, there were some makeshift stalls on the third floor where fashionable Tokyo residents were selling second-hand clothes and accessories. In this way, Heim brings a sense of community that is rare in most cafes in Tokyo.

I sipped on takeaway chai tea while browsing the assortment of accessories and gorgeous clothing, and struck up a pleasant conversation with the stallholders. Chai tea is sweet, warm and comforting, and the oat milk (dairy alternatives on offer also include soy and almond milk) is frothy to perfection. Recently, I ordered a carrot cake to go with my steaming cup of chai tea. The cream cheese frosting was the perfect combination of sweet and sour, and the fluffy cake was filled with a mixture of cloves, raisins and walnuts, making it the perfect mid-morning snack. My friend ordered the seasonal coconut latte, and after one sip—I have a soft spot for all things coconut—I can confirm that coffee lovers will enjoy Heim just as much as chai tea lovers.

Cafe & Hall Ours (Osaki)

Located next to Osaki Station. Cafe and lobby holds a special place in my heart. Shaped like a glass box, the shop exudes a simple yet sophisticated vibe. For those who prefer their tea sweetened, Cafe & Hall Ours has you covered – whether it’s hot or cold, the cafe’s specialty tea uses Tamarind Cola, a homegrown spicy blend that’s hand-blended on a small scale. Curry Shop Ishigaki Island. For those who fall in love with this blend and want to recreate it at home, a small stand in front of the store sells bottled tea for under ¥1,000.

By scanning the QR code, you will be directed to the website listing the menu items. From healthy lunch sets to salad bowls to desserts, the choices are endless. After trying the pudding, banana bread and carrot cake, I personally recommend Cafe & Hall Ours’ most popular dessert: the Brazilian pudding. This delicious pudding has a chocolate sponge cake base, soaked in a rich caramel coffee brown sugar syrup and condensed milk. The pudding is light and creamy, with a smooth texture that pairs perfectly with a spoonful of thick and refreshing cream. This textural element complements the fluffy cake base, creating an irresistible pairing.

Daikanyama Urth Café

Reminiscent of Central Perk Cafe, Urth Coffee Almost makes me look forward to seeing the whole Friends A group of people gathered inside. The cafe has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect place to hang out with friends and chat and while away the hours.

While the signature mismatched couches are absent, this American coffee chain gives visitors the ultimate “it’s a fall café, let’s get cozy with a cup of chai” vibe. The strong American influence doesn’t stop at the ambiance: expect a very sweet, very large cup of chai. Urth Caffé offers other milk options for non-dairy drinkers, like oat milk, soy milk, and almond milk. I always opt for oat chai because I find that oat milk brings out the sweet, creamy flavors of the chai spice. Sprinkle cinnamon into your chai at the self-serve station next to the counter for some added spice.

For the perfect combination, you can choose one of Urth Caffé’s many baked goods (perhaps a chocolate croissant) to dip into the drink for an even more luxurious experience.

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