We've been to Japan quite a few times now, and it has generally been challenging to find really good espresso. We are usually relegated to Starbucks (which isn't a bad thing when they have interesting Japanese seasonal flavors to try!) but when you have small batch, specialty espresso, you quickly realize the difference. I found a few blogs where people have discovered the burgeoning coffee culture in Tokyo, and we were quick to add a few spots to our list.

When I heard about this unbelievable, has-to-be-seen latte art, we hustled on over to Streamer Coffee Company. They have 3 locations in Tokyo. After sauntering through some side roads of Shibuya, we found Streamer Coffee Company tucked away on a quiet backstreet. They had a strict no photo policy near the coffee counter, so I took a few discreet shots once we sat down and refrained from being a nuisance. We ordered a straightforward latte as well as their specialty, Matcha White Chocolate latte - the "Military Latte" due to its camo-like surface after all three ingredients are mixed together. We had reservations on matcha mixed with espresso, but it was positively perfect!

Matcha White Chocolate Espresso Latte - "Military Latte"

We also stumbled across The Roastery by Nozy Coffee while walking through Harajuku. At The Roastery, they actually roast their own single origin beans inside the shop - it felt like we were back in San Francisco! I snuck a few photos in despite getting spoken to in Japanese in what felt like a request to not photograph. The Japanese culture is quite camera obsessed, so I was surprised that both coffee shops had a similar sentiment, but we of course obliged (got a few in before though!) I think they like to keep their amazing latte art a well-kept secret.

Next to The Roastery (although not related) was the cutest little donut cart called COCO-agepan. These donuts were amazing! They were filled with organic refined coconut oil cream. We've never had anything like it and we are eager to try to figure out how to make these ourselves.

Streamer Coffee Company
1F 1-20-28, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

The Roastery by Nozy Coffee
150-0001 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 5-17-13

Coco-agepan
神宮前５丁目-17-, Shibuya, Tokyo