One of my favourite neighbourhoods I explored in Japan was Kichijoji. If you have ever heard people describe certain areas of Japan as feeling like they belong inside a Studio Ghibli scene, Kichijoji is absolutely one of those places.
For me, the other spots that carried that same energy were Shimokitazawa and Kamakura. Something about these places feels softer and quieter than the busier districts like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Japan has a beautiful way of blending old and new. Even when buildings are older, they somehow still feel fresh and polished. Nothing ever feels gritty. Everything feels cared for.
Why Kichijoji feels a little like a Ghibli setting
Walking through Kichijoji, it honestly made sense why so many Ghibli related experiences exist nearby. The famous Ghibli Museum is located here, and the neighbourhood also hosts the whimsical Corn Barley, where you can experience a Ghibli themed meal.
Even Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory, known for its Totoro shaped cream puffs, has locations in both Kichijoji and nearby Shimokitazawa. Once you spend a little time walking around the area, it becomes obvious why these places live here.
The streets feel cozy. The shops feel thoughtful. There are little cafés tucked between stores that make you want to slow down. Naturally, I wanted to stop for matcha.
Stopping at Capoon Matcha and Coffee
One café that appeared on my list through TikTok recommendations was Capoon Matcha and Coffee, a small Kichijoji Tokyo cafe that looked like a nice place to sit for a while.
And since I had unofficially made it my mission to try as much matcha as possible during the trip, it seemed like a good opportunity.
The café itself fit the neighbourhood nicely. Calm interior, friendly staff, and a quiet space where we could sit for a bit while waiting for our train to Kyoto later that day.
Sometimes cafés become memorable simply because they offer a moment to pause during travel.
The ordering rule strikes again
However, we ran into something I had already experienced at a few cafés in Tokyo. The one person, one order rule. Every guest seated at the table must order something. Sharing a single drink is not allowed.
If I had known that beforehand, I probably would have just ordered my matcha to go. But walking around with drinks in Japan is generally discouraged, so staying seated felt like the easier option.
The challenge for me is that I drink slowly. Even a small drink can take me a long time to finish. I like to sit, relax, and actually enjoy it. Apparently Tokyo cafés are less enthusiastic about that approach.
Tokyo cafe tip
- Many Tokyo cafés require each seated guest to order one item.
- If you plan to share drinks or desserts, it is worth checking the policy first.
The matcha itself
Unfortunately, the matcha was where the experience fell a little flat. There was no option to adjust the matcha strength, which meant the drink leaned heavily toward milk rather than matcha flavour. For someone who enjoys a strong matcha profile, this was disappointing.
If you prefer a softer, milky matcha latte, it might be perfectly enjoyable. But personally, I am not paying matcha prices just to drink warm milk. So for me, this one ended up on the skip list.
The café experience overall
To be fair, the café itself was pleasant. The staff were kind. The seating was comfortable. We were able to relax for a bit before continuing our journey.
The washroom was extremely tiny, which is fairly common in compact Japanese cafés. Still clean though. Japan manages to keep even the smallest spaces impressively tidy.
The coffee, according to my husband, was fine. Not bad. Just not something you would travel across Tokyo for.
Final thoughts on this Kichijoji Tokyo cafe
Kichijoji itself is absolutely worth visiting. The neighbourhood has a gentle charm that feels very different from the faster pace of central Tokyo. It is one of those places where wandering without a plan works surprisingly well.
But Capoon Matcha and Coffee would not make my list of cafés to revisit. Japan has so many incredible matcha spots that it makes sense to prioritize the stronger ones.
Still, the stop gave us something valuable. A quiet moment in a lovely neighbourhood before continuing our journey. And sometimes that is reason enough.
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