Heading to Japan and not sure where to start for a delicious coffee? We've got you covered.
Japan has shaped Wildflower more than most people realise. We've been lucky enough to visit a few times, and the fashion, the culture and the coffee over there run deep in what we make (the Oubaitori tee came straight from that love). As passionate caffeine consumers we've tried the good, the bad and the absolutely stunning coffee Tokyo has to offer.
These are in no particular order, and they're definitely not the only places you should go. Our biggest tip is at the bottom.
Streamer Coffee Company
We had to start with this one. On one trip we ended up at Streamer just about every single day. If you're looking for that authentic, coffee lover cafe, this is it. They're locally owned but have a tonne of locations around Tokyo and Japan, so you're never far from one.
If you want something with a bit of extra kick, order the Revolver Latte. Our favourites are the Shibuya spot in Tokyo and Shinsaibashi in Osaka (we've spent many early mornings in both).
Over a couple of trips we've met the owners, and they generously shared hours of coffee fuelled conversation about coffee, business and community. Good people making great coffee.
Woodberry Coffee Roasters
An authentic little cafe tucked into a backstreet of Shibuya. These guys know how to make a cafe feel homely.
We've only made it to Woodberry once, but it clearly left an impact. Absolutely delicious coffee, exotic single origins, fancy pour overs, and the food was phenomenal too. The kind of place you plan a morning around.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle is hard to describe. Its modern, clean aesthetic is second to none. Where Streamer and Woodberry have that thrown together, homely feel, Blue Bottle is sleek, with clear systems, amazing coffee and dangerous pastries.
Even better news, they have locations all over Tokyo and Japan, and we'd bet our house blend that every one of them serves up something great.
Coffee Supreme
You might know Coffee Supreme already. They started in New Zealand and have since spread to Australia and Japan. Their little store in the backstreets of Shibuya has you eating and drinking scarily close to the road, watching the world go by around you.
They've squeezed great coffee, treats and atmosphere into a tiny space, and it works.
Our real recommendation
Here's the actual secret. Get a train to somewhere you haven't been, go for a walk, and find something new. That's where the real magic is. As small business owners ourselves, we know how valuable it is to be found.
And when you're back home in Newcastle and missing that Tokyo coffee energy, you know where to find us. Come tell us where you went, we genuinely love hearing about it.