This is our review of Mocha Coffee Daikanyama (Maps), visited in January 2026.
Tucked away in a quiet back alley of Daikanyama, Mocha Coffee is one of Tokyo’s most enchanting cafés—a Yemeni coffee house that blends traditional Arabian charm with modern Tokyo style. If you’re on the hunt for authentic Yemeni coffee or a cozy spot for spiced Arabic Milk Tea, this café deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
As a traveler who has sipped coffee from cafés on five continents, this hidden enclave in Daikanyama instantly transported me to the sun-drenched mountains of Yemen.
The Story Behind Mocha Coffee
Located just a 3-minute walk from Daikanyama Station, down a narrow lane in Sarugakucho, Mocha Coffee welcomes visitors with a warm, greenhouse-like space filled with sunlight. Since opening on February 26, 2011, this café has become a sanctuary for coffee lovers seeking depth, authenticity, and a touch of Middle Eastern mystique.
The owner, Miyako-san, imports beans directly from Yemen—handpicked in the rugged Haraz Mountains—and brews them meticulously using a hand-drip method. Her dream began after a life-changing trip to Yemen, where she discovered the soulful beauty of Mocha, the birthplace of coffee.
Inside, polished wooden counters, Arabic calligraphy, and a wall of Polaroid snapshots create a warm, nostalgic ambiance. On sunny days, the terrace—with its swaying greenery—offers a gentle escape from the city buzz.
What Makes HARAZ Coffee Special
The signature HARAZ Coffee (¥1,500) is made from beans sourced in the Haraz mountain region of Yemen, known for their reddish tint and complex flavor. Served in a wooden tray, the deep brown brew glimmers like red wine.
As soon as it’s poured, aromas of plum, brown sugar, and roasted nuts fill the air. The taste unfolds gracefully—bright and fruity at first, then melting into a smooth chocolate-like sweetness. With its silky texture and balanced flavor, it’s easy to understand why locals call it “the real Mocha.”
If you’re a coffee enthusiast exploring Tokyo’s coffee scene, this is a must-try cup that bridges tradition and craftsmanship.
The Tempting Arabic Milk Tea Karak
Another star of the menu is the Arabic Milk Tea Karak (¥1,050)—a creamy, spiced milk tea infused with cardamom and saffron. It arrives in a vintage-style cup on a pink floral saucer, its pale creamy foam rising like clouds.
The fragrance alone is captivating—an exotic blend of warm spices and sweet milk that pairs perfectly with the café’s Middle Eastern décor. The flavor starts with a gentle kick of spice before giving way to milky smoothness, finishing with the floral elegance of saffron.
It’s the ultimate comfort drink for winter in Tokyo, it is authentic, relaxing, and irresistibly soothing.
Pair It with Charming Arabian Sweets
The café’s dessert showcase immediately catches the eye with Dates Cake and Saffron Cardamom Cake (¥1.050). The date cake is rich and sticky-sweet, drizzled with caramel sauce and served with a dollop of ice cream—an Instagram-worthy treat.
Meanwhile, the saffron cardamom cake glows golden-yellow, dusted with powdered sugar like a snowy landscape, with the crunch of roasted nuts adding texture and aroma.
Pair the Haraz Coffee with a slice of dates cake for a perfect marriage of acidity and sweetness. Or try the Karak Tea with saffron cake for a warming, spiced harmony. Many customers praise the café’s considerate one-drink-per-person rule and the cozy vibe that makes you linger longer.
Why You Should Visit Mocha Coffee in Daikanyama
Mocha Coffee is more than a café—it’s a peaceful refuge for travelers and Tokyo locals alike. Here, you can sip world-class Yemeni coffee while surrounded by the charm of Arabic culture, just minutes away from the city’s trendiest boutiques.
Open weekdays from 2 PM to 5 PM (closed Mondays), cash only, Mocha Coffee turns your ordinary afternoon into a journey across Arabia.
Next time you’re exploring Daikanyama’s stylish streets, slip into this hidden haven. Enjoy a fragrant cup, take in the cozy Polaroid walls—and maybe share your own snapshot of this Arabian dream on Instagram.
