5 Sustainable coffee shops you should visit in Japan (that is not Starbucks)

A good cup of coffee is a serious matter in Japan. When it comes to gourmet, the country has some of the best and most consistent food on the planet, and this does not exclude coffee culture. In recent times, many coffee shops are taking a simple cup of coffee to a whole new level by working with NGOs, producing fair trade products, as well as by promoting a more sustainable mindset. Here are some coffee shops around Japan that are giving their customers more than just a taste of some of the world’s best coffee.

ECO‐cafe「MINT」

Eco-cafe MINT is first on our list and is located in Saitama Prefecture, which lies north of Tokyo. Working through the Jiritsu NPO in Japan, ECO-cafe MINT is a first rate business that proves quality coffee to its customers. But what makes this shop unique is their hiring process for individuals with disabilities. It is difficult for these individuals particularly in Japan, as they face various obstacles when searching for employment. Fortunately, Eco-cafe MINT provides a steady salary and employment to staff with disabilities.

HIROCOFFEE

HIROCOFFEE goes above and beyond to provide sustainability in their coffee shop. HIROCOFFEE has its head office in Suita-shi, Osaka and holds numerous branches not only in the city, but in Hyogo as well. Established in 1988, the cafe considers itself a sustainable coffee shop, and it has various accreditation to prove it.

 

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HIROCOFFEE is part of the Rainforest Alliance; moreover, the Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods by paying special attention to land-use practices. The cafe is also very detailed regarding the origin of their coffee beans. Their beans are also considered to be fair trade, which means that the money used to purchase their goods falls into the hands of the producer. Furthermore, their beans are cultivated without harmful pesticides and are grown using natural fertilizers that raise soil productivity.

Moriva

Moriva is a coffee chain with its headquarters based in Tokyo. The chain boasts their collection of fair trade only coffee that will send your taste buds soaring.

 

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When it comes to checking the source of their ingredients, Moriva sends their employees to the main source in order to have a first-hand look at what beans they will be using. During this time, the staff studies the soil and water sources used. Furthermore, research regarding chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on farmland is performed. Before having their ingredients shipped to Japan, samples are tested for pesticide residues by a third party that has been approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor. Moriva also has direct connections with their suppliers in order to provide them with support in order to build mutually beneficial relationships.

When drinking Moriva coffee, not only will customers be satisfied with the taste, but they will also have peace of mind knowing that each sip came from a place of love and care.

Organic cafe Kissa Saeki

Next on our list is Organic cafe Kissa Saeki. Kissa Saeki is located one of Japan’s most renowned and beautiful cities, Hiroshima. The family run cafe and restaurant has been around for more than 40 years. It keeps its retro style that is reminiscent of Japanese cafes of the past.

Kissa Saeki serves up an incredible assortment of coffee and food that can be tailored to all of their customers. Although vegan food is still quite new to Japan, this cafe is on the forefront of providing meals that contain no meat products. Furthermore, what makes Kissa Saeki special isn’t only their longstanding establishment in Hiroshima, but their endeavors to avoid using chemicals or GMO foods. Their ingredients are locally grown and also organic, which provides a taste of authenticity to all of their customers. Due to their large vegan selection, this is a cafe that panders to individuals who would like to eat (and drink!) healthier while contributing less carbon emissions.

BIOCAFE

When it comes to organic food and coffee, BIOCAFE is a household name in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. Pesticide-free vegetables often mean that suppliers often use the minimum amount of pesticides in order to meet certain standards. However, BIOCAFE endeavors to keep all of their ingredients and consumables free of any pesticides.

 

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This cafe also provides an array of healthy meals, especially gluten-free products, pesticide- and chemical-free superfoods that are good for the body. It offers an array of drinks to choose from too. BIOCAFE does its best to live up to its namesake and continues to provide its customers with locally grown vegetables and ingredients that is sure to leave its customers feeling satisfied and full.

Environmentally friendly, organic, and sustainable cafes are on the rise in Japan. There are numerous shops to choose from, and the selection will only continue to grow. These cafes will help increase awareness regarding sustainability, fair trade, and the use of environmentally products and ingredients.

Many cafes are also teaming up with NGOs in order to provide knowledge to its customers, which will surely help change our purchasing habits when going out for something to eat. Japan may not be on the forefront when it comes to changing their purchasing habits, but the Japanese cafe owners are definitely helping the country to head in the right direction.