Shibuya is known for the Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue. The street culture and fashion born here are countless, making it truly represent the hub of youth culture in Japan.
Recently, it has also gained attention in the arts scene with its art museums, live music venues, and clubs thriving.
One unique characteristic of Shibuya is that the atmosphere changes drastically in each area. From the neon-lit downtown area symbolizing the "city that never sleeps" to areas lined with IT company buildings, and even upscale districts for adults, this city shows various faces.
As a gathering place for people, Shibuya is also a fierce battleground for cafes, with unique cafes in each area reflecting the local color.
From cafes overlooking the famous Scramble Crossing to long-standing cafes loved for years in the ever-changing city of Shibuya, unique theme cafes, and places to enjoy truly delicious coffee.
In this article, I, as a cafe lover, will introduce a curated selection of cafes from the diverse scene in Shibuya.
Cafes Overlooking the Scramble Crossing
L'OCCITANE Cafe
Source: Tabelog
This is a cafe run by the world-renowned cosmetics brand L'OCCITANE. The highlight is undoubtedly its prime location and stylish interior. Situated right in front of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the window seats offer a stunning view to capture the iconic crossing.
While long known as the face of Shibuya, the cafe underwent a full renovation in April 2024, unveiling a new interior and menu. The sophisticated decor features the brand's signature colors, with the 2nd and 3rd floors offering completely different ambiances.
The menu covers a wide range from tea to sweets and meals, with the set meals being a popular staple. Other hidden gems include the Korean-born and popular in Japan croffles, as well as the creme brulee praised by international tourists.
Despite being a large cafe, it's always crowded due to the prime location, so be prepared for potential wait times. The opening hours are the most recommended time to visit.
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- Address: Shibuya 2-3-1 Shibuya Ekimae Building 2-3F, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 050-5456-1913
- Hours: 10:00 - 23:00
- Official Website: https://jp.loccitane.com/stores#shibuya
Estacion Cafe
Source: Shibuya Mark City Official Site
Estacion Cafe is located inside the Mark City Excel Hotel Tokyu near Shibuya Station. With an 8-meter high ceiling, it offers an elegant ambiance befitting a hotel cafe.
Despite being in the heart of Shibuya, its highlight is the sense of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle, making it ideal for adults seeking a quiet respite. Whenever I need a break from the crowds, this is the perfect spot. It's also conveniently accessible for non-hotel guests.
Orders are placed via QR codes, making it comfortable for those hesitant about staff interactions. Estacion Cafe's recommended item is the cake set, priced at 1,900 yen and including desserts, ice cream, and free drink refills. Considering the elegant space and the view overlooking the Scramble Crossing from the counter seats, it's well worth the price.
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- Address: Shibuya Mark City, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu 5F, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 03-5457-0133
- Hours: 8:00 - 00:00
- Official Website: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/shibuya-e/restaurant/estacion/index.html
Long-Standing Cafes
Namekuji Kissa Lion (Classical Music Cafe)
Source: Tabelog
Namekuji Kissa Lion in Kamisuizawa is a classical music cafe. Its highlight is the unique, otherworldly ambiance. Founded in 1926, stepping inside feels like a time warp to the past.
At the center of the cafe is a massive speaker facing all seats, playing classical music requested by customers or chosen by the staff. Conversation and photography are prohibited inside.
Order the simple coffee or the staple menu item Millcake, and immerse yourself as if attending a classical concert.
The space created nearly 100 years ago for enjoying coffee while listening to classical music transports you to an alternate reality from the modern streets of Shibuya. I am not well-versed in classical music, the experience is fascinating. From the building to the decor, it feels like a cultural heritage site - simply breathtaking.
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- Address: 2-19-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular (closed during New Year's and summer)
- Phone: 03-3461-6858
- Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
- Official Website: https://lion.main.jp/
Satella Coffee Shop
Source: Tabelog
Satella Coffee Shop is a long-standing cafe that has been in Shibuya for 48 years, located on Aoyama Street. It underwent a renovation and reopened in 2020. The highlight is the commitment to providing only top-quality beans, food, and everything that meets their high standards as an established cafe.
Satella's signature dish is their famous pudding. With its shimmering golden color, it's a divine treat for pudding lovers like myself. Made by blending cream cheese and condensed milk, it has a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of cheesecake. The cold-brew coffee, with its refreshing Japanese-style flavor, is also popular.
The interior is compact yet retro and relaxing. Many solo customers enjoy the cafe, and the service is friendly and attentive. From the beans to the food, ambiance, and service, Satella delivers satisfaction befitting its long-standing reputation.
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- Address: 1F Aoyama Seven Heights, 1-7-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 080-8444-4243
- Hours: Sat - Wed 11:00 - 19:00, Thurs 08:00 - 19:00, Fri 11:00 - 18:30, 19:00 - 22:00
- Official Website: https://satella.coffee/pages/store
Unique Cafes
Mori no Toshokan (The Forest Library)
Source: Tabelog
Mori no Toshokan (The Forest Library) in the Dogenzaka area is a unique cafe themed as a "library where you can chat." Upon entering, the walls are lined with bookshelves. Customers can enjoy drinks and sweets while reading the cafe's books, and discuss their thoughts afterward with their company.
A hidden highlight is that the menu features recreations of foods appearing in popular novels and picture books. For example, you can order the chocolate cake from the beloved Studio Ghibli film "Kiki's Delivery Service." A time-based free drink system is offered, starting at 1,000 yen per hour.
While the book selection is primarily in Japanese, it's well-stocked with novels and manga. You might discover popular anime/manga series or works only published in Japan. Why not enjoy drinks and sweets while admiring the manga art?
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- Address: 8F Shibuya Daiichi Kangin Kyodo Building, 23-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6455-0629
- Hours: 9:00 - 22:45
- Official Website: https://morinotosyoshitsu.com/
Pepper PARLOR
Source: Official Website
Just a 1-minute walk from Shibuya Station, Pepper PARLOR on the 5th floor of Tokyu Plaza offers a unique, near-future experience as its highlight.
Here, you'll be greeted by Pepper robots. Each seat has its own Pepper that takes your order, serves you, engages in conversation, dances, and even plays games to keep you entertained while waiting.
The recommended menu item is the seasonal afternoon tea set, featuring beautifully presented seasonal fruit sweets accompanied by a drink. The photo-worthy, exquisite plating is also a standout.
Personally, I was already amazed by the sheer number of robots coexisting in one space - a fascinating sight. The world where humans and robots comfortably coexist may soon become the norm.
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- Address: Tokyu Plaza Shibuya 5F, 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Follows Tokyu Plaza's schedule
- Phone: 03-5422-3988
- Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
- Official Website: https://www.pepperparlor.com/daytime-menu/
Recommended Coffee Shops
REC COFFEE
Source: Official Website
Located on Hachiman Street leading to Daikanyama, REC COFFEE is in Shibuya's east area, a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the Scramble Crossing and Dogenzaka areas.
Opened in 2022, REC COFFEE carries on the legacy of the long-loved COFFEEHOUSE NISHIYA in this area. With locations in Fukuoka and Suido-bashi in Tokyo, REC COFFEE is popular for its self-roasted coffee beans. The highlight is the high-quality coffee befitting its pedigree, along with the Shibuya east shop's cool, hidden gem-like ambiance. To avoid disappointing NISHIYA's fans, they ensure meticulous attention to bean quality, focusing on light to medium roasts with a clean flavor profile. The signature Premium Pudding, inherited from NISHIYA's recipe, is recommended to enjoy with the coffee.
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- Address: 1F Shotoko Building, 1-4-1 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6427-1277
- Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
- Official Website: https://rec-coffee.com/pages/shibuyahigashi
STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY
Source: Tabelog
For those seeking authentic Western-style coffee in Shibuya, STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY near Miyashita Park is highly recommended. Constantly popular among foreign tourists and residents, they make up half of the customer base. The highlights are the friendly service and extensive selection of latte art. The lively background music also adds to the ambiance.
Fun fact: STREAMER COFFEE was opened by the 2008 World Latte Art Champion. Be sure to order the Golden State Latte to experience the masterful latte art by an expert. The intricate, beautiful designs are a sight to behold. Their Military Donuts are also a crowd favorite based on reviews.
In addition to high-quality beans, their matcha is also popular. Almond milk options are available for those with milk allergies. You'll be satisfied by the delicious coffee and the cool lifestyle vibe projected throughout the shop.
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- Address: 1F Miyagawa Building, 1-20-28 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 03-6427-3705
- Hours: 8:00 - 20:00 (Sat, Sun & Holidays 9:00 - 20:00)
- Official instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streamer_shibuya/
ABOUT LIFE COFFEE BREWERS
Source: Tabelog
ABOUT LIFE COFFEE BREWERS in Dogenzaka is a tiny takeout spot with just two standing counters.
The menu focuses on light and medium roasts. The highlight is the excellent taste and wide bean selection. You can choose from a variety of beans, meticulously sourced from specific regions and farms - from the vibrant Ethiopian beans to the fruity Rwandan ones, ensuring a perfect match for your preference. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the high-quality brews.
This unassuming hole-in-the-wall cafe is a hidden gem, earning a niche but firm reputation among both Japanese and international customers. The espresso and hand-drip coffee are highly praised menu items.
I personally appreciate the convenient location, perfect for a standing break during a stroll around Shibuya. Get your coffee to-go and sip it while freely exploring the streets of Shibuya.
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- Address: 1F Saimaru Dogenzaka Building, 1-19-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6809-0751
- Hours: 9:00 - 18:00, Sat, Sun & Holidays 11:00 - 18:00
- Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/aboutlifecoffeebrewers/