There’s just something so inviting and comfortable about working at a cafe. Maybe it’s the white noise that helps us concentrate: the whirring sound of the espresso machine, the murmurs of people conversing, the rhythmic tapping of the keyboard along the gentle hum of the warm, jazzy playlist that gracefully floats around the cozy room… Or maybe it’s the people that you can share small talks with— like the guy I had a chat with a few days ago because I happened to sit next to him and he offered to move his backpack for me. Perhaps it’s the warm ambience and the earthy, wooden interior that ever so gently coaxes us to step inside, rather than the quiet, scholarly spaces like libraries. There are these tender and sometimes even therapeutic facets about coffee shops that we just can’t get enough of— it is known for a fact that a large majority of people find it much easier to concentrate and experience a boost of creativity in cafes, and this has been scientifically verified multiple times through various studies and researches over time. (There is even a website that provides ambient sounds recorded in coffeehouses to help you replicate the white noise at home.)
One thing that always proves to be a tricky obstacle though, especially in Japan, is the availability of wifi and outlets. For a very technologically advanced country, it can be surprisingly difficult to find cafes that provide free wifi in Japan, let alone power outlets. I have had multiple unfortunate mishaps where I had to use my own hotspot through my phone and dim the brightness of my laptop screen in the hopes of saving more battery before having to drag myself back home to charge again. As a person who prefers to work at coffee shops over anywhere else in the world, it is quite disappointing having to specifically search for “cafes with free wifi” every time before stepping out. But not to worry— with the database that I have accumulated over the years, I am here to share with you my top picks for cafes to study in Tokyo. All of the cafes in the list below provide free wifi and power outlets. If you are also in a continuous search for work-friendly cafes, why don’t you join me on my little adventure of cafe-hopping?
1. Streamer Coffee Company
- Branches: Shibuya, Kayabacho, Setagaya Daita Sta., Higashikitazawa Sta., Shinsaibashi, Nakameguro, Tenma Warehouse, Akasaka
- Price range: ¥
First on this list is my go-to coffee shop: Streamer Coffee Company. Spanning across Tokyo in a whopping eight branches, Streamer Coffee Company is truly a godsend for anyone who loves working at a cafe, providing customers with their unlimited free wifi and multiple outlets. Not only are they absolutely work-friendly, they also have an amazing selection of coffee and desserts. Try one of their signature lattes like Golden State Latte— “The perfect mix of Streamer Coffee Espresso & Blue Diamond Almonds Almond Milk”. You’ll be able to power through your work in no time.
2. Lattest
- Branches: Omotesando, Harajuku, Ebina, Mizumachi
- Price range: ¥
Next up is none other than Lattest— which, if you head for the Omotesando branch, isn’t all that far from Waseda. Not only does Lattest also provide free wifi and outlets, but they are also constantly praised for their fashionable atmosphere and friendly customer service. Try their November special menu, Rum Raisin Latte before the month passes by— created with their homemade syrup, it is a cup full of rich autumn flavors that will quickly warm up your body in the chilly weather.
3. The Roastery By Nozy Coffee
- Branch: Harajuku
- Price range: ¥¥
The Roastery by Nozy Coffee is a remarkable coffeehouse tucked away in the back alley of Cat Street, located between Harajuku and Shibuya. Though this roaster is embellished by a rather dim lighting, with free wifi and outlets available, it is not a problem for those who want to grind away with a good cup of coffee in hand. It would be a waste not to try their high quality beans which they roast themselves; if you are a fan of coffee, I highly recommend their Costa Rica Harmony Americano. Enjoy the delightful notes of red apple, brown sugar and syrup elegantly blend together as one in your mouth. You will come to appreciate their exquisite selection of coffee, beverages and sweets, along with their work-friendly atmosphere.
4. Alpha Beta Coffee Club
- Branch: Jiyugaoka
- Price range: ¥¥
If you are searching for a spacious cafe with a chill, relaxing ambience, look no further! Alpha Beta Coffee Club is here to save your day. Stylish and modern, this cafe is more often than not filled with people who are typing away on their laptops. Along with the convenience of free wifi and outlets, Alpha Beta Coffee Club is also famous for their cozy outdoor seating area as well as scrumptious food menus like Avocado Toast and Acai Bowl. I highly recommend taking a stroll around the town after getting all your work done— graced with trendy local shops and European vibes in the streets, Jiyugaoka is a dreamy neighborhood that everyone loves to visit regardless of the time of the year.
5. Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
- Branches: Tamachi, Nakameguro
- Price range: ¥¥
Last, but certainly not the least on this list is Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar, a coffee shop that identifies as women-owned and is located just five minutes away by walk from Tamachi station. A cozy, hipster-style cafe with kind staff and mouth watering desserts like caramel apple cheesecake, pumpkin mousse almond tart and peanut butter chestnut pound cake, this place is an absolute gem of an oasis for anyone who wants to work or study while enjoying a good cup of coffee and a delicious piece of baked goods. With its earthy interiors and the exterior glass walls that further elevate the aesthetic beauty of the roaster, Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar remains a favorite to many.