Photo Credit: Spoon Tamago

Harajuku in Tokyo has always been known as the place where bold fashion comes to life, vibrant colours dot the streets, and Lolita dressing reigns supreme. It is where you find all things crazy and out-of-the-world.

Among its multitude of themed cafes sits Kawaii Monster Café, a kaleidoscopic spot that has been attracting visitors ever since it opened its doors in late 2015. The interiors reflect the essence of Harajuku dreams—gigantic lips, swirling colours, and kiddie carousels. Even their food is colourful!

Photo Credit: Tsunagu Japan

Kawaii Monster Café is meant to be a visual representation of the spirit of Harajuku; and they did not fall short of expectation. The inside of the space is supposedly the stomach of Choppy, the café’s ambassador.

Upon arrival, you do not just get assigned to an ordinary seat with wooden tables and chairs. Kawaii Monster Café is broken up into four themed areas; take your pick from Mushroom Disco, Milk Stand, Bar Experiment, and the Mel-Tea Room.

Photo Credit: Our Kawaii Tokyo

Even the culinary experience in Kawaii Monster Café is colourful. The Colourful Rainbow Pasta features rainbow noodles and is paired with five unique coloured sauces. The Melty Pancake is a mountain of pink cream, while the Colourful Poison Parfait is decorated with chunks of flashy meringues.

Photo Credit: Tokyo Girls Update

But of course, Harajuku is not complete without cute dressing and cosplay, so it is no surprise that the cafe has their very own Monster Girls.

Kawaii Monster Café consists of everything you would imagine Harajuku to be, and a trip to the district would not be complete without stopping by this cafe.

Kawaii Monster Café
YM square building 4F
4-31-10, Jingumae, Shibuya,Tokyo
Tel: +81 03-5413-6142
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 4.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

Tokyo is an exciting multi-faceted megalopolis and a must-visit for all wanderlusters. It is not only Japan’s capital but also the world’s gourmet capital, with the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in its region. Cost of living in Tokyo is extremely high so do expect to pay significantly more (than when vacationing in other Asian cities).

While Tokyo is not a budget-friendly city, it does not mean that free activities are out of reach. Read our guide to 8 free things to do in Tokyo and find out how you can save yen!

#1 GINZA

Ginza is well known for their luxury brands and gourmet restaurants but that does not mean you should skip a visit to this district due to budget constrains. Besides being a high end shopping district, Ginza is also Japan’s focal point of contemporary design. Every building in Ginza is absurdly aesthetically pleasing to the eye and design junkies will find themselves hopelessly drooling over the impressive works of world famous architects.

Nearest station: Ginza

#2 MEIJI SHRINE

Meiji Shrine is a stone throw away from the bustling Harajuku – we could hardly believe such a tranquil setting could exist right beside a busy railway station! Traditional Shinto ceremonies such as wedding solemnization actually still take place in this serene shrine (also known as Meiji Jingu).

Before entering the sacred site’s main hall, one is expected to wash his/her hands and mouth as a form of purification at the troughs. Other interesting cultural activities include writing your wishes on a wooden plate (500 yen) and hung on the divine tree. Admission fees will be collected for the Treasure House and Inner Garden but entrance to the Meiji Shrine is free of charge.

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

Nearest station: Harajuku

#3 OMOTESANDO

Omotesando is an epicentre of luxurious lifestyle with stunning architecture. Its tree-lined avenue has an uncanny resemblance to Paris’ Champs-Élysées and head-turner buildings include Audi Forum Tokyo, Tokyu Plaza, Tod’s Building, Hugo Boss and Sunny Hill.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of these infrastructures’ extraordinary architectural designs or venture away from the main roads and explore Omotesando’s beautiful residential neighbourhood. The hanging criss-cross electrical wires in the local backstreets make a photographic opportunity and you will be surprised by their flourishing cafe culture.

Nearest station: Omotesando

#4 SHIBUYA CROSSING

Regardless of rain or shine, the famous Shibuya is always jam packed with people. When the traffic light turns red, watch pedestrians cross the junction from all directions in an organized chaos or become a part of the moving crowd!

Photography and videography enthusiasts can camp at the nearby Starbucks at Shibuya Tsutaya’s second floor with other like-minded hobbyists to capture this moment.

Nearest station: Shibuya

#5 TAKESHITA DORI

Takeshita Dori aka Takeshita Street is a pedestrianised street in Harajuku. Opened from 11am – 10pm, the 400 meters long street lined up with cute kiosks and boutique fashion stores is extremely popular amongst Japanese teens. Visit on a Sunday and witness Harajuku’s vibrant cos-play scene, where teenagers will dress up as their favourite anime character in elaborate outfits.

Nearest station: Harajuku

#6 TOKYO NATIONAL ART CENTER

Tokyo is indeed every architect’s wet dream. Tokyo National Art Center is yet another beautifully designed building that is worth checking out. While charges do apply for admission to the art museum’s exhibits, access to the center’s main atrium is actually free. Marvel at the splendid undulating glass façade and its three spectacular conical volumes inside.

Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan
The National Art Center, Tokyo
7-22-2 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8558 Japan

Nearest station: Roppongi

#7 TOKYO OBSERVATORY DECKS

For an impressive view of Tokyo’s city skyline, visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s (TOCHO) 45th level and Bunkyo Civic Center’s 25th floor. Access to these two buildings’ observatory decks is completely free of charge. Both viewpoints allow you to see the iconic Tokyo Tokyo Sky Tree and even Mount Fuji!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
2-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan
Nearest station: Tocho-mae

Bunkyo Civic Center
1-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-8555, Japan
Nearest station: Korakuen

#8 TSUKIJI TUNA AUCTION

While watching the renowned tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market is for free, you would have to be prepared to sacrifice your precious sleep. There are two auctions in the morning and only 120 visitors are allowed to watch this interesting activity. Guests are divided into two batches and it is recommended to arrive as early as 3am to secure a place.

Our arrival at 3.30am landed us in the second batch and any visitor after the 120th will be turned away – this means you should stay within walking distance. The first auction starts at 5.25am and the second one commences at 5.50am. Each auction lasts for about 20 minutes.

There are many guidelines to follow such as no heels, no flip flops and no flash photography. Tsukiji Fish Market is set to relocate in 2016 so do pay a visit before they move! Do note that the auction is not open on a daily basis and it is best to plan in advance.

5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan

Nearest station: Tsukiji Shijo

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc.

Japan is the world’s most innovative nation, and there is always something new to discover. Every time we visit Tokyo, we will be super inspired by all the fascinating dining concepts in the capital city.

With so many restaurants and cafes to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to eat in Tokyo. From a stunning flower tea salon, to a Brooklyn-inspired pancake house, we have picked our favourites in this guide to Tokyo’s Top 14 Cafes to visit.

#1 AOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House combines a florist with a tea house, and the result is the dream café for every girl. Like an indoor greenhouse but with an impeccable sophistication, the tea house is lavishly decorated with fresh flowers of the season.

Decorative mini lights span across the ceiling and drape down the pillars, creating an illumination so dreamy that it enraptures your soul; soft instrumentals looping, quite like a choir of nightingale serenading every dreamer in the room. Nothing quite as beautiful, nothing quite as enchanting.

It is just a 5-minute walk from Omotesando station. If you ever find yourself in the area, a trip to the tea house is very highly recommended. Because whatever you are feeling, the sheer beauty and tranquility will complete your day.

5-1-2, Minami-Aoyama
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 3400 0887
Nearest Station: Omotesando

#2 BILLS

Perched on the top floor of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, Bills is the hottest breakfast spot in Tokyo at the moment. This popular Australian cafe by Bill Granger is extremely popular, so be prepared to wait in line for the signature ricotta pancakes and organic scrambled eggs.

7F Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
4-30-3 Jingumae, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5772 1133
Daily: 8.30am – 11pm

#3 BROOKLYN PANCAKE HOUSE

If you walk from Shibuya towards Meiji-Jingumae, you will find yourself in a quaint and charming area littered with lifestyle concept stores and cafes. Brooklyn Pancake House is one of the places that we stumbled upon in this area. It is essentially a New-Yorker style diner which offers a variety of sweet and savoury pancakes.

1F Mode S, 6-14-12 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3409 2018
Daily: 11.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae/Harajuku

#4 GONTRAN CHERRIER

Singaporeans will be familiar with celebrity baker Gontran Cherrier, who is behind the popular Tiong Bahru Bakery on our sunny island.

Gontran Cherrier Artisan Bakery in Tokyo has garnered a cult following among the Japanese, with its range of Japanese-inspired creations. The bakery cafe in the Shibuya neighbourhood is a great spot to grab a quick bite before exploring the area.

1-14-11 Shibuya
Daily: 7.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#5 Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar

Also at Omotesando – just a stone’s throw away from Omotseando Koffee – is Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar. If you are cafe-hopping in the area, you have to make a pitstop here.

3-5-2 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku,Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3478 6276
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 12am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando Exit A2/Meiji-Jingumae

#6 L’OCCITANE CAFE

Located directly across the road from Shibuya Station, L’occitane Cafe not only serves really healthy and wholesome food, but also commands a great view of the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Shibuya Ekimae build
2-3-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
Tel: +65 03-5428-1563
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#7 LOTUS CAFE

Just a few steps from 76 Cafe and Maisen Tonkatsu is Lotus, a hipster cafe in Omotesando. The combination of a cosy interior, affordable food, good magazines, and excellent location in the heart of Omotesando makes Lotus a place to return to again and again.

It opens till late night – quite the perfect place if you are feeling peckish in the middle of the night.

4-6-8 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5772 6077
Mon to Thu, & Sun: 11am – 3am
Fri & Sat: 11am – 4am
Nearest Station: Omotesando (A2 Exit)

#8 ON THE CORNER

Sharing a space with No.8 Bear Pond, On The Corner is another American-style diner that dishes burgers and all the known comfort food. Boasting a red and white interior, the outlet is a cosy one and you can count on them for a good dinner with your best pals.

1-17-1, Shibuya
Tel: +81 03 6427 7273
Daily: 9am – 2am
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#9 PARIYA

Tucked along an alley in Kita-Aoyama, Pariya is a delicatessen which serves a decent meal with healthy options. For ¥1,050, you get a set of rice, main, salad and side.

3-12-14, Kita-Aoyama
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3409 8468
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

#10 RAINBOW PANCAKE CAFE

This pancake specialist serves all kinds of sweet and savoury pancakes (prices start from ¥1,100). Try the much-lauded Macadamia nut sauce Pancake.

2F, 4-28-4, Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 6434 0466
Daily: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku/Meiji-Jingumae

#11 SUZU CAFE

Our favourite spot in Tokyo, Suzu Café is quite above the rest – pun intended. Apart from people-watching and indulging in Japanese tracks, Suzu Cafe offers a range of earnest and simple comfort food at sensible prices (from ¥750 – ¥1300) – expect salads, rice dishes, pizzas and pastas.

Partake in an afternoon tea (from 2pm to 6pm) at Suzu, with a repertoire of desserts (¥650 – ¥750) like Victoria Cake with homemade lemon curd, Kiwi & Apricot Shortcake and Chocolate Parfait to choose from.

1-20-5 Jinnan
Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 5428 3739
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 12 midnight
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 3am
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae/Harajuku

#12 STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY

This is one of the most popular coffee shops in Tokyo – the owner Hiroshi Sawada is a latte art champion and a rock star in the local coffee scene. Even though Streamer Coffee Company is located on the fringe of Shibuya – a good 10 minutes walk from the station – it is always crowded and packed with locals and expats. Every cup of coffee comes with beautiful latte art.

With good coffee with beautiful latte art, and a buzzing atmosphere, Streamer Coffee Company is one place that coffee lovers must go to when in Tokyo.

Streamer Coffee Company is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Coffee Shops.

1-20-28 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 6427 3705
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#13 VIRON BAKERY

If you are in the Shibuya area, Boulangerie Patisserie Viron is one pitstop you must not miss. Think good bread and desserts that are so oishii, you will linger for more. On the ground floor, the boulangerie sells bread and pastries. You can also choose to dine in the brasserie on the second floor.

Boulangerie Patisserie Viron is listed in our guide to Tokyo’s Best Patisseries.

33-8 Udagawa-cho
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5458 1770
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#14 NALU 76 CAFE

Nalu 76 Cafe marries the concept of a cafe and hair salon, and it has always been a favourite among locals. They are pets-friendly, too! We wouldn’t come here for the food, but it is a nice place to chill out and have coffee when you are in the area.

4-9-2 Jingumae
Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 5786 1781
Nearest Station: Omotesando

For more recommendations and tips, read our curated Tokyo’s food and travel guides

Whenever I travel to a new city, I always make it my mission to look for good coffee joints, and my recent trip to Tokyo was no exception. We managed to check out many popular cafes that serve speciality coffee in the Capital city.

Where to find a good cup of coffee in Tokyo? Read on for our picks on the best coffee shops in Tokyo.

Be a Good Neighbour

This coffee kiosk has two outlets in Tokyo – one in Sendagaya, and the other at the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. If you are visiting Tokyo Skytree, remember to drop by for a cuppa.

Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 2F
1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5619 1692
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Oshiage Station/Tokyo Sky Tree Station

Bear Pond Espresso

Bear Pond Espresso is located at Shimokitazawa, and it is slightly out of the way. Luckily, they have a coffee kiosk No. 8 Bear Pond Espresso which shares a storefront with On The Corner Cafe in Shibuya. Admittedly, service can be a bit patchy, but if it does not bother you, the coffee here is excellent.

1-17-1 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 6427 7273
Sun to Wed: 11.30am – 12am
Thu to Sat: 11.30am – 4am
Nearest Station: Shibuya

Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar

Also at Omotesando – just a stone’s throw away from Omotseando Koffee – is Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar. If you are cafe-hopping in the area, you have to make a pitstop here.

3-5-2 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku,Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 3478 6276
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 12am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando Exit A2/Meiji-Jingumae

Omotesando Koffee

This is one of the most talked-about coffee shops in Tokyo, and after visiting it, we can understand why. Housed in a machiya (traditional wooden house), it is a small and simple space, and it feels as though you are having coffee in a neighbour’s house.

Finding Omotesando Koffee can be a challenge, even if you are familiar with the area. From Omotesando’s Station, make your way towards Maisen Tonkatsu (there are plenty of signboards along the way). At the junction before Maisen, turn left. Part of the charm of Omotesando Koffee is the journey to find it. Have fun!

4-15-3 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5413 9422
Daily: 10pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando Exit A2/Meiji-Jingumae

Sarutahiko

Just a stone’s throw from Ebisu Station is Sarutahiko. The small cafe has limited seats, and is not really a place to linger, but if you are in the area, you should definitely drop by to have a drink, or to takeaway coffee.

1-6-6 Ebisu
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 5422 6970
Mon to Fri: 8am – 12.30 midnight
Sat & Sun: 10am – 12.30 midnight

Streamer Coffee Company

This is one of the most popular coffee shops in Tokyo – the owner Hiroshi Sawada is a latte art champion and a rockstar in the local coffee scene. Even though Streamer Coffee Company is located on the fringe of Shibuya – a good 10 minutes walk from the station – it is always crowded and packed with locals and expats. Every cup of coffee comes with beautiful latte art.

With good coffee with beautiful latte art, and a buzzing atmosphere, Streamer Coffee Company is one place that coffee lovers must go to when in Tokyo.

1-20-28 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03 6427 3705
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

For more recommendations, read our Tokyo Food & Travel Guides.