Kagurazaka: MOJO Coffee (モジョコーヒー)
Kagurazaka is amazingly underrated.
Kagurazaka is located in the heart of Tokyo city, not far from the Imperial Palace.
Due to the presence of two French schools nearby, the streets are imbued with European influences, with many French restaurants, cake shops, schools, libraries and shops nestled among the Japanese businesses, earning it its nickname of Little France. The speakers on the street plays french accordion music throughout the day, making you feel a little like you are in theme park (but without the crazy rides).
Kagurazaka's narrow alleyways, old-style cobbled roads and the traditional Japanese architecture makes you feel like you are not in Tokyo. Tucked away in those alleyways are traditional Japanese restaurants and European eateries, as well as boutique craft shops, Japanese sweets shops, specialty food stores and even temples!
One of the cafes I used to frequent in Kagurazaka back when I had Australia withdrawal symptoms is MOJO Coffee, a boutique roastery café from New Zealand founded by Steve and Julie Gianoutsos in 2003.
It is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and respected independent coffee roasters and café operators, and are now operating 35 cafés between Auckland, Wellington, Japan and China.
MOJO Coffee is open from 7.30am onwards on weekdays, which is quite rare for a cafe in Japan.
Japanese people generally don't go to cafes for breakfast in the morning, so I was quite surprised to learn that MOJO was open so early.
Back in the days, this was one of the rare cafes that served flat white coffees.
There are now many Australian/Kiwi cafes in Tokyo (think bills or allpress), but MOJO coffee was one of the pioneer cafes to introduce flat white to Japan.
Their beans are roasted on-site to ensure they always have a fresh supply of beans.
You can also buy their beans if you are interested in brewing your own coffee at home.
MOJO coffee provides decaf bean options, which is a welcoming change for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
They offer their espresso creations with special options like soy milk or extra shots of espresso for a small extra charge. I am not a beer person, but they also offer a small list of New Zealand wine and microbrew beer for those who are interested.
The atmosphere of the cafe does not feel pretentious, and is offers flexibility for your needs, be it for studying or for catching up with a good mate over coffee.
There's a selection of handmade scones, cookies, cakes and sandwiches to go with your drink.
I really like their cheesecakes - moist and cheesy but surprisingly light and not too heavy on the stomach.
MOJO's coffee blends are a medium to dark roast to enhance sweetness and balance the acidity of their coffees. Their blends typically features combination origins that have a chocolate-y and nutty undertone.
However, they also do lighter roasts that boost more acidity and fruit or citrus notes and is utilised in more pour over or filter brew methods.
Similar to Kagurazaka, MOJO coffee is severely underrated - their coffees are amazing, and their baristas are really friendly and easy to strike up a conversation with.
MOJO coffee also has a branch at Waseda, Harajuku as well as in Marunouchi's Meiji Yasuda Building, although Marunouchi's branch is not open to the public.
Back when I was studying at Waseda University, I was a frequent visitor to their Waseda branch, and coffee standards there was been reliable and good.
Address: 4-11 Akagi Motomachi Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-0817 Japan
Phone:
Hours:
Monday: 7:30am - 7pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30am - 8pm
Friday 7:30am - 8:30pm
Saturday 9am - 8:30pm
Sunday & PH 9am - 8pm
Kagurazaka is located in the heart of Tokyo city, not far from the Imperial Palace.
Due to the presence of two French schools nearby, the streets are imbued with European influences, with many French restaurants, cake shops, schools, libraries and shops nestled among the Japanese businesses, earning it its nickname of Little France. The speakers on the street plays french accordion music throughout the day, making you feel a little like you are in theme park (but without the crazy rides).
Kagurazaka's narrow alleyways, old-style cobbled roads and the traditional Japanese architecture makes you feel like you are not in Tokyo. Tucked away in those alleyways are traditional Japanese restaurants and European eateries, as well as boutique craft shops, Japanese sweets shops, specialty food stores and even temples!
 |
| speciality stores like this! |
 |
| cheese samples |
 |
| all kinds of wine for sampling |
Kagurazaka is not really a typical tourist destination so there is not much to see, but it is definitely one of the favourite spots of locals and expatiates around the area. I would NOT recommend this place for tourists on a tight schedule, but for those who are tired of the usual touristy sights of Tokyo (i.e. Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, etc), Kagurazaka might be a good place to swing by.
One of the cafes I used to frequent in Kagurazaka back when I had Australia withdrawal symptoms is MOJO Coffee, a boutique roastery café from New Zealand founded by Steve and Julie Gianoutsos in 2003.
It is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and respected independent coffee roasters and café operators, and are now operating 35 cafés between Auckland, Wellington, Japan and China.
Good coffee can be hard to come by in Japan (especially 3 years ago!), so imagine my joy when I found out about MOJO coffee from my kiwi friend.
MOJO Coffee is open from 7.30am onwards on weekdays, which is quite rare for a cafe in Japan.
Japanese people generally don't go to cafes for breakfast in the morning, so I was quite surprised to learn that MOJO was open so early.
Back in the days, this was one of the rare cafes that served flat white coffees.
There are now many Australian/Kiwi cafes in Tokyo (think bills or allpress), but MOJO coffee was one of the pioneer cafes to introduce flat white to Japan.
Their beans are roasted on-site to ensure they always have a fresh supply of beans.
You can also buy their beans if you are interested in brewing your own coffee at home.
MOJO coffee provides decaf bean options, which is a welcoming change for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
They offer their espresso creations with special options like soy milk or extra shots of espresso for a small extra charge. I am not a beer person, but they also offer a small list of New Zealand wine and microbrew beer for those who are interested.
The atmosphere of the cafe does not feel pretentious, and is offers flexibility for your needs, be it for studying or for catching up with a good mate over coffee.
 |
| minimalist modern decor |
What a gorgeous espresso machine!!! I really wanted to caress it but I resisted because I'll tods be coming back and don't want the staff to think I'm crazy.
I really like their cheesecakes - moist and cheesy but surprisingly light and not too heavy on the stomach.
 |
| ANZAC cookies!! |
 |
| almost feel like I am back in Australia |
However, they also do lighter roasts that boost more acidity and fruit or citrus notes and is utilised in more pour over or filter brew methods.
Similar to Kagurazaka, MOJO coffee is severely underrated - their coffees are amazing, and their baristas are really friendly and easy to strike up a conversation with.
MOJO coffee also has a branch at Waseda, Harajuku as well as in Marunouchi's Meiji Yasuda Building, although Marunouchi's branch is not open to the public.
Back when I was studying at Waseda University, I was a frequent visitor to their Waseda branch, and coffee standards there was been reliable and good.
Address: 4-11 Akagi Motomachi Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-0817 Japan
Phone:
Hours:
Monday: 7:30am - 7pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30am - 8pm
Friday 7:30am - 8:30pm
Saturday 9am - 8:30pm
Sunday & PH 9am - 8pm
From breakfast to dessert, coffee is a delicious drink to sip with food. Here are some classic coffee-food pairings that are easy to enjoy at home or out on the town.coffee downtown calgary
ReplyDeletewedding reception venue
ReplyDelete