Blue Bottle Coffee started in Oakland, California, but today you can find its cafés in several locations across Japan. I visited the Shinagawa café, located directly by Shinagawa Station, but you can choose whichever branch fits your itinerary best.

For me, this is one of the best café chains in Japan for both coffee and matcha. I had one of the most delicious matcha lattes of my life here, and their cappuccino was just as impressive. The drinks taste carefully made rather than mass-produced, so I think the slightly higher price is worth it.

At the Shinagawa café, I recommend checking whether there is a free seat before ordering if you want to stay inside. Once you have found a place, order and pay at the counter. When your drink is ready, you collect it yourself from the pickup area.

After finishing, do not leave your cup on the table. Take it to the designated return station for used cups and dishes. This self-service system is common in many Japanese cafés, but it may be unfamiliar if you are visiting Japan for the first time.

When I filmed this café in September 2025, Tokyo was hosting the World Athletics Championships. The city was full of international athletes, and you could even see some of them relaxing here between events. It made an already great café experience feel especially memorable.

From the café, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Shinagawa Station and watch office workers moving between the nearby business buildings and the station, especially during rush hour - it feels like a beautifully cinematic glimpse of everyday Tokyo.