Hangouts: Slice of Life
Are you studying or working freelance in Tokyo? Are you looking for somewhere to work besides your apartment or library? Tokyo offers many great, alternative spots to work, but they can be quite difficult to find. And even if you do find one, there’s no guaranteeing free Wifi. Be sure to always ask before buying your coffee! Or, better yet, read The COMM’s break down of the best working spaces in Tokyo!
Streamer Coffee Company
First on our list is an extremely popular cafe among native Tokyoites and expats alike—Streamer Coffee. Nestled in the suburbs of Shibuya, this cafe is on the small side so be prepared to wait for a good table. But it’s definitely worth it! This place is welcoming to those who wish to work for an extended period of time. However, it’s only open until 6pm, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. The decor is skater chic—clean, minimalist, and monochrome with stickers plastered all over the wall. You’ll see Supreme stickers next to local independent Tokyo brands, the founders of which most definitely frequent this cafe! The staff are English-speaking and are always up for a chat. An americano is ¥450 before tax, and they’re famous for their free pour latte so be sure to check that out if you’re into milky coffee. They also sell their own merch, so everyone will know you have the best taste in Tokyo cafés!
Image courtesy of Streamer Coffee Company.
Image courtesy of Fuglen Tokyo.
Fuglen Tokyo
Fuglen is a cafe originally from Oslo, Norway. It’s no surprise that this place has a near cult following—the Scandinavian community in Tokyo has managed to make the niche art of Scandi coffee a massive hipster hit. Situated in the boujee district of Tomigaya, you’ll have no problem finding a book store or chocolatier to visit in your break time. This place is Scandinavian aesthetic to a T: warm wood, off-white colour scheme, cosy mood lighting, and comfy sofas. Fuglen feels as though it’s been created to welcome those seeking a relaxing environment for a long period of work—the coffee bar is open until 10pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 7pm from Wednesdays to Sundays, and an americano here costs ¥440 before tax. But wait! There’s more—that same coffee bar that closes at 7pm Wednesday through to Sunday turns into a cocktail bar! Perfect for treating yourself after a hard day’s work. We have a little warning though: Fuglen Tokyo is the only place on our list that does not offer charger sockets!
Image courtesy of Trunk Hotel.
Trunk Hotel
Trunk is a sleek and modern hotel in the Tokyo heartland of Shibuya. In fact, it’s quite near Streamer Coffee—so if you fancy a drink after working all day at the cafe, be sure to head here! Alternatively, you can spend the whole day at Trunk. The lounge serves coffee, with americanos priced moderately at ¥550 apiece before tax. They have an expert barista as well as a professional mixologist for after hours. Trunk is luxurious and plush with plenty of space to chill. But don’t forget, this is a hotel so the clientele is international and diverse—perfect for socialising and networking with people from all walks of life. Seriously, conversing with your neighbours is encouraged—everyone is so welcoming and open-minded!
Image courtesy of The Hive Jinnan.
The Hive Jinnan
Last on our list is an actual co-working space. The Hive, originally from Hong Kong, is a working space where you can rent a desk for any length of time—from 2 hours to several years! The Tokyo branch is located in Jinnan, a district in Shibuya, making it extremely convenient to commute to! The building itself is light and airy, making it perfect for those who thrive in more open spaces. They say that green is an inspiring colour and as there are plenty of plants potted about, The Hive could be the perfect space for new ideas to blossom! Escape the urban jungle by setting up business here—it even has its own outdoor terrace. Not only is it an aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere, but the staff are super friendly and always eager to help. It also has its own café for casual day dwellers. Prices start from ¥2000 for 2 hours.
Written by Kay.