Where to find the best latte art in Tokyo, Japan

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In the land of the rising sun, flawless presentation is a common theme and cafes are no exception. With all coffee shops in Japan, I feel that every cup poured is made especially for me. It’s hard to wipe the smile off my face as I go up to the counter for my first, second or you know, third latte of the day…. Tokyo has some serious coffee skills! The service, the presentation and the beautifully crafted beverages are the norm, not the exception. If you follow me on instagram, you know that finding the perfect cup of coffee is a very large hobby of mine. This includes the best latte art in Tokyo as well. The Japanese devout work ethic and specialty coffee craze seems to be slowly taking over this city in the most glorious way. It is a guarantee you will also find it hard not to smile when they present your cup.

While the steamed milk creations are perfection, the coffee does not lose it’s taste either. Some of the best espresso and roasted beans exist inside these large heavenly cups of coffee. Add great taste to a city’s admiration for all things cute, colorful and quirky – and you have the perfect latte. For this reason, I had to put together a list of my favorite places to get the best latte art in Tokyo.

Best latte art in Tokyo

Ballon D’essai

If you find yourself in the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, the coffee scene oozes hipster and trendy. Hence why it made my list for top instagram worthy coffee shops in Tokyo. Perhaps easily missed when walking around, Ballon D’essai can be found in one of the many backstreets. This place really outdoes itself with latte art AND wallart. With local artists’ work hanging on the walls and cuddly designs atop your coffee, this place will have you keep coming back for more.

Streamer Coffee Company

The man behind Streamer Coffee is non other than Hiroshi Sawada, the 2008 Free Pour Latte Art Champion. He is also the first Japanese person to do so. That should be all the convincing you need to head to the many locations of Streamer. Sawada knows his stuff and is a true legend after starting this place two years after winning that divine title. He has even opened up a new shop in the beloved city of Chicago. As a bonus, Streamer has free wifi, an interior suitable for productivity and yummy treats to accompany your large latte art goodness. It was a must to include Streamer on the best latte art in Tokyo list!

Reissue

This place has gotten major attention and hype (helloooo, 3d lattes) and deserves all the glory. It still remains to feel quaint and “local” when you enter with a retro vibe that will make you feel right at home. This cash-only unique spot will replicate any photo you show the server, in a 3d or 2d form. Have a photo of your pet, a celebrity, or even a portrait of you and your friend ready! Be prepared to add on an extra 400 yen for the latte art, and get your camera ready (as well as you taste buds).

ROAR Coffeehouse and Roastery

Lesser known on the Tokyo latte art circuit, is ROAR and their multi colored lattes. What makes this place different, is you choose if you want the coffee poured before or after the colorful creation. Before will resemble the photo above, while after will provide you with a white backdrop. Which really make the colors pop! Cozy interior, and a small amount of seats on the outside, this place is ideal for a quick lunch or coffee stop. With their beans roasted in-house, the art AND taste will not disappoint. Stay for their extensive menu of food as well, and half another cup of coffee at a discount.

Turret Coffee Company

After your day at the Tsukiji Fish Market, make your way to Turret for the perfect wake up call. Pretty sure a double shot of espresso in each latte will do the trick. Walking distance to Roar (above), their latte art is easy on the eyes as well. Named after the vehicles they ride around at the maket, Turrent’s latte art is detailed and intricate.  Hailing from Streamer Coffee Company, the owner, Kiyoshi Kawasaki, opened this shop in 2013. It may not be the best spot to set up your computer, but it is the perfect place to read a book outside. You will need some time to finish their EXTRA large lattes.

Lattest

To all my fellow ladies out there – this all female barista crew is BA and you will (not so secretly) want to join their squad. Talented, friendly and ready to whip up the perfect cup of coffee, I would put this at the top of your list when you are walking around the Harajuku/Ometsando area.

Any latte art where you live that you love? I am sure there are more in Tokyo I need to add so let me know in the comments!

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Best latte art in Toyko