Ginza’s Hidden Gem: Tokyo Coffee Sanctuary” Cafe de L’ambre”

Nestled in a Ginza alley, Google Maps will guide you right to the door.

Post-War Coffee Master from the Film Industry

Japan has long been a coffee hub in Asia, with coffee becoming popular among Japanese nobility during the Meiji era. Cafe de L’ambre, however, came into existence after World War II. The founder, Ichiro Sekiguchi, originally worked in the film industry with camera equipment, but it was his hand-brewed coffee served to clients in his office that garnered attention. People soon started coming just for his coffee, prompting Sekiguchi to open a café in a small alley in Nishi-Ginza in 1948. It was Japan’s first-ever café dedicated solely to coffee. The shop later moved to its current location in the 1970s.

This café is renowned throughout Japan’s coffee world. Despite its longstanding history and international media coverage from decades ago, it has stayed true to its roots, resisting the urge to expand or become a chain. Instead, the focus remains on roasting beans and hand-brewing coffee. As stated on their website: “When we opened after the war, the most expensive coffee cost 90 yen, but we charged 100 yen. People said we’d be out of business in a week to ten days.” More than 70 years later, Café de L’ambre remains a beloved destination for coffee lovers.

This glass lamp near the bar is a charming part of the café’s decor. A small cup of coffee starts at 800 yen, but it’s worth every penny.

Pure Showa-Era Vibes: Coffee is the Only Focus

If you’re planning to bring children or friends who don’t drink coffee, you may want to reconsider visiting. Café de L’ambre has upheld its tradition of serving only coffee for decades—no toast, no tea, no juice. It’s this unwavering focus that has earned the shop such respect and admiration over the years. For the full experience, make sure to sit at the bar. Not only can you soak in the rich Showa-era atmosphere, but you’ll also witness the current owner (Sekiguchi’s nephew) brewing each cup of coffee by hand.

The menu, available in Japanese, English, and even a simple Chinese version, lists coffee origins and roasting levels. One of the most prized offerings here is the vintage 10-year coffee beans. While multiple 10-year beans are listed on the menu, on my first few visits, I was told they were out of stock. It was only after frequenting the café several times, when the staff began recognizing me, that I finally got the chance to taste them.

The brewing method used by the second-generation owner is different from Ichiro’s original style. While typical hand-brewing involves pouring water in a circular motion over the grounds, here, the water is poured in a steady stream, while the hand holding the filter moves in circles. It’s a unique method that adds another layer of intrigue for coffee aficionados. When you’re sitting at the bar, feel free to ask the barista for recommendations. Once, I tried the same coffee beans brewed as both a regular black coffee and a demitasse, which revealed completely different flavours, highlighting the versatility of the beans.

Watching the barista brew coffee is an art form in itself. The custom-made enamel water pot used here is specially designed with a unique spout.

A Must-Try for Beginners: Queen of Amber

Another popular drink is the “Queen of Amber Blanc et Noir”. This drink is served in a traditional champagne glass, with sugar caramelized into the coffee, which is then chilled in an antique refrigerator. Cream is carefully floated on top. Be sure not to mix the cream and coffee when drinking—this way, you can experience the layered flavours of sweetness, caramel, and the inherent bitterness of the coffee.

The barista slowly pours cream over the coffee, without it sinking, allowing you to enjoy distinct layers of flavour.

Cafe de L’ambre Address: 8-10-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo Phone: +81-(0)3-3571-1551 Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12 PM-9 PM; Sunday and Public Holiday, 12 PM-7 PM; Closed Mondays Website: http://www.cafedelambre.com/