Blue Bottle Coffee Nakameguro
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About
Located in a renovated three-story factory, this branch of the California-based coffee roaster is a temple of 'Third Wave' coffee. The industrial-chic design features high ceilings, raw concrete, and large windows. It houses a training lab, a workshop, and a cafe area. Their baristas are known for their meticulous pour-over technique and latitante-level latte art. Nakameguro is the perfect neighborhood for this cafe, as you can grab a 'New Orleans' iced coffee and stroll along the Meguro River, especially during the cherry blossom season when the area is at its most beautiful.
Highlights
- Industrial-chic coffee roastery
- Expertly brewed pour-overs
- Minimalist aesthetic design
- Nakameguro riverside neighborhood
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Torishiki (Meguro)
Torishiki is widely considered the best yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) restaurant in the world. Chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa is a master of 'fire management,' using Kishu Binchotan charcoal to grill every part of the chicken with a precision that borders on the spiritual. The 'omakase' continues until you say stop, featuring skewers that are smoky, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. It holds one Michelin star, a rarity for yakitori. Getting a reservation is notoriously difficult, usually requiring hundreds of phone calls on the first day of the month, but it is the ultimate pilgrimage for any yakitori fan.
Sushi No Midori (Shibuya)
Famous for offering 'high-quality sushi at revolving-sushi prices,' Midori is one of Tokyo's most popular mid-range sushi restaurants. It is particularly known for its generous portions, such as the 'Anago' (saltwater eel) that is so long it wraps around the rice twice. Their sets often include chawanmushi (savory custard) and crab miso salad. Located in the Mark City building, it consistently has a line of over 50 people. Use the ticket machine at the door to get a number and explore Shibuya while you wait. It offers an unbeatable quality-to-price ratio.
SHIBUYA SKY
Perched 229 meters above the iconic Shibuya Scramble, this is Tokyo's most modern and 'Instagrammable' rooftop observatory. Unlike traditional enclosed decks, SHIBUYA SKY features an open-air 'Sky Stage' where the wind brushes past you as you gaze at a 360-degree horizon. The 'Sky Edge' corner allows for dramatic photos where nothing but glass stands between you and the drop. Inside, the 'Sky Gallery' uses digital art to enhance the viewing experience. Note: Tripods and loose items are strictly prohibited on the roof for safety, so use the provided lockers.
Hachiko Statue
This small bronze statue outside Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit tells the most famous animal story in Japan. It honors an Akita dog named Hachiko who, in the 1920s, returned to the station every day for nine years to wait for his master long after his master’s death. Today, it is not only a monument to loyalty and devotion but also the most iconic meeting point in Tokyo. Despite the chaotic crowds of the Shibuya Scramble just steps away, the statue remains a place where people pause to pay respect or snap a photo of the legendary dog.
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