As one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, Tokyo is home to a variety of visually striking fashion brand cafes. From minimalistic coffee shops to elaborately decorated spaces, these establishments fuse hospitality and retail to create an immersive experience. Read on to discover where food meets style in Tokyo, including three of the city’s newest and most coveted cafes.
prada aoyama
Why Are Fashion Cafes So Popular in Japan?
After the success of Ginza’s Cafe Dior by Pierre Herme in 2017, many luxury fashion brands began to incorporate upscale food and beverage offerings into their business models. Venturing into the dining sector presents brands with an opportunity to expand their target demographic via accessible “small luxuries” like Instagrammable desserts. The centrality of social currency on Instagram in consumer motivations essentially killed two birds with one stone — the cafes’ online exposure is free marketing and enhances brand awareness.
While this marketing phenomenon is not unique to Japan, the country’s historical and cultural ties to an aesthetic appreciation of food perhaps contribute to the demand for visually focused dining experiences. A Cafe Kitsune latte featuring a photogenic logo dusted in the shape of a fox is, by no means, a descendent of an elaborate kaiseki meal. Yet, there is something to be said about the distinctly Japanese tendency to craft and crave eye-catching cuisine. From intricate floral wagashi sweets to Miffy-shaped pastries and famously adorable Tokyo Disney foods, Japan continues to produce edible marvels both traditional and modern.
Best Fashion Brand Cafes in Tokyo
pop-up store exterior, courtesy of shibukei news
1. Louis Vuitton x Murakami Cafe by Coffee Zingaro
Opened on January 2 on Harajuku’s Cat Street, The Louis Vuitton x Murakami Cafe celebrates the latest collaboration between the luxury brand and contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. It’s located in close proximity to the pop-up store — the largest of seven locations around the world feting Murakami’s 20-year history with Louis Vuitton.
The three designated spaces for the event will feature the latest collection plus archival pieces, as well as a digital installation and exhibitions. At the cafe, you’ll find eye-catching beverages like matcha lattes embellished with Murakami’s signature floral motif. The cafe will be open until January 26.
If you’re a fan of the artist, check out Nakano Broadway’s Coffee Zingaro. This technicolor retro gem is produced by Takashi Murakami and his company Kaikai Kiki.
le cafe ami, courtesy of ami paris
2. Le Cafe Ami
Originally scheduled to run until December 25, Ami Paris’ first-ever cafe event in Tokyo will now stay open until the end of February. Le Cafe Ami, in a chic, sunlit two-story space close to Meiji-Jingumae Station, boasts an aesthetic inspired by the atmosphere of Parisian cafes and the set design of the fall/winter 2024 runway. On offer are standard drinks, such as Americanos and lattes, and assorted pastries, including “cruffins” — a croissant-muffin hybrid.
“La Rose” by Anne Sophie Pic, courtesy of Ginza Six
3. Cafe Dior by Anne-Sophie Pic, Ginza
One of the most visited and innovative fashion brand-slash-dining establishments, Cafe Dior saw massive success after opening alongside the now-famous Ginza Six shopping mall in 2017. Since then, the cafe — which previously partnered with Pierre Herme and Laduree — has remained a Ginza Six staple. Its latest collaborator is French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the most Michelin-starred female chef in the world. The opening of the Ginza shop follows the December 2023 launch of the first Cafe Dior by Pic, situated in Osaka’s Kansai International Airport.
The new Cafe Dior menu describes Pic’s vision as “an epicurean and haute-couture journey where two universes with common sensitivities (elegance, savoir-faire, and pursuit of excellence) meet.” For the first time, patrons can enjoy both savory and sweet concoctions inspired by Dior’s house codes. Signature patterns like toile de Jouy, cannage and houndstooth are woven throughout the dishes.
cafe 75, courtesy of onitsuka tiger
4. Onitsuka Tiger Cafe 75
The Onitsuka Tiger Ginza Red Concept Store boasts an eye-catching exterior, with dazzling floor-to-ceiling windows in a jewel-toned red. On the shop’s second floor, visitors will find a similarly striking area — Onitsuka Tiger Cafe 75, the popular sneaker brand’s first foray into the cafe scene. The moody seating area, decorated with black and gray accents, blends mid-century and contemporary aesthetics to dramatic effect. Look forward to hand-dripped coffee, fruit smoothies and original shaved ice with seasonal ingredients.
Ralph’s Coffee Omotesando, courtesy of Ralph’s
5. Ralph’s
Ralph Lauren’s coffee shop chain is so popular worldwide that it’s now a significant brand in its own right. Its first location, on New York City’s Fifth Avenue, opened in 2014 and was beloved for its vintage charm, delicious beverages and cozy atmosphere.
There are several Ralph’s locations in Tokyo, but the Omotesando branch is especially gorgeous — albeit typically very crowded. It’s connected to the multistory Ralph Lauren flagship store, which is also a must-visit for fans of the preppy brand. Each section of the store is carefully decorated according to theme, almost like a museum, making for a unique browsing experience. At the cafe, try Ralph’s signature hot chocolate.
courtesy of cafe kitsune aoyama
6. Cafe Kitsune
Cafe Kitsune, like Ralph’s, has an identity outside of its association with its parent fashion house — in this case, the “Paris-meets-Tokyo” brand Maison Kitsune. With locations in Paris, Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul, New York City and Shanghai among other cities, this stylish cafe chain combines the intimate atmosphere of a small coffee bar with minimalistic, contemporary decor.
The Aoyama location is particularly beautiful and spacious, with golden-yellow velvet sofa seating, bamboo walls reminiscent of Japanese screens and warm lighting. Its location on a quieter street of the boutique-lined neighborhood makes it a peaceful escape while shopping. Try the cafe’s seasonal lattes: They typically feature charming art in the shape of the brand’s signature fox.
