Light Up Coffee

Yes, I’m definitely a fan of light up coffee in Kichijoji! I just enjoyed the best cappuccino I’ve had so far in Tokyo. Little coffee roastery in the back. I brought my own almond milk, because I don’t do dairy and they don’t offer milk substitutions. Unfortunately it was pretty chilly inside (door was open) and the coffee was almost cold when it arrived at our table (took pretty long to be prepared for my taste). The wifi didn’t work today (not sure if always), but that’s not bad at all, because there are plenty of amazing magazines to read, while sipping delicious coffee! A small range of baked good is available too.

Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — ⁴⁰⁄₁₀₀
Light Up Coffee is a new establishment that opened about half a year ago. It is located at the west end of Nakamichi Dori that runs parallel to the JR Chuo line. You can access on it’s east end by exiting the north exit of JR Kichijoji station, turn left, walk past Parco department store and you’ll see the entrance right next to the huge, new Uniqlo store on the corner.
The café itself is about 20 minutes walk (yes, it’s a hike but worth it!) from the station, assuming you make a beeline and do not get distracted by the 100’s of cool shops and cafes along the way. Believe me, Nakamichi Dori is undergoing a modernization and revival that is now budding with so many tempting small businesses. On to café…
Highlights:
+ Atmosphere: ⁵⁄₅ stars (hipster, area artists’ work displayed, minimalist furniture and tables and overall cozy feeling)
+ Menu: ⁴⁄₅ (Somewhat limited in selection, with regular, seasonal and original blends featured. All beans are roasted on site at the small roaster in the back corner of the café. Stroll on back to check it out — you might be able to see it in action and catch the lovely aroma of freshly roasted beans as they come out — heavenly!)
+ Service: 4.5÷5 (Run by two young guys, they are happy to answer any/​all questions you may have about which coffee to try. Of course, the seasonal blends or single origins are featured, but don’t worry, they’re good!)
+ Value: ⁴⁄₅ (Slightly expensive [avg. ¥500/​hand-​dripped or coffee-​pressed cup]
+ Other: 4.5÷5 (Coffee beans, cups, drippers for sale. Depending on the artist at the time, many of the works are also for sale as well as related items)
There is currently a boom in small, boutique coffee shops in Tokyo. These guys take care to present a good chillout experience in a very nice, quiet but trendy residential neighborhood setting. Like I mentioned at the beginning, there are tons of tempting shops in the immediate vicinity — stay tuned for more reviews as I hit those.
Special mention: Hara Donuts, a famous local landmark featuring hand-​made donuts of 100% natural, organic ingredients, used to fill this space but they split it in two and now occupy the corner shop right next door. It’s OK to purchase donuts there and bring them in to enjoy with your coffee — a perfect combination that is tasty, aromatic and heart-​warming.