Hey there! Brew up your favorite cuppa joe and buckle up, we're jetting off to the Land of the Rising Sun — Tokyo, here we come!

Get ready to sip on some seriously aged coffees (yes, you read that right) and experience the wildest and most extreme brews Japan has to offer.

We'll be your guides as we take on Tokyo's hopping coffee scene and uncover the city's hidden gems. So, grab your favorite mug and get ready for an unforgettable caffeine-fueled adventure.

Sipping on Nostalgia: Aged Coffee in Tokyo.

Perched on my barstool, I'm packed in with a group of fellow coffee pilgrims.

A curious orange box in front of me gently grinds a small batch of coffee beans roasted just moments ago. Patrons eagerly watch as three baristas execute flawlessly on a coffee-making ritual precisely as it has been done since Sekiguchi Ichiro opened this sentimental kissaten coffee house in 1948.

We're tucked away in the heart of Ginza at Cafe de L'Ambre, a hidden gem that only locals and coffee vagabonds know about. You'd stroll right past it if not for the striking orange sign on the steps. Stepping inside, you're greeted with a warm welcome and a much-needed escape from Tokyo's never-ending hustle and bustle.

I'm in Tokyo for work, but my local buddies know I'm all about discovering quirky coffee haunts. They suggested Cafe de l'Ambre, renowned among coffee aficionados for its enigmatic founder and its aged coffee beans – a practice that defies the conventional wisdom of today's specialty coffee world.

I’ll have the 29-year-old coffee, please.

"Ever tried aged coffee before?" inquires Tanaka-San, my attentive barista.

Nope. I've always heard that green coffee beans lose their mojo over time and that freshness is king.

After quizzing me about my coffee preferences, Tanaka-San ponders my answers, then grabs a small mason jar. "Okay! Here's my recommendation." He twists off the lid, and the aroma of roasted coffee wafts my way.

Coffee bar hopping in Tokyo.

Planning a trip to Tokyo? No trip to the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun is complete without coffee bar hopping!

Japan has always had a passion for perfection, and that extends to its love for specialty coffee. The coffee scene in Tokyo is exploding with excitement, and you'll find yourself spoiled for choice when it comes to superbly roasted beans and perfectly brewed coffee.

We’ve pulled together a list of 5 extreme coffee houses in Tokyo that are an absolute must-visit for any coffee vagabond. Get ready to experience unique flavors and brewing methods that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

• Cafe de L'Ambre: We’ve already shown you what’s in store, and no cafe-hopping adventure in Tokyo is complete without stopping in to taste their vintage beans. Experience it for yourself, you’ll be blown away. (8 Chome-10-15, in Ginza; tele: +81-3-3571-1551; hours: open every day except Mondays from noon until 9PM, till 7PM on Sundays and Holidays)

• Koffee Mameya: This minimalist-style coffee shop offers an unrivaled selection of beans from around the world, with a focus on rare and high-quality varieties. The baristas at Koffee Mameya are experts in their craft and will provide you with an unforgettable coffee experience. Expect a wait, but it’s well worth it — best time to arrive is just before opening time. (4 Chome-15-3 Jingumae, in Shibuya; tele: +81-3-5413-9422; hours: open every day from 10AM to 6PM)

• Glitch Coffee & Roasters: These guys are a tiny, independent coffee shop located in the uber-cool Kiyosumi-Shirakawa neighborhood. They love to use an Aeropress to brew their coffee, creating a smooth and clean flavor that highlights the unique character of their fresh-roasted beans. The baristas at Glitch are friendly and willing to chat-up all things coffee. (4 1F 3-16 Kanda-Nishikicho, in Chiyoda; tele: +81-3-5244-5458; hours: weekdays open 8AM to 7PM; weekends open 1 hour later - 9AM to 7PM)

• Fuglen Tokyo: This coffee house combines Scandinavian design with Japanese precision to create a unique and innovative coffee experience. These coffee fanatics focus on sustainability and they source their beans from small, independent farms exclusively. (1 Chome-16-11 Tomigaya, in Shibuya; tele: none; hours: Monday-Thursday 7AM to 10PM; Friday-Sunday 7AM until midnight)

• Sarutahiko Coffee: This place is all about pushing the boundaries of coffee brewing. They offer a range of unusual brewing methods, including a flight of many coffees brewed with different techniques and served on a wooden board (because, well, that’s how you do it). Don't miss their interpretation of the Italian "Shakerato," a shaken iced coffee with a creamy texture and flavor (see last week’s issue of The Red Eye). (1 Chome−18−20, in Shibuya; tele: +81-3-6721-1908; hours: Open every day from 8AM to 10PM)

Ok, that’s a wrap!

That's it for this week's edition of The Red Eye! We hope you enjoyed our journey through Tokyo's extreme coffee scene, from aged coffees to quirky brewing methods.

We're always on the lookout for the next great coffee adventure, so if you have any recommendations or questions about coffee or travel, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Until next time, happy sipping and safe travels!

Ciao!
— Michael and the Dü Coffee crew.

Tell your friends and family about The Red Eye, and let's grow this community of coffee-loving travelers together!

Share your personal referral link anywhere your friends hang out. When you share and your friends sign-up, we’ll send you free coffee! ☕

Here's your own personal link:

https://newsletter.du.coffee/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

Right now you're just 2 referrals away from free coffee! 👍