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Finding the best coffee shops in Shibuya is no small task. Walking through the area, there seems to be a different cafe on almost every single street corner…and even after living in this city for three years, I still haven’t tried even a fraction of them.

However, I have found a few spots that I think are pretty special. This guide is sharing my personal five favourite Shibuya coffee shops that cover work-friendly cafes, speciality coffee, and indulgent Japanese desserts.

If you’re working remotely from a cafe in Shibuya, don’t forget to protect yourself and your work with a trustworthy VPN. Connecting to public WiFi leaves you (and your information) vulnerable, which is why I recommend using something like NordVPN across your devices.

• What Makes a Great Cafe in Shibuya?
• The Five Best Cafes in Shibuya
  1. Baggage Coffee
  2. PAP.COFFEE
  3. Sarutahiko Coffee The Bridge
  4. Rec Coffee Shibuya East
  5. Little Nap Coffee Stand
• Finding the Work-Friendly Cafes in Shibuya

What Makes a Great Cafe in Shibuya?

I’m a full-time content writer working remotely, which means I’m always looking for great work-friendly cafes. Even when I’m not working, I simply love coffee. Scoping out cafes in the city is one of my favourite weekend activities which is why I think I have a pretty good radar for the best coffee shops in Tokyo.

I have a few criteria for a cafe to make it onto my best cafes in Shibuya list, including:

• Great Coffee: This should go without saying. I love coffee, and no amount of cute decor or Instagrammable food can make up for serving a sub-par latte, pour-over, or expresso.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: A lot of cafes in Tokyo can feel…a little intense. People take their coffee seriously, and that’s made clear the second you step inside. I like my cafes a little more on the relaxed side because, while I do appreciate a delicious coffee, I don’t want to feel on edge when drinking it.
• Somewhere to Actually Sit: Tokyo is short on space and, as a result, a lot of cafes are more like coffee takeaway stands than actual coffee shops. I like to be able to actually sit down in a cafe whether it’s to work remotely, read, or catch up with my friends.
• Interesting Interiors: I’m just being honest, I enjoy a cafe with a point of view. I need the experience to have something chic or unique about it for the coffee shop to be memorable.

The Five Best Cafes in Shibuya

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Baggage Coffee

Known For: Cool energy and amazing iced coffee

Why I Love It: Omotesando is filled with bespoke boutiques and one-of-a-kind cafes, and yet to me, Baggage Coffee is what truly stands out. This tiny cafe-meets-gallery is hidden down a sweet suburban alley and is my absolute go-to when it comes to the best coffee in Shibuya.

Baggage is relaxed and easy with utterly delicious coffee (especially the iced oat milk latte) and just the coolest atmosphere. When the weather’s nice, I like to sit outside in the little courtyard or you can enjoy the ever-changing artistic offerings inside the gallery space.

Good For: Enjoying a moment of coffee peace in Shibuya

Address: 3-14-17, Jingumae, Shibuya, 150-0001

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PAP.COFFEE

Known For: Indulgent desserts and trendy interiors

Why I Love It: PAP.COFFEE should be on every trendy cafe lover’s must-visit list. Located just moments from Harajuku station, PAP.COFFEE’s minimalist style juxtaposes the chaos of Takeshita Street in the best possible way.

After three years in Tokyo, I’m not the biggest fan of Takeshita Street. It’s overcrowded, overpriced, and (in my opinion) overrated. The quiet streets behind this tourist destination, however, have some of the best food, drink, and shopping options in the city. PAP.COFFEE is the perfect example of this. It’s just plain cool. Plus, I love the rotating menu of speciality single-origin and blend beans that you can choose from.

Good For: A break from the crowds, speciality coffee, and working remotely

Address: 102 Serije Jingumae, 1-10-6, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0001

Sarutahiko Coffee The Bridge

Known For: Work-friendly cafe with fun speciality drinks

Why I Love It: It’s no secret that I love The Bridge. Not only is it featured on my guide to the best work-friendly cafes in Tokyo, but I recommend it as a stop to anyone enjoying time in Harajuku. The Bridge has WiFi, plug sockets, loads of seating options, and a fantastic location directly above Harajuku station. Their coffee is good quality with a selection of fun drink options and even a sandwich menu for if you’re stopping by or working there over lunch.

Good For: Remote work, meetings, and people-watching

Address: Harajuku Station, 2F, 1-18-20 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001

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Rec Coffee Shibuya East

Known For: Laid-back vibes and coffee bean selection

Why I Love It: Rec Coffee is one of those places that immediately makes you feel at home. From the friendly welcome to the menu of quintessential Japanese sweet treats, the best way to describe this Shibuya coffee shop is as a total pleasure.

As a coffee lover, I also really appreciate that Rec Coffee is more than a cafe; it’s a coffee bean shop that sells bags of beans from all over the world. The staff aren’t just baristas, they’re also coffee bean experts, guaranteeing you a delicious cup of coffee every single time.

Good For: Reading, working, and catching up with friends

Address: Shoho Building, 1-4-1, Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0011

Little Nap Coffee Stand

Known For: Cute park aesthetic

Why I Love It: If you’re a coffee lover and find yourself in Yoyogi Park, then you cannot miss Little Nap Coffee Stand. It’s located just across the street and offers one of the quaintest and friendliest cafe experiences in all of Tokyo. On weekends there can be a little bit of a line, however, the creamy coffee more than makes up for it. Of course, it’s always lovely to grab a coffee and cake to eat in the park but I also love sitting in the cafe itself to soak up the wonderful relaxed atmosphere.

Good For: Grab-and-go park coffee, reading, and casual work.

Address: 5-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0053

Finding the Work-Friendly Cafes in Shibuya

I’ve been tracking down the best coffee shops in Tokyo to work from for years. As a result, I’ve been able to put together some pretty comprehensive lists to help you find a nearby work-friendly cafe, no matter what part of Tokyo you’re in.

Check out my guides below:

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