Kraft Coffee: Hidden Specialty Coffee Gem in Tokyo's Third Wave Coffee Mecca

The Verdict

Kraft Coffee is absolutely worth visiting if you’re seeking an authentic Tokyo specialty coffee experience away from crowded tourist cafés. Located in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa—Tokyo’s third wave coffee holy land—this coworking-friendly café offers carefully crafted coffee and unique chai in a relaxed, spacious atmosphere. Perfect for digital nomads, coffee enthusiasts, and travelers wanting to experience local café culture. Best visited on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

Tourist Quick Check

Why Locals Love It

Kraft Coffee sits in the heart of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, the neighborhood that put Tokyo on the global specialty coffee map when Blue Bottle Coffee opened its first Japan location here. Unlike many area cafés that buzz with weekend crowds and hurried energy, Kraft maintains a genuinely relaxed atmosphere where you can actually settle in and breathe.

What sets this place apart is its dual identity as both a specialty coffee shop and a coworking space. The interior features a thoughtful mix of low-seated furniture and higher counter seats near the register, giving guests flexibility in how they want to experience the space. Large windows flood the room with natural light, creating an open, airy feel that’s rare in Tokyo cafés.

Regulars appreciate the café’s laptop-friendly policy with available power outlets, making it a sanctuary for remote workers and creatives. The collection of design books adds an artistic touch that reflects the neighborhood’s creative spirit. Staff take time to carefully explain coffee options, helping customers discover flavors they truly enjoy rather than rushing transactions.

The café’s unique rooibos-based chai with spice mix offers something you won’t find elsewhere—a flavor profile that initially surprises but becomes increasingly addictive with each sip. It’s this attention to craft and originality that keeps locals returning.

Must-Order Items

• Specialty Coffee (Various Origins) – Carefully brewed with detailed explanations from staff; features clean, straightforward flavors with some selections offering pleasant acidity
• Chai Tea – Signature rooibos-based spiced chai with unique bitter and spicy notes that create an unforgettable taste experience
• Cold Brew Coffee (Mizudashi) – Refreshing with subtle acidic notes, perfect for warm days
• Café au Lait – Smooth and delicious, highly recommended by regulars
• Pastries & Snacks – Available to complement your drinks (selection varies)

Honest Warnings

• Weekend Crowds: Saturdays and Sundays (11am-6pm) can be completely full. Arrive early or visit on weekdays for a more relaxed experience
• Limited Weekday Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday only open 1pm-5pm. Plan accordingly
• Closed Tuesdays: The café is closed every Tuesday
• Single Staff Operation: Often run by one person, so service and drink preparation can take time. Don’t rush—embrace the slow café culture
• Phone Calls Not Allowed Inside: Maintain the quiet, work-friendly atmosphere by taking calls outside
• Unique Flavor Profiles: The chai and some coffee selections have unexpected, bold flavors. Ask staff for recommendations if you prefer more familiar tastes
• Low Seating: Most furniture features low seats; if you need higher seating for comfort, aim for the counter seats near the register
• Currently Closed: According to current hours data, the café is not open at this moment. Check their Instagram for the latest schedule updates

Pro Tip: After exploring Kiyosumi-Shirakawa’s famous coffee roasters and galleries, Kraft Coffee makes the perfect final stop to decompress and reflect on your café crawl through Tokyo’s coolest coffee neighborhood.