The Best Cafés in Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Iced coffee at Café de LAmbre in Ginza, Chuo
Iced coffee at Café de L'Ambre in Ginza, Chuo | © T.Tseng/Flickr
Alicia Joy

Tokyo Writer

Chuo is one of the smallest wards in the Tokyo Metropolis. As the name Chuo – meaning central – suggests, it occupies an area in the heart of Tokyo and is a main commercial hub. If you find yourself doing business down here, make sure to check out one of these top cafés in the ward.

1. Café de L’Ambre

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Japanese

Cafe de LAmbre exterior
© Kars Alfrink/Flickr

Café de L’Ambre is an old-fashioned kissaten (Japanese coffeehouse) and one of the most popular cafés in Ginza. They’re very serious about their coffee, serving a wide variety of unique single origin blends. And that’s about it, so don’t come here expecting a latte or a macchiato.

2. Tsuki no Hanare

Cafe, French

Tsuki no Hanare opened in 2016 on the 5th floor of the Gekkoso Building in Ginza. The draw at this café is not just the lemon moon cake, but the outdoor patio. Surrounded by lush greenery and fairy lights, patrons can enjoy live musical performances nightly, when the café shifts to its evening personality.

3. Café Paulista

Cafe, Brazilian

Café Paulista has been in business for over one hundred years. All the coffee here is imported from Brazil, where it is grown responsibly without forest or habitat destruction, pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

4. Juuichiboukohiten

Cafe, Japanese

Juuichiboukohiten looks a bit like a casual bar, except that instead of liquor bottles and wine glasses on the shelves, there are jars of roasted beans and white china mugs. A great café and atmosphere no matter what you’re in the mood for.

5. Turret Coffee

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Japanese

Turret Coffee is a modest coffee shop located in Tsukiji. It’s open early, so it’s great for grabbing a cup before work. They combine traditional Japanese elements, like serving dishes and snacks, with European-style espressos and coffee. They use the same beans as Streamer Coffee Company.

6. Coffee Amikane

Cafe, Japanese

Possibly the smallest coffee shop in Chuo, Coffee Amikane is a located in Tsukiji and is as small as the bars at Golden Gai. There are no seating charges here, though, just reasonably priced coffee served with a smile. Only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

7. Nakajima no Ochaya

Tea Room, Japanese

Nakajima no Ochaya in Hamarikyu Gardens, Chuo
Kimon Berlin/WikiCommons

Nakajima no Ochaya is a traditional Japanese tea house located inside the Hamarikyu Gardens. Because of its traditional architecture and serene setting right on the water, it’s the most well known of the Hamarikyu tea houses.

8. Cawaii Bread & Coffee

Bakery, Cafe, European

Cawaii Bread & Coffee is a bakery and café hybrid that focuses on using only local and domestic ingredients. They are located alongside the Kamejima River in Chuo. Choose from a wide selection of freshly baked breads and sandwiches, and wash it down with one of their signature espresso blends.

9. Toriba Coffee

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Japanese

In upscale Ginza, Toriba Coffee is one coffeehouse where you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank – they proudly advertise their 100-yen espresso, and the cappuccinos aren’t much more. The perfect coffee-fueling station for anyone in a hurry (or on a budget).

10. Crossing Cafe

Cafe, Japanese

Crossing Cafe is located inside Nissan Crossing, and is affiliated with the car brand. While the café offers views of the busy crossing below, the latte art is even more eye-catching. Choose between a realistic Nissan car model or your very own photo.

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