Finding a proper cup of coffee in tea-drinking Japan

For any expatriate or business traveler who is a coffee drinker and is also planning a visit to tea-drinking Japan, you may think that your options are limited to machine made caffe lattes at local coffee shops or something ubiquitous from a large international chain such as Starbucks. However, should you desire the traditional slow brewed cup of gourmet coffee, there are an increasing number of options available in Tokyo.

In fact, the New York Times travel section recently reported about the growing trend of specialty gourmet coffee shops opening around the city and profiled the following coffee shops that are well worth checking out by any true coffee lover:

• Macchinesti – Just a one minute walk from the Hiroo subway station, this cafe was started by a Japanese architect who had lived in Seattle. Expect to pay 450 yen (US$4.25) for a shot of espresso to 600 yen (US$6.35) for a cappuccino while eggs Benedict with your coffee will set you back 1,500 yen (US$15.90).
• Bar Del Sole – With a branch in the Roppongi district that is a three-minute walk from the Hibiya Line subway stop, this Italian restaurant also offers a full coffee menu. Expect to pay 350 yen (US$3.70) for a macchiato and 630 yen (US$6.70) for a cappuccino.
• Zoka – With three locations in Tokyo and one just 100 yards from the Akasaka-Mitsuke subway stop, Zoka offers a bit of Seattle. Expect to pay 380 yen (US$4) for a small iced caffè latte.
• Café de l’Ambre – Located in Ginza, this shop opened in 1948 and specializes in aged specialty coffees. Hence, expect to pay up to 1,360 yen (US$14.40) for a single cup.
• Tajimaya Kohiten – Just south of the west exit of the Shinjuku Station, this coffee shop opened in 1964 and offers 13 types of straight coffee. Expect to pay 750 yen (US$7.95) for a Cuban Mountain coffee and 650 yen (US$6.90) for Grade 1 Sumatra.  

Hence, if you are a coffee lover and will soon be visiting or living in tea-drinking Japan, rest assured that you will find a growing number of options to choose from for that caffeine fix.