Tucked in the quiet backstreets of Ginza and not far from Tsukiji, Bongen Coffee itself is quietly unassuming yet easily catches your attention. The small coffee shop is imbued with Japanese aesthetics such as the conspicuous centerpiece which is a living bonsai tree, the noren curtain out front and the framed menu in traditional vertical writing reminiscent of traditional Japanese restaurants. The sweets on offer are Japanese wagashi called monaka, wrapped in washi paper with a bonsai print. This attention to detail and interior design is one of the major reasons for Bongen’s popularity. The other one is the specialty coffee that is handled completely in-store from selecting and purchasing to roasting. Bongen favors a soft, mild taste on the whole but offers a choice between lighter and darker roasts.