A review of a cafe overlooking a bridge at Kuramae, Asakusa, Tokyo by an amateur coffee enthusiast and shoestring digital nomad. Descriptions are equal parts coffee and remote-work suitability.

Iced coffee for a late summer day — Photo by Athena Lam

Cafe Overview:

The friendly baristas face the street for take-out customers — Photo by Athena Lam

Opened in May 2016, Leaves Coffee Apartment is a relative newcomer to Tokyo’s blossoming independent coffee scene. The cafe sits at a corner on the edge of Asakusa facing the Sumida River and seats in the second-floor have a bridge view. I am partial to places in the Shitamachi (Tokyo’s historic “lower city”) as well as places that are at least 15-minute walks from heavy-traffic areas. Leaves Coffee Apartment fulfills both requirements, so the off-beat location is already a good start!

Flugen is a popular cafe in Shibuya — Photo by Athena Lam

Next, the beans. Leaves Coffee Apartment serves Flugen beans and has espresso, hand-drip, and cold-brew options. I opted for an iced hand-trip. The Kenyan beans had a slightly more robust flavour with mellow berry notes. With the ice, the drink becomes almost tea-like, but it was perfect second cup of coffee as refreshment before I rode home.

Shorts playing on loop with American Western music — Photo by Athena Lam

Second floor seating and a third floor hair salon — Photo by Athena Lam

For remote work, I didn’t notice any plugs on the second floor, which will always have a spare seat because of its location at Kuramae, just far enough from Asakusa itself to avoid spill-over trafic. Only locals looking for it or people who like to stroll will stumble upon its prime location overlooking the river. The second floor open room feels like it’s taken inspiration from retro American outpost diner (the music), French artist atelier and Tokyo hipster – not in an unpleasant way.

Food is also available, so you can stay for a few hours!

Their Story / What I like About Them:

Photogenic lighting in this apartment space — Photo by Athena Lam

The cut-out counter facing the street (as popular with many hipster Japanese stalls) gives the effect that you’re welcome in someone’s homey kitchen. The servers are super friendly. One of the baristas had noticed me across the street and gestured that it was alright for me to take photos. When I was trying to decide, they casually asked if I wanted more information on the beans, but left me to ponder without a fuss.

Take a seat on the bench if you want fresh air and some casual banter — Photo by Athena Lam

Asakusa has a handful of independent cafes, but I’ll probably come back here just for the view of the bridge and quiet space.

Random drinks and American food are on the menu — Photo by Athena Lam

Good For:

• Coffee: Cold brew, espresso (use Flugen beans)
• Food: Pastries and lunch items
• Cafe Space: Upper floor with small square tables and a bridge view
• Friends: Hangouts & catching up
• Workspace: 2 plugs the bar counter above the stairs. Quiet reading and work area with a view.
• Remote Work: Bring your own pocket WiFi.