Kuramae
Discover 2 specialty coffee shops in Kuramae, Honjo, and Misuji — the creative heartland of east Tokyo. From the internationally acclaimed Leaves Coffee to the artisanal coffee-and-chocolate pairing of Kabu-ki, explore these unique cafés on an interactive map.
Kuramae — now one of Tokyo's most design-conscious neighborhoods — has 2 specialty coffee shops that embody the area's craft-first aesthetic. Leaves Coffee Apartment is particularly well-known; 蕪木 (Kabu-ki) offers a unique take on coffee and sweets that has earned a devoted following.
Kuramae has quietly become one of the most talked-about creative neighbourhoods in Tokyo. Once a wholesale district, it has transformed into a hub for craft makers, independent designers, and artisanal food and drink. The two specialty coffee shops here embody that spirit perfectly — both have carved out distinctive identities in Tokyo's wider coffee scene.
Leaves Coffee, founded in this neighbourhood in 2019, operates under the motto "From the town roastery to the world." Based in Honjo, Sumida, it is a serious house-roasting café offering both pour-over and espresso, with a strong retail bean selection. Its reputation extends well beyond the local area, attracting coffee enthusiasts from across Tokyo and beyond.
Kabu-ki in Misuji, Taito, takes a more contemplative approach. This quietly atmospheric kissaten is devoted to the pairing of coffee and chocolate — a combination rarely explored with this level of craft. The hand-drip coffee is brewed with care, the chocolate is carefully curated, and the beans are available to take home. It is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and pay attention.
For a visit to both shops, a walk along the Sumida River makes a natural connecting route through this creative corner of east Tokyo.
Getting here: Walk from Kuramae Station (Toei Asakusa Line / Toei Oedo Line) or Asakusabashi Station (Toei Asakusa Line / JR Sobu Line).
Coffee Shops
Established in 2019 in the Kuramae area of Tokyo, "Leaves Coffee" is one of Japan's leading roasteries, with the slogan "From the town roastery to the world." They value integrating world-class, high-quality specialty coffee into the community not as something extraordinary, but as an "everyday" experience. Their roasting technique, which maximizes the sweetness of the beans and results in surprisingly clean and fruity flavors, is highly praised not only domestically but also by coffee lovers overseas. They are open from Friday to Monday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Located near the Sumida River, this renowned shop offers a luxurious moment to experience the essence of coffee in a space that exudes sophisticated minimalism.
Kabuki, a cafe located in Taito-ku, Tokyo, is a tearoom where you can enjoy coffee and chocolate refined with a unique aesthetic. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a serene and calm atmosphere, a space that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The self-roasted coffee, prepared by the owner himself, and the chocolate, produced consistently from cacao beans, are a supreme combination that enhances each other's aroma and flavor. It is a special place where you can fully savor luxurious delicacies born from carefully handling each and every ingredient.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best coffee shops in Kuramae?
- Leaves Coffee Apartment and 蕪木 (Kabu-ki) are the two specialty coffee shops in the area. Both have earned strong reputations and are worth the visit.
- Is Leaves Coffee Apartment worth visiting?
- Yes — Leaves Coffee Apartment is one of Tokyo's more distinctive specialty coffee shops, set in a converted apartment building. The interior and coffee quality are both excellent.
- Where can I buy coffee beans in Kuramae?
- Leaves Coffee Apartment sells retail beans.