When you want to have a coffee in Tokyo, the first place you might look for is a high-street cafe. But for a truly unique experience in 2026, drop by Bozu’n Coffee (ぼうず’n coffee), a serene sanctuary located just a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station within the historic Shounji Temple (祥雲寺).
This “Zen cafe” is run by Buddhist monks and offers a rare moment of stillness in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts.
A Temple Experience in a Cup
Bozu’n Coffee is not your typical coffee shop. It is a “pop-up” style cafe that operates within the temple’s traditional rooms, blending spiritual calm with modern cafe culture.
Since the cafe area is a traditional Japanese-style tatami room, you have to take your shoes off and place them in the rack.
Next, you can choose from a list of drinks and sweet treats including a matcha au lait, cafe latte, americano, monaka, etc. You can also get a takeout (50 yen off) but we highly recommend checking out the seating area.
Bozu means monk in Japanese. The coffee is made and served by monks and you can also enjoy interior design elements that are seen in Japanese temples.
Once you’ve placed your order, you can move to the seating area called “Shoin Terrace” (書院テラス). As you walk through the corridor, you can already feel the calm of a temple.
You can choose any empty spot. Most people like to face the beautiful Japanese-style mini-garden.
Recently, the cafe has gained popularity so people also prefer to sit outside on the floor on a zabuton (floor cushion).
The monks have truly thought of everything! In winter, you can use the soft blankets if you chose to sit outdoors.
We had a cafe latte and monaka, made of azuki bean jam filling sandwiched between two thin crisp wafers made from mochi, and both were surprisingly good.
One of those hidden gems in Tokyo where it feels like you are transported, even if for a few hours, to a peaceful temple in the Japanese countryside.
We loved the coffee, so decided to buy one for takeout and it comes in this adorable paper cup with the image of a monk!
Important: Check Before You Go
Bozu’n Coffee is famous for its irregular schedule. Because the monks must prioritize temple duties and ceremonies, the cafe is usually only open once a week (typically on a Friday or weekend).
You must check their official social media pages for the current week’s opening day and time
Official Updates: Bozu’n Coffee Facebook Instagram @bozuncoffee
Access & Details
Address: 3-1-6 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google map)
Access: 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station (West Exit) or a 2-minute walk from Kanamecho Station (Exit 5).
Payment: Cash is preferred.
A Soul-Soothing Escape
Stepping into Bozu’n Coffee feels like being transported to a peaceful temple in the Kyoto countryside without ever leaving Tokyo. Watching the seasonal changes in the Shounji garden while sipping a latte served in an adorable monk-themed cup is the ultimate 2026 “slow travel” experience.
