Café de L’Ambre is an old-fashioned kissaten (Japanese coffeehouse) and one of the most popular cafés in Ginza. They’re very serious about their coffee, serving a wide variety of unique single origin blends. And that’s about it, so don’t come here expecting a latte or a macchiato.

In business since 1948, Cafe de l'ambre is a legendary haunt for Tokyo's coffee aficionados. The retro decor provides a snapshot of an older Tokyo, while the caffeine fix options include a dozen or so single-origin beans, including some that have been aged for years.

Over in Ginza, Cafe de l’Ambre may be the most famous of Tokyo’s kissaten—old-school, Japanese coffee shops that harken back to a time before minimalist interiors and hipster barristers. The shop has been in operation since 1948—and although it has become a busy tourist hotspot in recent years, the dark, wood-paneled interior still instantly transports you back to the Showa Era. Cafe de l’Ambre makes an excellent first impression with its sign outside reading “coffee only.” Inside, the extensive menu offers a variety of single-origin beans for drip coffees, and there’s a range of other brew styles to choose from—plus cold coffees, cocktails and more unusual concoctions.

Cafe de l'Ambre is a legendary Ginza institution renowned as a "coffee-only shop." This specialized cafe focuses exclusively on coffee in all its forms, from beverages to desserts, making it a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts visiting Ginza in 2025. My recommendation is their signature "Blanc et Noir." This exquisite creation features robust coffee sweetened with granulated sugar and milk, elegantly served in a champagne glass with distinct layers. With each sip, the rich coffee notes, delicate sweetness, and creamy milk texture merge to create an evolving, multidimensional flavor experience.

Arriving at our first coffee stop we found the place shut, having failed to check what time Cafe De L’Ambre opened merely assuming that all coffee shops opened before we were ever likely to arrive, we paused wondering whether it was open this day or not. Suddenly, as if from nowhere,a man appeared sticking his keys in the door, enquiring as to whether he was opening up he replied ‘we’re open at 12, come back in an hour, we’ll be open then’. So after taking a stroll round Ginza we made our way back to the shop and stepped inside.

Cafe De L'Ambre is a hidden gem in Tokyo's Ginza neighbourhood, that packs the essence of the city's coffee culture. The cute coffee shop has stood the test of time since its establishment in 1948, and the passion for quality coffee is evident in every sip. Their popular, meticulously handcrafted coffee that's carefully roasted in-house to bring out the rich and complex flavours, attracts coffee connoisseurs from all over the world.

So far in covering Tokyo’s Coffee Spots, I’ve written about Maruyama Coffee, a modern take on a traditional Japanese, service-oriented coffee shop and Kaido Books & Coffee, which any aficionado of western, third-wave coffee shops would instantly recognise. For today’s Coffee Spot, however, I wanted to write about Café de L’Ambre, a traditional Japanese kissaten. This is a very different beast, more akin to a bar than a coffee shop.

This small Tokyo spot is known for its old-fashioned charm and long-stored coffee beans, making it stand out among the city’s traditional kissaten. It feels like a hidden treasure for those who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere and a true coffee experience. The cozy setting and focus on preserving timeless methods invite both locals and visitors to linger and enjoy.

Café de l’Ambre is a legendary kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee shop) in Ginza. They have been serving meticulously brewed coffee since 1948 and are commonly called some of the best coffee in Ginza. With its vintage decor and extensive selection of aged beans, it’s a must-visit for coffee aficionados seeking a taste of Tokyo’s coffee heritage.

Café de l’Ambre is a legendary coffee shop located in the upscale neighborhood of Ginza in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1948, it has become a beloved institution for coffee lovers and a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and nostalgic café experience. What sets Café de l’Ambre apart is its dedication to the art of coffee roasting.

For several reasons: the owner, Sekiguchi Ichiro, who passed away a couple years ago, was a regular at his café until he was very old – he turned 100 years old. Also I was allowed to get to know him briefly, if not personally. On the day of my visit, he sat in a small adjoining room and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Café de l’Ambre is a speciality coffee shop started in 1948 in Ginza by Sekiguchi Ichiro. Only coffee to be found here, and a handful of coffee desserts. It is one of the legendary cafes in Tokyo and probably has the best coffee in all of Ginza.

8 Chome-10-15 GinzaChuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan(813) 3571-1551. Since 1948, Cafe de l’Ambre has been a legendary coffee shop with drinks served in old china and champagne glasses.