The Top 5 Bubble Tea Guide in Tokyo

Bubble tea is setting the new trend in Japan as more and more bubble tea shops line the streets of Tokyo. It's no secret these are a favourite amongst many people and wherever you go, you'll be sure to find someone drinking one. Need a pit stop to rest? Here are 5 bubble tea places that you should add to your list next time you head to Tokyo.

Cafe No.

Tucked away from the busy main streets of Harajuku you will find Cafe No or Cafe Number. With a wall adorned with cute images, this shop is the perfect place to take aesthetic photos. These drinks come in a variety of flavours with a cute bottled design. The strawberry milk that I ordered didn't taste artificial and had just the perfect amount of sweetness. It was delicious!

To order, head over to the vending machine to pay. After you receive your ticket, give it to the person at the counter and you will be given your drink. Do make sure to relax and take some nice photos before leaving.

Strawberry Milk 600 Yen

Location: Flag Jingumae 1F, 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
               (It's hidden away in an ally that's away from the crowds)

Hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm
              Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 7pm

Edit @ 4/10/20: Sadly it appears that this cafe has permanently closed down

Comma Tea

This trendy bubble tea place is recognisable due to their signature comma logo on their cups. The concept behind this is to be able to take a small break in the day with comma tea. Using carefully selected tea leaves and additive free pearls, the results are a cup of perfectly brewed milk tea. To maintain the freshness of the pearls, they are used within a 3 hour cooking span.

The texture and flavour of their pearls are quite unusual. Although they look like your average pearls, they taste like the jelly toppings in bubble tea. I really enjoyed this place as you can really taste the tea flavour.

Comma ブレンドミルクティ600 Yen

Location: 1-22-3, Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo
                 (A very short walk from Ebisu Station. This is just one of many locations available)

Hours: 10am - 9:30pm

Website: http://comma.tea-co.jp (Japanese)

Machi Machi

This newly established bubble tea chain has been extremely popular lately, making waves on SNS. Many people may know this bubble tea from Jay Chou's 說好不哭 mv. The iconic bottled Strawberry Milk Panna Cotta and Milk Tea Panna Cotta were the recommended drinks but these sell out very quickly so go early if you want to grab one. Be aware that there may be long queues but the delicious tea makes up for it.

Jasmine Cheese Tea 480 Yen

The first Machi Machi store in Sydney has recently opened! If you haven't already, go check it out. It's a minimum 1 hour wait before you can receive your drink.

Location: 1-11-6 Jingumae, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
                  Inside Laforet Harajuku on level 2

Hours: 11am - 9pm

Koi Tea

Koi Tea places heavy focus on their teas to ensure quality is in every cup of bubble tea that's bought. Perhaps the only place that does golden pearls, it's a must try for every bubble tea lover. With a presence is many countries, Koi Tea has already established themselves with a strong following.

I was told that the most popular drink on the menu was the Taro Q Oolong Tea Latte but I opted for the Golden Bubble Milk Tea. There's 3 sizes available with prices ranging from 360 yen to 940 yen depending on which drink you order.

Golden Bubble Milk Tea 470 Yen

Location: 4-27-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Hours: 10:00 - 21:00

Website: https://www.koithe.com/en

Sin An Ju

If you are craving brown sugar milk teas, this place is for you! With a cute seahorse representing the Taiwanese brand, it's hard to miss. This is definitely on the sweeter and heavier side, so I'd recommend not ordering this when you're full. Make sure to swirl the brown sugar sauce before drinking to ensure an evenly mixed drink.

Sugar Bubble Milk 540 Yen

Location: 1-19-14 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Hours: Sun - Thurs: 10am -9:30pm
            Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm

Website: https://sin-an-ju.com (Japanese)