Ogawa Coffee Laboratory in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, is focused on coffee enthusiasts. Located in Shimokitazawa, Ogawa offers a unique coffee experience in a lively neighborhood known for its indie and artistic atmosphere.
The interior is sleek with modern industrial design. The baristas are highly skilled, meticulously brewing each coffee to perfection.
They source their beans from top producers. They provide a variety of single-origin coffees. These coffees are showcased on a useful visual chart.
There may not be enough seats available. Be prepared to stand or take your coffee to go if all the tables are full. Also, remember to purchase some coffee beans before you leave. Don’t forget to buy some coffee beans too.
Ogawa Coffee vs. KOFFEE MAMEYA
If you want an elevated coffee experience without waiting in long lines, this is a good option. You can have a special coffee experience at KOFFEE MAMEYA. If you’re from out of town and staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya, it will about a 15 to 20-minute train ride.
It’s well worth the short trip to explore the surrounding neighborhood. You’ll find Bear Pond Espresso and Brooklyn Roasting Company (which has plenty of seating, plus food) nearby if you’re looking to hop between shops.
KOFFEE MAMEYA sells coffee from different roasters, while Ogawa Coffee roasts its own coffee. One Time Out article describes this location as more of a “bean salon” than a cafe. If you’re traveling and are looking for a place to pick up some beans to take home, this is the place to go. Make sure to ask one of the knowledgeable staff for some help.
The Coffee Experience at Ogawa
Ogawa Coffee Laboratory prides itself on serving coffee and providing an educational experience. The baristas brew each cup with precision and are more than willing to share their knowledge. If you love coffee or are new to it, the staff is friendly and ready to help. They can explain the different types of coffee beans and how to brew them.
The chart shows where their coffees come from and what they taste like. It helps customers learn more about each brew.
Discovering Shimokitazawa
A visit to Ogawa Coffee Laboratory isn’t complete without exploring the Shimokitazawa neighborhood. Shimokitazawa is well-known for its small independent stores, second-hand shops, and diverse restaurants. This creates a blend of traditional and modern Tokyo.
Stroll through the narrow streets lined with street art and discover hidden gems, from quirky bookstores to live music venues. The neighborhood has a cool vibe that complements the fancy coffee at Ogawa. This makes it a great place to explore Tokyo’s unique culture.
Events and Community Engagement
Ogawa Coffee Laboratory hosts events such as coffee tastings and brewing workshops. These events bring the community together.
They also allow people to learn more about coffee. The space collaborates with local artists to host art exhibitions and events that showcase the neighborhood’s creativity. Watch their social media for events during your visit to enhance your coffee experience.
Getting to Ogawa Coffee in Shimokitazawa
If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, it’s likely you’ll be coming from Shinjuku or Shibuya, in which case you can get here easily by train. If you’re coming from Shibuya Station, You can take the Inokashira Line 6 stops to Shimo-Kitazawa Station without having to transfer. If you’re coming from Shinjuku Station, you can take the Odakyu Line 2 stops Shimo-Kitazawa Station.
Keep in mind that train schedules and travel times will vary, but getting to Ogawa Coffee in Tokyo is very easy! The building is somewhat nondescript, so make sure to carefully follow your maps and look for the entrance that you see here below.
