WAAD

At WAAD, right in front of Inokashira-kōen Station, coffee is carefully brewed to order. The beans include light-roast Ethiopian and Kenyan coffees with bright acidity, a fuller-bodied dark-roast Kenya and a medium-roast Costa Rica, so you can choose according to your mood and preferred roast. Espresso-based drinks are thoughtfully prepared, too: the iced latte catches the eye with its distinct layers of milk and coffee, lattes can be made with oat or soy milk instead, and the espresso tonic is refreshingly crisp.

A popular hot dog makes a good match for the clean-tasting coffee. The staff are also appreciated for leaving out mustard and pickles for children, and the hot dogs are convenient to take away on a walk. There are homemade oatmeal cookies, banana cake and affogato as well, offering a gentle treat with a coffee break.

Large speakers and a DJ booth set the scene inside, where easy-listening hip-hop and jazz play at a relaxed volume. The welcoming, counter-centred space also has a bar serving draft beer, canned craft beer, cardamom sours and sake. It is an easygoing place to stop for coffee by day or a drink in the evening.