Jiyūgaoka is commonly known as a town in Tokyo where people with sophisticated tastes gather. Although it is not in Tokyo’s bustling area, the township of Jiyūgaoka still incorporates the capital’s ever-changing trends. At the same time, it is also a relaxed part of the capital city, where time seems to flow more slowly, allowing people to enjoy life and culture. If you have a day in Jiyūgaoka, in addition to shopping and taking photos, spending a few hours in one of the cafes in town is highly recommended.
The Cafes in Jiyūgaoka That Are Worth Visiting
- Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka (ラテグラフィック 自由が丘)
- TWG Tea Jiyugaoka (TWG Tea 自由が丘)
- Bread, Espresso & Jiyugata (パンとエスプレッソと自由形)
- Milkland Hokkaido Tokyo (ミルクランド北海道 東京)
- Royal Crystal Coffee (ロイヤルクリスタルコーヒー)
- Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe (ピーターラビット ガーデンカフェ 自由が丘)
- ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka (ONIBUS COFFEE 自由が丘)
- Kōsoan (ギャラリー茶房 古桑庵)
- Other Cafes in Jiyūgaoka That Are Worth Checking Out
Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka (ラテグラフィック 自由が丘)
Australian breakfast culture is considered one of the best in the world. In Jiyūgaoka, Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka is where you can enjoy the breakfast that Aussies are so proud of. The menu is inspired by the food culture in Melbourne, a city where different cultures are mixed and delicious restaurants are commonly found. Melbourne is also renowned for its exceptional coffee, often regarded as one of the best in the world. As the cafe opens at 7 am and is very close to the station, it can be your first stop after getting off the train!
Every dish at Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka is freshly prepared to perfection. The soy meat is flavorful. The pizza has a thin and crispy crust, making it light to eat. The pasta dishes are equally impressive. As for their coffee, it upholds the high standard of Melburnians. If you are particular with your coffee, Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka’s coffee won’t disappoint. They also have plant-based milk.
Refer to HERE for Graphic Jiyugaoka’s Menu. The vegetarian and vegan options are marked clearly.
Apart from the food, Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka is also recognised for its top-notch service. Imagine receiving the level of service typically found in a Japanese ryokan. The staff are trained to ensure that all the customers are being cared for. On a hot day, cold tea is provided to those in the queue to make the waiting for bearable. They are also patient with those who don’t speak Japanese and go the extra length to help them navigate through the menu.
Although Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka is located on the 2nd floor, an elevator is available for use, making it wheelchairand pram-friendly. The children-friendly cafe also offers several toddler-friendly dining items, including a bib. A nursing space and diaper changing station are also equipped.
Tip: Make a Reservation if you want to visit Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka between late morning to lunch hours and avoid queueing.
Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Latte Graphic Jiyugaoka is open from 7 am to 10:30 pm.
- The restaurant is less than 1-minute walk from Tokyū Dentetsu’s Jiyūgaoka Station (自由が丘駅).
TWG Tea Jiyugaoka (TWG Tea 自由が丘)
If you are a tea lover and like the traditional European setting, visit TWG Tea Jiyugaoka. The tea specialist has around 260 kinds of tea from around the world and a gorgeous tea salon to treat its customers! Moreover, TWG Tea’s packaging is sophisticated, making it a good option for both gifts and personal use. In particular, their tea tins are perfect decor that will make your home more elegant-looking.
for more information, refer to our article on TWG Tea Jiyugaoka!
Bread, Espresso & Jiyugata (パンとエスプレッソと自由形)
What the relaxing vibe of Jiyūgaoka will make you want to do is have an afternoon tea. A good spot near Jiyūgaoka Station to do so is Bread, Espresso & Jiyugata. It is the sister store of Shibuya’s popular bakery cafe, Bread, Espresso & (パンとエスプレッソと). While the cafe is located on the third floor of Luz Jiyugaoka (Luz自由が丘), it is often packed that there might be a queue when you get there
Bread, Espresso & Jiyugata offers a wide selection of sweets and drinks to help you relax in a cozy atmosphere. Depending on when you visit the cafe, there might be several breads on the shelf for you to make a bread plate. When the weather is good, the terrace seats are the best spots to enjoy food while overlooking the townscape.
The French Toast is the cafe’s top seller. A thick slice of the bakery’s top-seller toast is topped with maple syrup and whipped cream. As the toast is fried on the iron plate, it gives the French toast a crispy exterior. Then, your teeth will sink into a fluffy yet moist crumb that contains plenty of butter. However, note that it may be too sweet for some people.
If you like cream, the tiramisu and waffles are the must-eats. They both also use the bakery’s fluffy toast as the base. A generous amount of cream is then poured over the cake or waffle before flavoured powder or sauce is added.
Bread, Espresso & Jiyugata’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Bread, Espresso & Jiyugata is open from 11 am to 6 pm from Wednesday to Monday.
- The last order is taken at 5:30 pm.
- The cafe is a 3-minute walk from Tokyū Dentetsu’s Jiyūgaoka Station (自由が丘駅).
Milkland Hokkaido Tokyo (ミルクランド北海道 東京)
A good spot to visit with children in Jiyūgaoka is Milkland Hokkaido Tokyo. The cafe with a two-story tall milk cow statue is kid-friendly and where you can get an immersive dairy experience. Renowned for its high quality milk products, the cafe offers a genuine taste of Japan’s northernmost island’s dairy delights.
For more information, refer to our article on Milkland Hokkaido Tokyo!
Royal Crystal Coffee (ロイヤルクリスタルコーヒー)
If you want to live like a madam for a few hours, Royal Crystal Coffee is the best place to visit in Jiyūgaoka. The cafe housed in a Western-style house that would appear in period dramas has a gorgeous cafe space on the second floor. In addition, it has an impressive collection of coffee cups and coffee grinders at the back of the ground floor. You can also try the rare Panama Geisha coffee at Royal Crystal Coffee!
For more information, refer to our article on Royal Crystal Coffee!
Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe (ピーターラビット ガーデンカフェ 自由が丘)
Among all the cafes in Jiyūgaoka, Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe, surrounded by vibrant greenery, is the cutest one. The themed cafe based on the internationally bestselling picture book series, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, offers you a relaxing space where you can eat while being surrounded by stuffed toys of various sizes and characters printed on decors, paintings, and crockeries.
The storybook-like space is where grown-ups can feel young and relive their childhood for a few hours.
Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe is situated in the center of Jiyūgaoka among trendy boutique shops. Its shop sign and large British flag with rabbits printed on it will definitely catch your attention when you are close to it. Standing at the entrance, it would feel like you are about to wander into a beautiful forest. The cafe is decorated with artwork, picture books, and stuffed toys. You might even have a rabbit plushie sitting at your table!
As a valued guest who has wandered into the fantasy land, you will be served by friendly staff dressed up just like in the storybook. The menu includes dishes inspired by the story, such as omelette rice, sweets, and drinks with character-inspired latte art. All are carefully crafted and delicious. No matter what you order, there is at least one cute element on the plate. Whether it is Peter Rabbit or his friends printed on your bread or scones or small clothes hung in the middle of a salad, the food and drink at Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe are as adorable as the characters in the picture book!
If you don’t have time to dine in, the cafe also has a small shop filled with Peter Rabbit-themed merchandise that you can check out.
Refer to HERE for Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe’s menu.
Tip: If you plan to order an afternoon tea set, it is best to ask for a table for four.
Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Peter Rabbit Garden Cafe is open from
- 11 am to 8 pm on weekdays (L.O. 7 pm)
10:30 am to 8 pm on weekends and public holidays (L.O. 7 pm)
- 11 am to 8 pm on weekdays (L.O. 7 pm)
- The cafe is a 3-minute walk from Tokyū Dentetsu’s Jiyūgaoka Station (自由が丘駅).
ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka (ONIBUS COFFEE 自由が丘)
ONIBUS COFFEE is where you can get your daily coffee. The coffee specialist purchases the beans directly from farmers in countries such as Colombia and Ethiopia and roasts them in-house. Their Jiyūgaoka store, opened in 2022, has various plants in front of the outdoor seating, creating a more relaxing atmosphere for the dining space. Moreover, the vegetations offer a separation between the cafe and the main road.
ONIBUS is a Portuguese word that originates from “public bus” and “for everyone”. The name was chosen with the idea of connecting people via coffee just like how you can always meet someone you don’t know on a bus. Great-quality coffee beans are sourced and roasted on-site, making the cafe a place where people stop by.
In addition to its coffee, ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka is also famous for its cake and dessert menu. According to the season, a few limited-edition desserts are made using fresh fruits sourced from nearby prefectures. These beautifully presented dessert plates are the reason why many locals visit ONIBUS COFFEE regularly. Although not cheap, if you eat eggs, consider ordering them. You won’t regret it!
While the choices are limited, vegan and/or vegetarian light meals are usually available.
ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka’s Business Hours and Access Information
- ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The variety shop is a 5-minute walk from Tokyū Dentetsu’s Jiyūgaoka Station (自由が丘駅).
Kōsoan (ギャラリー茶房 古桑庵)
While Jiyūgaoka is filled with fashionable shops and cafes, about a 5-minute walk from the station, you will come across a traditional Japanese house just as you approach a quiet residential area. It is where you can sit in the tatami room, gaze out at the garden, and savour a sweet treat. Its rustic appeal and excellent service make it a spot worth visiting.
The complex was completed in 1954 and has been used by the owner’s family ever since. In 1999, the tea house in the private residence was converted into a gallery cafe, where customers can appreciate Japanese culture. Many of the furniture and antiques, such as traditional dolls and samurai swords, have been passed down in the family for generations.
As its name suggests, the tea house is made from old mulberry wood. Sitting inside the tea house, you can adore the traditional decor and the Japanese garden. The traditional garden featuring a well and stone lanterns would give you the illusion of having wandered into another era.
What is special about the traditional dessert, Anmitsu (あんみつ), is that it isn’t that traditional because fresh fruits cover the bowl. Besides the sweet red bean paste, the salted red peas nicely balanced out the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.
The Kōsoan Matcha Shiratama Zenzai (古桑庵風抹茶白玉ぜんざい) is another not-so-traditional dessert. Underneath the finely whisked matcha is zenzai, consisting of soft rice cakes and thick red bean soup. The set also comes with salted kelp as a palate cleanser and a cup of roasted tea.
Tip: Remember to visit Jiyūgaoka Kumano Shrine in the same block to get some good fortune!
Kōsoan’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kōsoan is open from
- 12 pm to 6:30 pm on weekdays, excluding Wednesdays
- 11 am to 6:30 pm on weekends
- The last order is taken at 5:30 pm.
- The cafe is an 5-minute walk from Tokyū Dentetsu’s Jiyūgaoka Station (自由が丘駅).
Note that Kōsoan is very popular that it is usually full even on weekday’s afternoon.
Other Cafes in Jiyūgaoka That Are Worth Checking Out
- RusaRuka Tokyo Jiyugaoka (ルサ ルカ 東京自由が丘店)
- A trendy pancake cafe specialize in the old-fashioned pancakes. The pancakes are served as desserts or as light meals. If you and everyone in your group order a pancake dish, you can ask for unlimited amount of pancakes within 90 minutes.
- The highlight of RusaRuka is the Thick Frying Pancake (厚焼きフライパンケーキ) served on a fried pan. The fluffy, thick pancake remains soft and delicious for a long time. The thick pancake comes with whipped cream, jam, and ice cream.
- The volume of the Thick Frying Pancake is said to be the equivalent of about 7 to 8 old-fashioned pancakes.
- Note that the cafe is usually packed on weekends and public holidays.
- Paris S’eveille
- Paris S’eveille is renowned for its extensive cake selection, crafted by the owner-chef, who has pastry-making experience in Paris.
- The cafe has been featured in numerous Japanese TV shows and magazines, and the queue has got longer after it appeared on TBS’s TV program, Jōnetsu Tairiku (情熱大陸), in April 2021.
- While trained and worked in Paris, what the owner-chef, Kaneko Yoshiaki (金子 美明), wants to offer are the cakes that he thinks are delicious. In other words, the cakes he makes aren’t traditional French-style pastries, but the recipes have been adapted to suit Japanese tastes.
- The cakes aren’t overly sweet!
- The staff here are patient. Rest assured that they will try their best to serve you even if you don’t speak Japanese.
- Utakata Coffee (ウタカタ コーヒー)
- South of Jiyūgaoka, closer to Okusawa Station (奥沢駅). It is a small but stylish cafe that also serves alcohol.
- The chic cafe, with a simple, monochrome theme, aims to turn customers’ ordinary days into slightly better ones.
- While sitting at the counter seats means the distance between you and the staff is a lot closer compared to other cafes, we are sure you will have a relaxing time at Utakata Coffee. After all, the staff here are friendly and polite.
- The costs at Utakata Coffee are reasonable, allowing everyone to come every day. With a wide variety of beans available, locals who visit the cafe regularly won’t get bored.
- The coffee is brewed using the beans roasted from a small roastery in Hiroshima called BREATH HIROSHIMA. The roastery is run by the owner’s older sister and her husband in their hometown.
- As the owner, Konishi-san (小西さん), believes that the impression of the taste can change depending on the container/utensil, the coffee cups used at his cafe are rather unique. For example, even hot drinks are poured into rock glasses and cups made by artists are used. This is one of his ways to allow his customers to experience an extraordinary day.
- Utakata Coffee’s homemade sweets are amazing. But just note the cakes aren’t vegan and contain eggs.
- The sesame pudding is very popular.
What Else Can You Do in Jiyūgaoka
Besides enjoying food, Jiyūgaoka has much more to offer. The neighborhood named Liberty Hill has many famous sweet makers and stylish boutique shops. From places perfect for taking a break during a date, to photogenic places, and even solemn temples and shrines to pray for relationships, Jiyūgaoka is where you can have a taste of Japan’s capital without being pushed around!
For more information, refer to our article on What to Do and Where to Eat in Jiyūgaoka!
