Over the past six months, several internationally inspired coffee shops have opened across Tokyo, bringing new flavors and experiences for enthusiasts. From a Moroccan institution with more than 110 years of heritage to a specialty Italian brand newly arrived in Japan, here are five recent openings worth visiting. As a bonus, we also highlight a French wine bar and a restaurant that serves excellent coffee.

Bacha Coffee 

Since opening in December, Bacha Coffee has been drawing large crowds to its store in the trendy Ginza district. A luxury brand with Moroccan roots, it boasts a history dating back more than a century. Founded within the Dar el Bacha in Marrakech in 1910, it went on to attract famous international guests like Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

The first Bacha Coffee to open in Japan consists of a boutique on the first floor selling over 200 varieties of 100% Arabica specialty coffee beans from 35 countries and a 40-seat coffee room spread out over two floors. During my visit, I opted for the Seville Orange coffee, a delightful medium roast with cracked cocoa notes, infused with the aromatic zest of ripe oranges, enjoyed with a raspberry and cinnamon croissant. 

Vannelli Coffee 

Vannelli Coffee, an Italian specialty coffee brand, opened its first-ever global flagship store in Omotesando on February 5, 2026. The company was founded by brothers Giacomo Vannelli, a three-time World Barista Championship competitor, and Pietro Vannelli, the youngest European Latte Art champion ever. They have partnered with esteemed furniture company Kobayashi to create a sleek and stylish shop that boasts a wide range of coffee options. 

The store features an immersive, movable coffee showcase hidden inside the counter, allowing you to explore a wide range of beans. You can select your favorite by inhaling the aroma and reading informative cards that detail the beans’ production area, variety and tasting notes. I opted for the Panama Janson Alpes Geisha Natural Lot 1016, which was perfectly complemented by a decadent tiramisu for dessert.

Samaa

Opened in October 2025 in the Kamiuma neighborhood of Sangenjaya, Samaa (stylized as SAMAA_) is a chic establishment bridging Japan and Indonesia with a shared love for coffee. It is headed by Yuichi Murakami, a former brand curator at Blue Bottle, and Indonesian entrepreneur Edgar Honggo. Working with Studio Dig, they’ve revitalized a 70-year-old building with minimal restoration. 

There are some great options here, though I particularly enjoyed the Super Milk Brew, made by steeping coffee in milk for an extended time. For those seeking something a bit different, the Jamu Shot is worth exploring. This ancient Indonesian beverage, made with turmeric, ginger and a blend of herbs and spices, is revered not only for its rich, earthy flavor but also for its reputed healing properties. 

Mia Mia

A cozy community cafe where people meet, chat and listen to music, Mia Mia has been thriving since its founding in Tokyo’s Higashi-Nagasaki district in 2020. Looking to follow up on that success, owners Vaughan Allison, an Australian barista, and his wife, Rie, opened a second location in September in the quaint neighborhood of Kuramae, known for its traditional crafts.

Housed in a beautifully renovated 120-year-old rice milling shop, Mia Mia Kuramae is known for its artistic creamy lattes. The slightly sweet and playfully named Leonardo diCappuccino is my personal favorite. In the evening, the shop transforms into a bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. With vinyl tunes playing in the background, it’s the ideal setting for a chilled night. There’s also a small lodging upstairs.

Liwei Tokyo 

Opened near Shintomicho Station in the bustling Tsukiji neighborhood last September, Liwei Tokyo is run by Liwei Hsuan, a Taiwan-born barista and latte art world champion. He started his business with Liwei Coffee Stand in Takadanobaba over five years ago, and now has four locations, including stores in Shinjuku Gyoen (Ajura) and Nihonbashi (Golden Hood). The chain is known for blending traditional Taiwanese flavors with contemporary Japanese coffee culture. 

While at Liwei Tokyo, be sure to try the espresso-based black latte, whisked with bamboo charcoal for a rich, smooth flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the custard-like Taiwan-style pudding, as the drink’s velvety foam contrasts perfectly with the dessert’s soft, creamy texture. For those craving something stronger, Liwei Tokyo also serves cocktails, like the coffee-inspired Espresso Martini and the fruit-forward, refreshing Red Guava Poison.

A Bonus Pick: Apéro Aoyama Winebar & Table 

We finish the roundup with a bonus pick that is not a coffee shop, but worth mentioning due to its excellent coffee and cafe au lait served with brunch. Apéro Aoyama, a stylish wine bar and dining spot that reopened in Minami-Aoyama last December, sources its coffee beans from French roaster Antoine Nétien, the co-founder of the influential coffee specialty brand Coutume Café.

Though the coffee is highly recommended for brunch, the main draw is the restaurant’s expansive wine selection. Customers can choose from an expansive cellar featuring characterful, story-driven wines from independent producers. Just tell the sommelier your preferences and they will be translated into an ideal glass or bottle that suits your meal. The wine is complemented by seasonal French cuisine with Japanese influences. 

Related Posts