Stepping through the low, marble-tiled entrance, the first thing you’ll notice is the gorgeous tableware displayed behind a long hardwood counter. That’s not to say that the surroundings here outshine the coffee – on the contrary, Satei Hato’s hand-drip offerings maintain the absolutely highest quality. Choose from up to eight varieties of charcoal-roasted beans and watch as the formally dressed staff prepare your treat with almost religious dedication. Our Guatemala, served at a pleasant, just-right temperature, was smooth and soft with a barely noticeable whiff of citrus, while the homemade cakes are well worth a shot as well.
At ¥900 and up, the coffee here doesn’t exactly allow for everyday consumption, but any true enthusiast will do well to visit Satei Hato at least once. When you do, look out for the massive potted tree adorning one of the larger tables – it makes for a seriously impressive decoration.