Coffee, Cafes & Kissaten: Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Asakusa

If you’re coming to Tokyo, there are at least two things on your to-do list: visit the quaint Edo Period streets of Asakusa and find the best cafes and coffee shops for countering the jet lag with a cup of coffee. Well, you’re in the right place.

You may have already explored our articles about 3 unique cafes in Shibuya and 7 Tokyo cafes with killer coffee, but since you’ll likely need another shot of caffeine after joining the crowds of Asakusa, here are the best cafes and coffee shops in Asakusa.

Asakusa is known as the most famous snapshot of “Old Tokyo,” located in the center of Tokyo and beloved for its unique blend of traditional Japanese architecture, charming cafes and restaurants, and the resplendent Senso-ji Temple, a glorious red in Tokyo’s already unique skyline.

For a closer look into the sights of Asakusa — as well as its most tempting Tokyo street foods — join Shizuka in this Asakusa street food video.

1. Fuglen Asakusa
2. Sukemasa Coffee
3. Deus Ex Machina
4. Kissa Hangetsu
5. Kohikan Asakusa
6. Royal Coffee Shop

Sitting below a capsule hotel and open from 8am — making it a perfect spot for breakfast after the unique experience of sleeping in Japan’s unique style of hotel — Fuglen Asakusa is a cocktail and espresso bar that boasts single-origin beans, Norwegian waggles and other baked goods, and even a selection of cocktails.

Expect a truly welcoming, cozy atmosphere across its two floors, filled with warm wooden furnishing and even outdoor seating, should you want to enjoy your breakfast al fresco-style.

Right by the must-see Asakusa attractions of Sensoji Temple and the Hanayashiki Amusement Park, Sukemasa Coffee is surprisingly hidden away, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of this popular area. You’ll know you’ve found the cafe when you see the red umbrella at the entrance, soon to be greeted by a barista in a kimono or yukata.

Roasted by the experts at Sunny Bell Coffee in Kanazawa City, Sukemasa uses these carefully prepared beans to create smooth and full-bodied espresso shots, each waiting to be given life by the next customer. For recommendations, many choose the macchiato, served in a Japanese sake cup, while others opt for the porcelain cup serving of latte, adorned with the Sukemasa logo.

Sukemasa Coffee is equally well-known for its sweets, featuring fruit sandwiches that are the talk of the neighborhood (seriously, they sell out fast!), a unique tiramisu that blends Japanese and Italian ingredients for an entirely new experience, and ice-cream and cream-topped purin (creme caramel pudding), harking back to Japan’s historic kissaten coffee shop culture with every mouthful.

Somewhere between the subcultures of motorbiking and surfing comes the hip haven that is Deus Ex Machina, sure to get your engine revving with its Australia-honed coffee expertise and unique interiors, all right by a canal that leads into the tranquil waters of the Sumida River.

This isn’t just a quick pit-stop for good coffee either — solve the problem of your growing hunger with an unexpected menu of filling bagels, salads and the juicy pulled pork sandwiches on offer. Also offering beers and an effortlessly cool place to relax, this spot also draws crowds into the evening with its neon red sign.

Love the vibe? Take it with you by buying a Deus Ex Machina t-shirt or miscellaneous merchandise.

Though it may be a 30-minute walk along the Sumida River from the center of Asakusa to the traditional tastes of Kissa Hangetsu, this is one journey worth making to experience the nostalgic atmosphere of a Japanese kissaten coffee shop.

What is a kissaten? Coming from the kanji for “consume,” “tea” and “shop,” it’s exactly what you’d expect: a place to rest for a while, indulging in tea, coffee and light snacks or traditional Japanese home cooking. Find out more about Japanese coffee culture.

Kissa Hangetsu takes all the best parts of this old-fashioned coffee shop culture — notably the glorious wood counters and elegant ceramic cups — and serves it up for a modern audience, creating space for leisurely afternoons across its two floors. 

If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, this coffee shop is ideal for accommodating larger groups, though it’s just as perfect for solo cafe-hopping days.

As one of the only cafes on this list that’s part of a chain, COFFEE KAN Asakusa is one of the most approachable options; as an added bonus, it also opens from 7:30 am, a rare find in Japan even for cafes and Tokyo breakfast spots, making it the perfect place to visit ahead of a full day of exploration.

Creating a space for sipping on high-quality coffee while embracing life’s “relaxing moments, fun conversations and quiet contemplation,” expect a spacious cafe with two floors and an equally expansive menu, offering everything from pancakes and sandwiches to spaghetti and hearty Japanese curry.

If you’re traveling with any picky eaters, COFFEE KAN’s menu truly has something for all tastes and times of day.

Royal Coffee Shop takes you back through time once more to the Showa Period elegance of kissaten, complete with plush armchairs and a grand chandelier. Open from 8 am, just imagine enjoying your morning toast — of which they serve several varieties, including jam, cheese and egg, to name a few — alongside the nostalgic coffee blends this charming coffee shop pour each day.

For a sweet treat that’s been savored for over 100 years, order a melon soda float; creamy vanilla ice-cream scooped onto the luminescent greens of Japan’s beloved melon-flavored soda. You’ll never look back.

For another shot of coffee culture in Japan, explore our guide to coffee in Japan, explore the unique world of omakase coffee, and check out Kabuki, one more Asakusa-based kissaten left off this list because it deserves a feature of its own.

Many cafes in Asakusa provide free Wi-Fi for customers to stay connected while enjoying their coffee or tea.

Most cafes in Asakusa accept major credit cards, but it's always helpful to have some cash on hand, especially at smaller establishments.

Many cafes in Asakusa welcome remote workers and students, providing a peaceful environment to focus and enjoy a beverage. However, you may need to confirm with the staff whether free Wi-Fi and plug sockets are available.

Any time is a good time to visit cafes in Asakusa, but early mornings or late afternoons offer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. 

Some cafes in Asakusa have English-speaking staff to assist international visitors, but it's always helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases. 

Must-know Japanese phrases for dining out, to the rescue!