Inokashira Park
Just a short walk south of Kichijōji station there’s this nice park with a big pond in the center. You can ride a Swan boat, there is a zoo, visit the Benzaiten shrine or just sit in the sun an relax.
Just a short walk south of Kichijōji station there’s this nice park with a big pond in the center. You can ride a Swan boat, there is a zoo, visit the Benzaiten shrine or just sit in the sun an relax.
This coffee shop in Kichijōji (right opposite of a small park) serves a lighter roast coffee. The area itself is very lovely, but I have a soft spot for all the more suburban areas like Kichijōji, Yoyogi-Uehara, Yanaka or Kōenji.
Tokyobike’s Kōenji branch also has a small coffee place.
A small record shop in Kōenji close to the subway station. They have quite an eclectic selection and the owner is very helpful – if you’re into vinyl you’ll love this place.
This coffee place in Shimokitazawa is famous for its espresso (be here early for the owner’s signature espresso). Watch this video about the owner Katsuyuki Tanaka.
Great coffee (they serve Stumptown Coffee) just a short walk from the Yoyogi-Uehara station right through the suburbs. The whole place feels like an extended living room: great interior (it looks like a cabin), very light and good music. And they open very early at 7:30, so it is perfect for an early morning coffee.
A small record shop specialized in Jazz. It is right around the corner from Paddlers Coffee.
The best donuts I had in Tokyo. The shop is near the Yoyogi-Uehara station in a small side alley (I was lucky enough living almost next to this place so I’ve been there multiple times).
Vegetarian restaurant in Yoyogi-Uehara.
A great Yakitori place in Yoyogi-Uehara. I think it is best to have a reservation as it is usually very crowded.
This was one of my favorite coffee places. The shop is quite small, but you can sit outside or take the coffee to the nearby Yoyogi Park.
This small bakery in Tomigaya makes the best bread I’ve found in Tokyo. They only have limited seating inside, but if it’s full or the weather is nice: pick up some pastries here, grab a coffee at Little Nap and head to the nearby Yoyogi Park.
A bit hidden in Tomigaya. The menu is Japanese only, but the staff is very helpful and the food is awesome. There is a nice little store upstairs as well. I wish I came here more often.