Coffee Shop Top at Shibuya, Tokyo

A long-running kissaten in Shibuya Mark City East Tower, renowned for its siphon-brewed coffee and self-roasted beans.

Coffee shop top - or Kohi-ten Top in Japanese - is a classic kissaten, or traditional Japanese coffee shop, on the ground floor of Shibuya Mark City East Tower. The shop has its roots in the early post-war revival of imported coffee culture in Japan, and it has built a loyal following for siphon-brewed coffee made from beans roasted in-house. For many regulars, it is the kind of unassuming, dependable spot that keeps them coming back several times a week.

The menu spans the full kissaten repertoire: hot and iced coffee, toast sets, sandwiches and light meals, all served in a quietly retro interior that feels refreshingly detached from the buzz of the Mark City complex above. Siphon brewing gives the coffee a notably clean, aromatic cup, and the house blends change seasonally. Self-roasted beans are also sold by weight for those who want to take the experience home.

Its location on the 1F of the East Tower places it just a one-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station, making it an easy detour whether you are commuting, shopping or waiting for a bus from the Mark City terminal. The shop is open daily and accepts cash payment. It is a fine place to slow down and enjoy a properly made cup in an area where chain cafes dominate.