I’m a bit off today, hence this favourite Coffee spots in Tokyo post. Last weekend, after many months — even years — of discussing it, we cut the cord: we are moving to Tokyo in early 2026. It feels like a big change. I’ve been fighting the idea of moving to Japan for three years. I love Tokyo, but it’s so far away from my family and friends. Yet, I suddenly felt the need to let go of my resistance.
There was always the idea of moving to Tokyo at some point. First, early 2026, then the end of 2026, or early 2027. I admit these far-off dates made me feel like I could keep pushing them back, while making life in Europe so comfortable that we wouldn’t need to move to the other side of the planet.
Then winter came, and it’s so harsh here, and the political climate is even worse. (In Japan, I at least won’t understand half of what they say.) I’m often alone here — Julien is in Paris — and I know he really wants to leave Northern Europe. So, I told him I’d like to move before April 2026, so that Lila can start elementary school with all the other kids. And he agreed! I’m still scared shitless and somehow I burst out in tears rather randomly, but I feel much lighter somehow. Expect lots of musings, and maybe a bit of despair, on this move here in the next months. My mind is all over the place, hence this list of my favourite coffee spots with children (and without!!) in Tokyo. The Tokyo guide includes many more, of course!
Baggage Coffee, Omotesando St.
A bit hidden in a residential area, but a true gem if you are into niche coffee shops. You have to enter a small courtyard to find Baggage Coffee. Very cute and kind barista’s who invite kids to come behind the bar and cuddle the shop’s dog. They also sell collections of football shirts and sportswear. It’s not closed off from the street, but there is a small outside courtyard where your children can freely move without you having to be too worried.
Onibus Coffee, Nakameguro St.
Next to Nakameguro Station you find Onibus Coffee, a great coffee stand, with few seats available. The best part of this coffee place is that you have a small playground next to it with a public toilet. We often went to get croissants at the bakery shop nearby – find the address in the snacks chapter -, then coffee at Onibus Coffee and spend an hour at the playground, drinking, eating and playing.
Woodberry Coffee, Daikanyama
Woodberry has great coffee and a lot of vegan cakes. It is a small coffee place meaning your kids can’t frolic around, but it’s very well located at Daikanyama crossing. My children are obsessed with their vegan carrot cake, so I can manage to sit them down for a bit.
It’s also close to Ebisu Park, a beautiful old park with tall trees, a nice playground and a public toilet with a lovely and famous design.
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