Japan is known for several beverages, from tea to sake, but what some travelers may not realize is that it's also a surprising gem for coffee lovers. While many visitors arrive expecting centuries-old tea ceremonies, they often leave talking about meticulously brewed pour-overs, intimate kissaten, and some of the world's most respected specialty coffee shops.
That reputation has now been recognized internationally, with Tokyo earning a place among the world's top 10 coffee cities for 2026 in Food & Wine's fourth annual Global Tastemakers Awards. The annual list celebrates destinations where coffee is more than just a morning ritual, highlighting cities where cafés have become places for connection, craftsmanship, and community.
In its write-up, Food & Wine praised Tokyo for its sleek, minimalist coffee spaces and the precision and hospitality that define Japan's approach to service. The publication noted that from carefully sourced beans to expertly brewed espresso, attention to detail is evident in almost every cup.
For travelers looking to follow Food & Wine's recommendations, the magazine highlights Glitch Coffee and Koffee Mameya in Omotesando as must-visit stops. It also points readers toward Leaves Roastery, where former boxer Yasuo Ishii offers his signature Espresso Temperature Experience, demonstrating how espresso flavors evolve depending on temperature and whether milk is added.
Food & Wine also recommends reserving a seat at Kuro Mame's counter, experiencing the tasting menu at Mameya Kakeru, or visiting Cokuun, founded by 2014 World Barista Champion Hide Izaki and often featuring three-time Japan Barista Champion Miki Suzuki.
For those wanting a taste of traditional Japanese coffee culture, the publication suggests finishing the journey at Cafe de l'Ambre in Ginza, one of Tokyo's best-known kissaten.
