An Aromatic Detour in the Heart of Nihonbashi
It was late afternoon on a clear day. I had just finished a meeting in Nihonbashi and was heading home, a pleasant sense of accomplishment washing over me. As I stepped out from Hakkaisan’s Sennen Kojiya, a place I’d visited before, a rich, enticing aroma suddenly tickled my nose. Coffee, perhaps? My gaze scanned the surroundings, searching for the source. Then, a familiar sign caught my eye: “Yanaka Coffee.” I remembered spotting it once when I was in the Coredo Muromachi area for a movie, a place I’d meant to visit but never got around to. Coincidentally, I had just run out of coffee beans at home. This felt like fate, and my feet instinctively led me towards the shop.
Yanaka Coffee Nihonbashi, though nestled in a corner of the bustling city, boasts a charming, verdant entrance. Opening the warm, wooden door, the first thing that greeted me was a large coffee roaster. And that captivating, roasty aroma I’d followed? It was even stronger here. But in the next moment, I noticed something a little… off. For a shop selling coffee beans, the beans displayed on the shelves weren’t the familiar brown I expected.
“Wait, Are Those Green Beans?” A Surprising Encounter and the Start of a Roasting Adventure
As I stood there, slightly puzzled, a staff member with a gentle demeanor approached me. “Would you like to try a sample? Hot or iced?” they asked. This unexpected offer was delightful. “Yes, please! Iced, if possible,” I replied instantly. I was served an iced coffee brewed from Mexican beans. With the first sip, I found it refreshingly clean yet with a distinct body – truly delicious. However, my mind was still fixated on those peculiar “green beans” I’d seen earlier.
“Excuse me, about these beans…?” I ventured. The staff member smiled. “These are all green coffee beans. Here at our shop, customers choose their preferred green beans, and we roast them on the spot for each order.”
A coffee shop where you can choose green beans and have them freshly roasted right before your eyes! As someone who works in digital marketing and prides myself on exploring various cultures domestically and internationally, this was a revelation. I had no idea such a place existed in Nihonbashi. For a coffee lover like myself, this was an experience I simply couldn’t pass up.
Finding Your Perfect Brew: Selecting from Over 30 Types of Green Beans
“Do you have any recommendations?” I inquired. “What kind of coffee do you usually prefer?” the staff member responded. A perfect way to guide me. “I like coffees with strong acidity,” I stated without hesitation. “In that case, I’d recommend beans from Africa. The ones with a yellowish mark on the top right of the label are African, known for their distinct acidic character,” they explained clearly.
The shelves were lined with hessian sacks containing over 30 types of green coffee beans sourced from 15 countries. Each had a label detailing its origin and characteristics, making browsing itself an enjoyable experience. It was also a thoughtful touch that they offered two types of decaffeinated green beans for those mindful of caffeine. Unfortunately, I was short on time that day, so I decided to trust my intuition and chose a Ugandan bean called “Gradually Berry.” “I’ll take 200 grams of this, please.”
Customizing Your Roast: Medium Roast for a Balance of Aroma and Acidity
The next question was about the roast level. “If you want to fully enjoy the acidity, a light roast is recommended. If you’d also like to savor the香ばしさ (kōbashisa – roasty aroma), a medium roast is a good choice.” After a moment of contemplation, I opted for, “Medium roast, please.” After settling the bill, the staff informed me, “It will take about 20 minutes.” I could have waited inside, but I decided to take a short stroll nearby. This waiting time, I mused, is part of the unique charm of getting freshly roasted coffee beans to purchase.
The Anticipated Arrival: My Very Own “Gradually Berry”
When I returned at the appointed time, my freshly roasted “Gradually Berry” beans were waiting, exuding a plump, fragrant aroma. The simple label was stylish too.
Back home, I brewed a cup right away. Just as the staff member had advised, it was a perfectly harmonious cup, with a rich aroma, pleasant acidity, and a deep, satisfying body. This was the essence of Tokyo specialty coffee. It was truly an experience that “conveys sensations,” something I felt compelled to share on Photomo.
Discovering Yanaka Coffee Nihonbashi: Charms and Tips
Yanaka Coffee Nihonbashi is a special place that I believe any coffee enthusiast should experience at least once.
Highlights
- Roast-to-Order: The biggest draw is undoubtedly the live roasting experience and the incredible freshness of the coffee you take home.
- Wide Selection: Choose from over 30 types of green coffee beans from 15 countries. Decaf options are also available.
- Smart Ordering with the App: Use their dedicated app to order ahead and pick up your freshly roasted coffee without waiting. They also offer home delivery, which is convenient for those who live far away or are busy.
- Knowledgeable Staff: No worries if you’re not a coffee expert. The friendly staff will offer helpful advice based on your preferences.
Access and Shop Information
Yanaka Coffee Nihonbashi is conveniently located near Coredo Muromachi Terrace, a short walk from Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hanzomon Lines) and Shin-Nihombashi Station (JR). It’s a perfect spot to drop by while exploring Nihonbashi, truly one of the area’s Nihonbashi stylish cafes.
Official Website: https://www.yanaka-coffeeten.com/
Google Map :
If you’re looking for a Nihonbashi coffee roast experience, want to buy truly delicious freshly roasted coffee beans, or are simply seeking a special little thrill in your daily life, I wholeheartedly recommend this place. As CityNomix, this is definitely a spot to add to my “Best things to do in Tokyo” list, and I’m already planning my return.
Conclusion: A Nihonbashi Coffee Journey That Gratifies the Senses
My experience at Yanaka Coffee was more than just buying coffee beans; it was a journey that gratified all five senses, from selecting the beans to witnessing the roasting and finally savoring the brew. The bliss of being enveloped in the aroma of beans roasted just for me is an unparalleled pleasure.
It was a wonderful encounter that truly embodied Photomo’s theme of “Walk, Shoot, Write.” When you visit Nihonbashi, I urge you to try this unique coffee experience. You’re sure to find your own special cup, and you’ll undoubtedly feel the desire to share that感動 (kandō – deep emotion/impression) with someone else.