If you’re looking for a peaceful cafe to study and work in Tokyo, you might put Shibuya in the back of your mind. But while it can be crowded, there is a plethora of cozy and hip cafes in Shibuya that are perfect for long hours of Japanese language study, exam preparations and even remote work.
Cafe has always been a big part of modern Japanese culture, and it’s no wonder why. With the aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods, the white noise of people chatting, and classical music drifting through the air, Japanese baristas and coffee establishments are particularly passionate about their craft. There’s an overall cozy vibe that you wouldn’t find in other cities. Cafes can also make for the best study and work environment. You have none of the distractions that you have at home. Plus, there is something about being surrounded by strangers in a cafe that helps motivate us to sit back, focus and study.
But what makes a cafe ideal for studying and working? At Coto, we believe it’s all about the basic amenities – like power sockets and free WiFi, as well as comfort. Can you find a quiet spot to study? Are there enough seats? Are the chairs comfortable?
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best cafes in Shibuya where you can enjoy a coffee, study, and work in peace.
Shibuya offers more than just entertainment – it’s also a great place to learn Japanese! Coto Academy is opening its fourth school there this summer, and if you are interested in learning in Shibuya, you can contact us and stay tuned for upcoming classes and events!
Freeman Cafe
Overlooking a busy pedestrian crossing, this cafe with its large floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy wooden furnishing is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee. The Freeman Cafe has free Wi-Fi and power outlets available at every table under the seat. They also have a range of desserts and light meals on their menu. In particular, we recommend their delicious chai tea dusted with cinnamon on top and it comes with a cinnamon stick to stir.
This location can get quite busy but the wait is usually not too long as they have a two-hour time limit on their seats to keep business moving. Located on the second floor of the Metro Plaza just above an exit from Shibuya station, it is a very accessible cafe in Shibuya for a quick study session and is open every day, Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm.
Location: 1-16-14 MetroP Plaza 2F, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
Valley Park Stand
Inside the Miyashita Park shopping mall on the fourth floor is the Valley Park Stand cafe, a stylish, open space with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious leather seats. This cafe offers power outlets, Wi-Fi, light meals, and good coffee in a prime location to study. The cafe itself is not too far from Shibuya station — just a four-minute walk away.
It’s open every day from 8 am until 10 pm. It is notably quieter in the mornings, making this cafe in Shibuya an ideal place for remote work, studying, or reading a good book. We recommend turning up early if you want to get a good seat.
We also recommend you try their pita bread sandwiches with gorgeous falafel and if you arrive in the evening you can even grab a cocktail from their bar. This cafe further offers a vegan menu and is completely cashless.
Location: 6-20-10 Miyashita Park 4F, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
If you haven’t checked it out yet, read our comprehensive neighborhood guide to Shibuya!
White Glass Coffee
The White Glass Coffee is a little escape from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, tucked away on the second floor with lots of plants for added greenery. This cafe in Shibuya was created as a green bar for those that want to savor their drink amongst a little bit of nature. They also have free Wi-Fi and power outlets for a relaxed and convenient working environment.
This cafe is renowned for its roasted coffee which is roasted onsite with beans imported from around the world and offers a selection of notably good pastries. For their coffee, they have soy milk in stock for those that prefer plant-based. As for their menu, we recommend trying their famed cheese and egg toast which is incredibly fluffy and delicious. Alternatively, they have a range of light meals that change according to the season.
The White Glass Coffee cafe is just a 6-minute walk away from Shibuya station and is open every day from 8 am until 8 pm. Seating is limited to a maximum of two hours.
Location: 23−18 ビジョナリーアーツ 1F, Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031
FabCafe Tokyo
With a fast WiFi connection, power outlets, and a clean environment, FabCafe Tokyo is both an excellent workspace and an ideal cafe in Shibuya for students. It’s also a haven for creatives with regular workshops including how to make your own bangle, cardholder, or stylish travel tag. They have a variety of unique services including a 3D printer and laser cutter however, usually, these need to be booked in advance. Please check their website for more details about booking.
The cafe also offers reasonably priced drinks, some under 500 yen, and a menu of light meals including sandwiches and cake. Located in the Dogenzaka area of Shibuya it is just a 6-minute walk from the station. The only downside is that their opening hours aren’t as regular as most cafes in Shibuya for studying. For example, they close earlier on Saturdays (3:30 pm), and open a bit later on weekends (10 am).
Location: 1 Chome−22−7 道玄坂ピア 1F, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
Wired Tokyo 1999
This retro cafe and bar are hidden in the middle of the Tsutaya bookstore, ideal if you want to grab a book first to read or study in their cafe. The seating is cozy and comfortable with many cushioned chairs. Overall, this caf in Shibuya has such a nice and relaxing ambiance that you wouldn’t guess it is right next to the bustling scramble square.
They serve food such as pizza if you’re hungry and cocktails later in the night. If you’re craving a sweet treat, they offer a heavenly white chocolate matcha latte and cheesecake that we know you’ll love. Wired Tokyo 1999 can be found in the Q Front complex on the 7th floor. Open every day from 10 am to 10 pm for those late-night study sessions.
Location: 21−6 QFRONT 7F, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
Set a little bit back from the crowds of Scramble Square, this cafe in Shibuya is still only a 3-minute stroll from Shibuya station and positioned on the famed Shibuya Center Gai Street. This cafe gives European pub-like vibes and has free Wi-Fi and power outlets. You can order a full meal here or a light lunch such as grilled sandwiches and pasta. They also have sweet desserts such as parfaits and cakes. Alternatively, you can sit with a hot drink and soak up the atmosphere while listening to their classical music in the background.
This cafe brews a particularly good cup of coffee and we recommend any coffee lovers order their premium coffee. It is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
Location: 33−1 グランド東京渋谷ビル 2F, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
Tokyo Kenkyo
This little cafe is a fair distance away from Shibuya at a 10-minute walk towards Daikanyama. But it is worth the walk with a rooftop terrace, a range of original sandwiches, French toast, and drinks with floating flowers. There are no power outlets here but the cafe does have free Wi-Fi so it is best for studying with a book or a full battery on your device. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am till 5.30 pm.
Location: 7−9 Nanpeidaicho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0036
Co-working Spaces in Shibuya
To finish our list we have included some co-working spaces for those that want to spend the whole day studying in one place as cafes in Shibuya often have time limits, especially during peak business hours. At co-working spaces, you will have access to both free Wi-Fi and power outlets and they also usually have unlimited drinks included in their price. Some co-working spaces require you to register as a member, but below we will introduce ones you can use if you just turn up on the day.
Before that, make sure to check out our fuller list of co-working spaces in Tokyo here!
Forest Library
When it comes to public libraries in Japan, food and drink are prohibited and you must be silent. The owner of Forest Library wanted to create the atmosphere of a library in Tokyo where you could enjoy books, study, and work, and also drink, eat, and chat.
At the Forest Library you select a plan depending on how long you want to stay, 1 hour is 1,100 yen and the whole day is 3,300 yen. You get free Wi-Fi, access to a power outlet, and unlimited drinks which include anything from tea to juice and you can also read any of the books available. Plus they have a small food menu for when you’re feeling peckish. This place is open every day from 9 am to 10:45 pm.
Location: 23−3 渋谷第一勧銀共同ビル 8F, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 (website)
Benkyo Cafe
This co-working space is situated near the Parco shopping mall and is approximately a 10-minute walk from Shibuya station. There are many comfortable seats available including desks with dividers to help you concentrate and of course free Wi-Fi and power outlets. If studying in the company of others and listening to BGM music helps you focus then this place is definitely worth a visit.
With entrance, you also have access to a wide variety of drinks such as matcha au lait and hojicha latte. They further have the equipment you can borrow like a book stand and monitor and there is a box to put your mobile phone in to help you focus and concentrate on your work. At the Benkyo Cafe, you can choose to register for membership or just use their visitor plan at 550 yen per hour during business hours (7 am to 11 pm). However please note that if it is busy, priority will be given to members.
Location: 3−1 渋谷東武ホテル B1F, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
Study Lounge
Study Lounge is a co-working space in Shibuya and is just a one-minute walk away from the station. They have the option to become a member but a visitor can use their services from 660 yen an hour to 2,750 yen for 7 hours with access to unlimited coffee, tea, and other beverages plus a shared computer. There is also a printer available at an additional charge.
The Study Lounge offers a relaxing work environment to study with comfortable, high-quality chairs, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. If you want to study for a long period in the same place it is a good option close to Shibuya station. Open from 7 am to 10.30 pm every day.
Location: 3 Chome−28−8 第3久我屋ビル, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
.andwork Shibuya
A very modern co-working place that meets the needs of those working around the clock offering a kitchen, nap space, and showers. This co-working space is a 7-minute walk away from Shibuya station and is open from 7 am to midnight. For their drop-in plan (no membership) one hour costs 1,000 yen and for the full day it costs 3,000 yen. Both include free beverages and the latter includes a happy hour at their bar. This location is bright and luxurious with a range of different seating from booths with comfortable sofa seating to large, open tables. There’s also a phone booth should you need to make some calls and lockers if you want to explore the surrounding area and return later.
Location: 1-20-13 The Millennials 渋谷内, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Study Japanese in Shibuya!
With so many cafe options in Shibuya, you might now think if it’s actually a good place to start learning Japanese. Good news! Coto Academy is opening a fourth location in Shibuya, which makes learning Japanese even accessible for anyone looking to explore the city and take their Japanese skills to new heights!
We’re opening soon in the early fall of 2023, but don’t miss out on our updates and deals! If you want to study Japanese in Shibuya soon — or in our main Iidabashi school, fill out the form below, and our staff will get in touch!
How long can you stay in a cafe in Japan?
It depends on the cafe. Some cafes actually ask you not to study there but most just have a time limit for all customers. During busy periods this can be anywhere between 2 to 3 hours but varies depending on the cafe and location. If you want to stay all day, we recommend finding a coworking space or library.
Can you study in a cafe in Japan? And is it considered rude to study in a cafe?
A. Many people choose to study in cafes in Japan as they find they can concentrate better. However, depending on the cafe you may find that there are time restrictions particularly around busy hours, this is to prevent people from occupying the space all day. It is not considered rude to study in most cafes. Watch out for any signs requesting people not to study or stay for long periods of time.
What are some best cafes in Shibuya for studying and remote working?
Freeman Cafe, Valley Park Stand and White Glass Coffee have Wi-Fi and power outlets for a relaxed and convenient study and work environment.