Specialty Single-Origin Coffee at Kichijoji’s Own-Roast Café: A Craftsman’s Commitment to Pour-Over Only

Text and Photos byUncle Coffee

Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station toward Mitaka Station, and you’ll arrive at Kichijoji Station in about 15 minutes. This route is a must for fans of Studio Ghibli heading to the “Ghibli Museum Mitaka” (also known as the “Museum of Imaginary Creatures”). Tip: Tickets for the Ghibli Museum can be purchased in advance from Southeast Travel in Taiwan—it's safest to book a month ahead.

Now, back to Kichijoji. As soon as you exit the station and turn left, you’ll find popular shopping destinations like PARCO, Miyake, and Tokyu Department Store—great for lifestyle goods and a paradise for shoppers. For those wanting more unique finds, head toward Kichijoji Naka-michi, where even more charming specialty shops await.
Walk into Naka-michi, then take a right at the alley with the Maru-yaki dumpling shop. There, you’ll discover a tiny nine-seat, own-roast café called “+90°C.” The owner, Mr. Takahashi Hiroyuki, is a certified coffee instructor accredited by the Japan Coffee Association. The café uses the latest Fuji Royal all-hot-air coffee roaster—the Fuji Royal Roaster Revolution—to roast beans on-site, specializing in pour-over single-origin coffee. They also sell coffee beans and related brewing equipment.

Most surprisingly, the price: just ¥280 per cup of single-origin coffee? In the bustling city of Tokyo, this is almost unbelievable. This hidden gem is not part of any chain, but the passion project of veteran barista Mr. Takahashi. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee here carries the dedication and philosophy of true coffee artisans.

▲ Fuji Royal all-hot-air coffee bean roaster.

 
▲ Left: Mr. Takahashi Hiroyuki. Right: The café focuses on a variety of single-origin pour-over coffees.


▲ Smooth and clean flavor profiles.


▲ Compact space, yet full of the owner’s thoughtful touches.

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