Tokyo

With a varied interior and an easygoing atmosphere, this is a good place to sit down and relax. Try their Japanese curry with rice and the fancy apple pie. Read a book, plan the next part of your trip, or catch up with old friends. Note though that smoking is allowed here.

Founded in 1938, closed in 2006 after the death of the original owner, and then reopened in 2008 thanks to local volunteers, Kayaba Coffee is a beloved cafe in Yanaka, where you can experience the unique "kissaten culture" of Japan. Housed in an early-1900s building, Kayaba offers coffee, cheesecakes, omelettes, sandwiches, plus tatami seating upstairs.

This is a coffee chain that offers nice coffee and tea. If you are hungry they serve freshly made food or packaged bakery products, like cake and pie, and tasty salads. The one at Marunouchi is a café with a Espresso Bar and both indoor and outdoor terrace seating.

Run by tea master Shinya Sakurai, this distinctive spot where past and present beautifully melt together is situated right outside Omotesando station. A place where the guests are invited to discover and enjoy a great variety of top-quality Japanese teas. Shinya Sakurai dedicated 14 years of his life to becoming a tea master, pop in and enjoy the ultimate experience and taste of this hot beverage.

Stretching across four floors in a beautifully designed building in Nakameguro, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is one of the most unique and the biggest Starbucks in Japan. Even if you're not a fan of this coffeehouse chain, we highly recommend visiting it just for the experience alone. And if you don't really fancy coffee, there are plenty of other drink choices for you to enjoy, such as their signature cocktails and an eclectic range of tea blends. Plus, a variety of delicious pastries, bread, and savoury dishes. As can be expected, everything is priced on the higher end. Also, be aware tickets are limited by the day, so be sure to get there early.

Located in the heart of Ginza, Higashiya is an upscale tea house and confectionary shop offering tea alongside a selection of handmade seasonal wagashi – traditional Japanese sweets – in a setting and service done with finesse.