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Updated: July 2025

Learning to be a freelancer is no small journey. Everything is a learning curve. I started out in 2022, freshly living in Japan, with nothing but my laptop and a trustworthy VPN. But the great thing about remote work?

That’s all you need.

And it turned out Tokyo was the perfect place to start. There are allegedly over 100,000 cafes across the city…so no shortage of new spots to try out as an office for the afternoon. Whilst the average tourist in Tokyo might be looking for fun, novelty, and a kawaii factor when it comes to cafe hopping, my requirements are a little different:

• Free, fast, and reliable Wifi
• No time limit
• Delicious coffee
• Comfortable workspaces
• Great ambiance

But Tokyo being Tokyo, every cafe offers something special. Now that I’m almost 3 years into my life in Japan, I can pretty confidently say I’ve found some of the best cafes for remote work in the city (and some of the worst).

Whether you’re new to the city, or simply passing through, I have curated a list of my five top cafes to visit as a remote worker in Japan.

Five Top Cafes in Tokyo for Remote Work

1. Mermaid Coffee Roasters

Location: Ikebukuro

Known For: Delicious coffee roasted on-site

Why I Love It: Eclectic, bizarre, and wonderful. It is impossible to have a bad experience at Mermaid Coffee Roasters.

Before even stepping inside, you’ll be enchanted by the aquatic decor and handmade statues. The staff are so wonderfully friendly and genuinely happy to share their love of coffee with you. They guide customers through their unique coffee blends and make one of the best coffees in town – they even have oat milk!

The Roasters has three floors and a basement, so there is plenty of seating with a variety of tables for all needs. The atmosphere is relaxed but not loud, so easy to take a meeting from or work with a friend. This is one of my absolute favourite places in Tokyo for so many reasons beyond being perfect for a productive work afternoon.

Address: Ikebukuro building, 1-23-4, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo, 170-0013

2. The Bridge (Sarutahiko Coffee)

Location: Harajuku

Known For: Location, Location, Location

Why I Love It: Sarutahiko is a popular cafe chain across Tokyo with each location tailored to its individual space, needs, and customers.

With its iconic location over Harajuku Station, The Bridge is probably my most visited cafe in the city. It has laidback interiors and large windows are perfect for people-watching the Harajuku locals and Yoyogi visitors, as well as fast wifi and plenty of outlets to cover all digital nomad needs.

As a chain, Sarutahiko has a larger menu than most independent cafes with a great mix of seasonal drinks, light snacks, and sandwiches. This is also a great spot for people with allergies and looking for alternative milk-options. I particularly recommend the Tea Latte for those late work evenings when you’re craving a hot drink but don’t need another coffee!

Address: 3F Harajuku Station, 1-18-20, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo, 150-0001

3. Verve Coffee Roasters

Location: Roppongi

Known For: Specialty Coffee Drinks

Why I Love It: Verve has a few locations across Japan (and the US), although I particularly recommend the Roppongi location. Slightly more Western in feel, working from Verve is always a familiar pleasure. The cafe is open-plan with high ceilings and natural wood, creating an airy and calming space to enjoy an afternoon.

These barristers really know how to make a good cup of coffee. If you’re craving an oat milk latte, this is the place to get it. The wifi is reliable, the playlist is chill but not repetitive, and ultimately you just feel cool when in Verve. There’s also a fantastic view of Tokyo Tower from outside the coffee shop that will never get old.

Address: 5-16-8 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032

4. Coffee Bar Sajiki

Location: Asakusa

Known For: The retro feel and high quality coffee

Why I Love It: Coffee Bar Sajiki is a bit of a hidden gem in Asakusa. The cafe is connected to a hotel, with the entrance sitting unassumingly inside of one of the areas many busy shopping lanes. Before stepping inside, you’d never expect the oasis of peace, coolness, and great coffee that’s waiting for you.

I can easily relax in Coffee Bar Sajiki for hours. It’s laidback enough to stay focused on work, energetic enough to keep you motivated, and with enough food and drink options to satiate every need. I have to recommend the drip coffee, which is expertly brewed, but I also surprisingly love the camembert croissant (a cuboid croissant with a sweet glaze an entire stick of camembert melted in the middle). The fast WiFi is also a huge plus for this work-friendly cafe in Tokyo.

Address: Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel, 2-16-2, Asakusa, Tokyo, 111-0032

5. Connel Coffee

Location: Akasaka

Known For: Interiors by Renowned Architect Kenzo Tange

Why I Love It: If you miss working from an office environment, Connel Coffee might just be the spot for you. Located inside the visually stunning Sogetsu Hall, Connel Coffee is often frequented by nearby salarymen and women looking for some inspiration outside of the office. Better still, next to the cafe itself is a free floor filled with tables and chairs where you can set up for the day.

This almost office environment is a productivity hub where you can bring your own food and drink and get down to work. Connel Coffee is my go-to for days when I really need to get things done but cannot stand another day at home. It’s unique, but not distracting, and with a Family Mart just down the road for lunch, I can spend an entire day hitting those deadlines.

Address: 2F Sogetsu Hall, 7-2-21, Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo

6. Egg Baby

Location: Ueno

Known For: Their trendy menu that includes Tamago Sandos

Why I Love It: Egg Baby is a great find for mid-week work. It is spacious, comfortable, and casual, with a menu that never misses. On the weekends, Egg Baby has a huge, winding line of locals trying to get their famous tamago-sando (egg salad sandwiches) but during the week, you can simply walk in and stay all day. Egg Baby is even open until 10 pm meaning your work won’t be cut short by last calls in the mid-afternoon.

Address: 5-10-9 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0005

Honorable Mention: Forest Library (森の図書室)

Location: Shibuya

The Forest Library or Mori No Tosyo Shitsu in Japanese is a cafe/co-work space/library hybrid. Hidden behind a beautiful wooden door on the 8th floor, this book-lined space is an experience all of its own.

Basic entrance starts at 1000 yen for 1 hour which includes unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee. It’s a small and quiet room with a calming ambiance that makes it wonderful for an afternoon of gentle work. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the mood for something a little bit different.

Address: 8F Shibuya Daiichi Kangyo Building, 23-3, Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0042

Want to Work Remotely in Tokyo?

These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tokyo Cafes for Remote Workers, but they are some of my favourite. One thing you’ll find is that, no matter where in Japan you are, the customer service is impeccable. It is so difficult to have a bad experience in this wonderful country that I am so proud to call home.

Still looking for work-friendly cafes in Tokyo? Check out my other remote work cafe guides below:

Now, it’s over to you. Have you tried any of these remote working spots? Or do you have another cafe not on the list? Share your recommendations below and maybe I’ll see you there!