A Morning in Shimokitazawa

Tokyo · 2–3 hours · morning

Three cafes through one of Tokyo's most instinctive neighbourhoods, all within a two-minute walk of each other. Start with precise espresso, climb into a five-storey coworking and cinema hub, then finish downstairs with a Paris import roasting its own beans.

The route

1. Et -THE CULTURAL COFFEEHOUSE-
Shimokitazawa, Setagaya
The strongest coffee room in Shimokitazawa and the right place to start. Et earns the Cultural Coffeehouse name, the espresso is precise and the space has enough character to hold your attention before the neighbourhood's streets get busy. Take your time with the first cup.
1 min walk to the next stop
2. (tefu) lounge (GRASS)
Shimokitazawa, Setagaya
A two-minute walk east, part cafe, part cinema screening room, part coworking lounge. Kitasando Coffee runs the espresso programme, and the lounge seating is some of the best in Shimokitazawa for a second cup. Belleville Brûlerie is one floor down, so there is no need to rush this one.
1 min walk to the next stop
3. Belleville Brûlerie TOKYO
Shimokitazawa, Setagaya
Downstairs in the same building, the Tokyo outpost of the Paris roaster Belleville Brûlerie. Four counter seats, in-house roasting, and an espresso tonic or a straight coffee to close on. Easy to miss if you did not know it was here.