9 Must visit Tokyo sustainable cafes: Sip, savor, and save the planet

Tokyo, a bustling metropolis where tradition meets the future, skyscrapers juxtapose ancient temples, and where amidst the clamor, pockets of calm exist. These are not just ordinary sanctuaries but cafes that challenge the status quo, rewriting the narrative of sustainability one beverage at a time. Imagine sipping on a latte brewed with ethically-sourced beans, while seated at a table crafted from reclaimed wood. But here’s the twist: your drink didn’t just delight your taste buds; it also fed your soul, because each choice you make at these cafes supports a more sustainable, harmonious world. So, why settle for just a caffeine fix when you can have a transformative experience?

Here are nine sustainable cafes to put on your wishlist when you visit Tokyo this year!

Rinne.bar (Taito)

Rinne.bar in Taito, Tokyo is a haven for creative spirits and eco-conscious minds alike. Opened in February 2020, Rinne.bar is more than just a bar—it’s an experiential space where “CRAFT x DRINK x UPCYCLING” converge. Here, customers can sip a drink while crafting items from scrap materials provided by local artisans. Whether you’re a crafting novice interested in making a bowtie or a seasoned artist who prefers a freehand approach, Rinne.bar accommodates all. The concept draws inspiration from Portland’s vibrant crafts scene and aims to inject creativity into Japanese society while championing environmental responsibility. It’s a community space where the cycle of creativity—“Rinne,” or “reincarnation” in Japanese—never ends. Learn more about Rinne.bar here.

Details for rinne.bar

Address: 111-0056 Tokyo, Taito City, Kojima, 2 Chome−21−2 (Google map)
Opening hours: 1pm ~ 10pm (Wed ~ Sun)
URL: Homepage

BIKAS COFFEE (Bunkyo)

In Japan, sustainability in startups is often discovered by consumers after the point of purchase, rather than being the initial draw. BIKAS COFFEE, led by Brand Manager Yuki Kan, exemplifies this approach. Offering Nepali coffee under the tagline “Weekend BIKAS COFFEE,” the brand invites customers to break their routine and try something new—later revealing the coffee’s sustainable origins. Rooted in Kan’s personal journey from a volunteer building schools in Nepal to an entrepreneur, BIKAS COFFEE aims to empower Nepali communities. It’s part of a broader cultural trend in Japan, blending hedonistic enjoyment with conscious consumption. Learn more about BIKAS COFFEE’s interview here.

Details for BIKAS COFFEE

Address: 112-0014 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Sekiguchi Chome-23-6, 112 1 (Google map)
Opening hours: 9:30am ~ 5pm Weekdays, 1~6pm Saturday, 10am~6pm Sunday
URL: Homepage

Zero-waste cafe & bar æ (Shibuya)

The cafe’s very name, a blend of symbolism representing both a coffee bean and infinity, speaks to its zero-waste mission. From a décor crafted from discarded denim to a farm-to-table cycle that repurposes coffee grounds as fertilizer, every facet of “æ” (ash) is designed for minimal waste. Innovations include QR code menus and uniforms made from biodegradable Japanese paper fibers. The café collaborates with artisan roasters and experiments in waste-to-resource methods, bringing sustainability into every sip and bite. Learn more about Zero-waste cafe & bar æ here.

Details for Zero-waste cafe & bar æ

Address: 150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−5−2 (Google map)
Opening hours: 12pm ~ 12am
URL: Instagram

Tsugugoto Cafe (Shibuya)

Tsugugoto Cafe is a culinary oasis just minutes away from Tokyo’s bustling stations. Rooted in the concept of “tsugu,” meaning “to pass on,” the café is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Japanese culture—from the use of traditional wooden barrels for miso production to spirituality-infused meals curated by Ayurveda expert Maki Miura. Offering options like plant-based broths and daily-changing menus sourced from organic farms, the café also minimizes waste by utilizing “imperfect” produce. Family and pet-friendly, Tsugugoto provides a peaceful retreat to savor Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. (Reference: Life Hugger)

Details for Tsugugoto Cafe

Address: 151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi, Chome-50-13-4 (Google map)
Opening hours: 10:30am ~ 4pm, Friday ~7:30pm, Closed on Wed & Sun
URL: Instagram

élab Kitchen (Taito)

Owned by Fog Co., Ltd., élab serves as a collaborative laboratory pioneering the concept of circularity in daily life essentials like clothing, food, and housing. Engaging consumers, experts, and local communities, élab offers experiential spaces like its zero-waste Kitchen Lab and Living Lab, which focus on sustainable practices like plant-based cooking and local craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the rooftop garden, dine on seasonal dishes crafted by their in-house chef, and discover eco-friendly products and literature. Reflecting its name, “erabu lab” or “laboratory of choice,” élab aims to be a hub for sustainable innovation in everyday living. (Reference: Zenbird.Life)

Details for élab Kitchen

Address: 111-0054 Tokyo, Taito City, Torigoe, 2 Chome−2−7 (Google map)
Opening hours: 12pm ~ 6pm, Wed to Sun
URL: Homepage

Nono Cafe (Mitaka)

Nono is a new bulk store and café just a 6-minute walk from Mitaka Station, aimed at supporting the growing zero-waste movement in Japan. Offering a vast selection of eco-friendly products like vegetables, seasonings, and even liquids like sake by weight, Nono prioritizes environmentally responsible and locally-sourced items. The café operates on a unique rotating basis, offering a platform for aspiring local restaurateurs. Founded by a group of passionate women from Mitaka under the new Workers’ Cooperatives Act, Nono aims to foster a sustainable community and inspire similar initiatives across Japan. Learn more about Nono here.

Details for Nono Cafe

Address: 181-0013, Tokyo, Mitaka, Shimorenjaku Chome-33-8-3 (Google map)
Opening hours: 11am~6pm (Weekends 10:30am~)
URL: Homepage

RISE & WIN Brewing Co. KAMIKATZ TAPROOM (Higashi Azabu)

Located in Tokyo, the KAMIKATZ TAPROOM is more than just a purveyor of craft beer; it’s a sustainability pioneer. Its craft beers originating from RISE & WIN Brewing Co. in Kamikatsu Town, known for its zero-waste ethos, the taproom advocates for the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The company utilizes a circular economy model, turning waste products like spent grain and wastewater into liquid fertilizer for barley cultivation under their “reRise” initiative. This not only promotes sustainable farming but also benefits local communities, enhancing crop yields and flavors while reducing waste, encapsulating a full-circle approach to sustainable brewing. (Reference: Zenbird.Life)

Details for KAMIKATZ TAPROOM

Address: 106-0044 Tokyo, Minato City, Higashiazabu, 1 Chome−4−2 1F (Google map)
Opening hours: 12pm~3pm, 5pm~11pm
URL: Homepage

MUSHI-YA TOKYO ueno (Ueno)

“MUSHI-YA TOKYO ueno” in Ueno Ameyoko Center Building aims to change perceptions about insect cuisine. As a specialty store, it refines its menu based on customer feedback and offers dishes like salt-and-pepper “Large Cricket Skewers.” According to the shop’s owner, Kondo, their insect-based dishes are gaining popularity across all demographics, including children. Contrary to the stigma that insect food is a form of ‘punishment’ or ‘bad-tasting,’ the shop promotes insects as a delicious and sustainable protein source. With a mission aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), MUSHI-YA is committed to expanding the insect food market. Learn more about MUSHI-YA TOKYO here.

Details for MUSHI-YA TOKYO ueno

Address: 110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 4 Chome−7−8 (Google map)
Opening hours: 11am~8pm
URL: Instagram

2foods (Shibuya)

In the heart of youth-centric Shibuya, 2foods stands as a symbol of chic, tasteful veganism, showcasing a plant-based menu within a space that mirrors its modern mission. Located in Loft, within the approachable Food Tech Park, this establishment is not just a dining haven but also an educational hub. With electronic tablets detailing product descriptions and ingredients, and a variety of brands on display that refreshes, it offers insights into the latest food technology. Committed to this educative pursuit, 2foods intends to be a permanent fixture, continually introducing visitors to emerging food tech trends. Note that 2foods are also located in other areas of Tokyo, and we are recommending this for its alternative food exhibition! Learn more about Shibuya Loft’s 2foods here.

Details for 2foods (Shibuya Loft)

Address: Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 21-1, Inside Loft 2F (Google map)
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun (11am ~ 9pm), Fri-Sat & Day before holidays (11am ~ 10:30pm)
URL: Homepage (JA)