A Curated List of Study Cafés in Kobe
While studying Japanese in Kobe for a few weeks, I recruited Google to try and find Kobe’s best café spots for sitting down to do some work. Unfortunately, there weren’t too many results (at least in English) and so I made it my own personal mission to scour the city for cafes that were suitable for doing some work as I’ve always believed sweetened coffee or a slice of cake makes doing any work easier.
The cafe scene in Japan is a bit different from North America as some places are solely for quick meals while others fulfil the role of being a study spot alongside providing sustenance. If you’re like me and worried about overstaying your welcome or want to avoid being impolite by working in the wrong environment, then hopefully this list of cafés in the city will be useful for you! I’ve provided a map with all of the cafes below, and the starred ones are my top recommendations.
When selecting a study spot, I like to consider seating, the café’s overall ambiance, the availability of outlets and Wi-Fi, time limitations, language accommodations, and the quality of the food and drinks being served. With this in mind, here are my recommendations for cafes where you can settle down and get some work done in Kobe:
Round Point Cafe ラウンドポイント
Tucked away in an alley close to Motomachi, Round Point is the perfect café for those looking for a secluded and clean space to get some work done. The store offers free Wi-Fi, tons of outlets, two floors of seating, a washroom, and reasonably priced drinks and small bites.
The café is foreigner-friendly with the menu and many of the signs being posted in both English and Japanese. Light jazz music was playing when I entered the shop, setting a chill atmosphere that was reflected through the café’s Japandi style.
There are signs posted informing customers that they are free to stay as long as they wish but to be considerate of sharing the space during busy hours. The sign also requests that customers place another order if they plan to stay for more than 2-3 hours which I feel is pretty fair to ask, especially when the menu items are cheaply priced.
After ordering a dirty chai and egg and cheese sandwich, I chose to make my way upstairs and was greeted by several seating options including couches, benches, high stools, and individual chairs. I was particularly impressed to see that there were outlets stationed at every table, making it a perfect spot for study sessions with friends. When my food and drink arrived, I was pleased to find that both were just to my liking and the dirty chai was honestly one of the better chai drinks I’ve had while in Japan.
Keshi Pearl Stand ケシパールスタンド
Incredible coffee, tasty seasonal cakes, nice ambiance, comfortable seating, and incredibly friendly staff make Keshi Pearl Stand the ideal spot to spend your afternoon. I met another café enthusiast while in Kobe and he was also completely smitten by Keshi Pearl Stand, so this is definitely a place that deserves to be prioritized for a visit. The only downside is that this café is a bit further from a station compared to other cafes on this list as it’s a 7 minute walk from Sannomiya Station.
There’s a warmth within the café that is reflected through the baristas who excitedly greet every customer who walks through the door. The menu isn’t in English and the many options can be a bit overwhelming at first glance, so I was pleasantly surprised when one of the baristas explained the menu to me in English.
While we all know that looks aren’t everything, the aesthetic of this café is top notch. I was honestly in love with the cafe’s bird motifs which were simple yet oh so adorable and I wanted to applaud whoever chose the glassware. The seating is thoughtful and the whole place gives off a cozy vibe. While I forgot to check for any outlets or WiFi, the café does have a washroom.
nazca bird ナスカバード
Located on the corner of a street just a short distance from Motomachi Station is an absolute gem of a cafe. Nazca bird is run by a charming older couple and offers a quaint and relaxing atmosphere for someone looking to get some work done, cozy up and read a book, or even just spend a few hours chatting with a friend.
I loved the coffee and cheesecakes offered at nazca bird, especially their specialty roast and rum cake. The entire space is very thoughtful, from the expansive wall of books with bookmarks for saving your page to the lavender-scented hand wipes and borrowable blankets. The drinks are served in cute teacups and saucers while the cakes sit atop pretty gold-rimmed plates.
While the menus are not in English and the couple running the shop do not speak much English, the attitude towards foreigners is still pleasant and friendly. Having been twice, I was met with a lot of patience when I struggled to decide what to order and also when I misheard the amount owed when it came time to pay the bill. Speaking of which, it’s also good to keep in mind that this place is cash only. Finally, there is no Wi-Fi or outlets, but a washroom can be found just outside the café doors and beside the staircase.
Blue Bottle Coffee ブルーボトルコーヒー 神戸カフェ
An all-around safe choice, Blue Bottle Coffee is one of those reliable international chains that offers a decent cup of coffee no matter which country you’re visiting. The store near Motomachi is particularly appealing as it’s open at 8AM which is earlier than most cafes in Kobe, and there is an immense amount of seating options. As an added bonus, you’ll probably be more productive than usual as you’ll undoubtedly feel pressured to be productive when you glance around and see every other patron typing away at their laptop or intently reading a book (or maybe that’s just a me thing).
The coffee shop is foreigner friendly with some of the baristas speaking English while the menus offer lots of pictures or simple fonts that are easy enough to translate with a phone app. The seasonal drinks are my go-to choice and the baked goods can serve as a nice snack while you work.
The interior is very clean and minimal, and the café has a rotating central flower arrangement on the shared round table that is quite stunning. The individual tables are spaced reasonably so you don’t feel crowded and there is free Wi-Fi that works reasonably well as long as you don’t try to stream any videos. Outlets aren’t typically available, but there are two washrooms available at the back of the store.
Mamebaco Coffee 阪急六甲店
Just a few minutes away from Kobe University, Mamebaco Coffee is the perfect spot to study or do some work while grabbing a bite to eat or sipping on a coffee. The service is friendly, the food is tasty, and the aesthetic fits my idea of the ideal café.
For those visiting with the hope to complete some work, there is fast Wi-Fi, plenty of tables, and a washroom. It would be best if you came with a portable charger or fully charged devices, however, as I didn’t notice any outlets.
The café offers tons of seating options and is decorated in a way that makes you want to stay for a long time with cushioned seats and nice lighting when the sun is shining. Care for the customer is definitely reflected through the layout of the store and it seemed like a popular spot for people of all ages to come and chat with friends. I also loved the large windows within the café as they were perfect for people watching whenever I wanted to give my eyes a rest from looking at my laptop screen.
I arrived around lunch time and was able to order one of the lunch sets that came with a set drink, toasted egg sandwich, salad, and corn soup. I was really pleased with the quality and freshness of the food and my only regret was saying no to the pudding dessert add-on. Other customers seemed to be really enjoying the coffee drinks and toast which made me want to visit again to try them myself.
coffee up!
Located beside a bustling street crossing and just 5 minutes from JR Kobe Station, coffee up! is a great spot for grab-and-go or for those looking to sit and relax during a busy day. The cafe provides wifi, outlets, a washroom, and a choice of indoor or outdoor seating along with a range of delicious drinks, baked goods, and all-day breakfast. While coffee up! is open from 9:00-5:00PM, just take note that they are closed every Thursday.
The Melbourne-inspired café takes pride in providing a positive coffee experience for any type of visitor, and those entering the shop are warmly welcomed. You can expect the usual staples for coffee at a high-quality, although the café also offers seasonal drinks that are quite delightful.
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, there is a selection of baked goods as well as all-day breakfast options like a homemade granola bowl with fruit or toasted sandwiches. Foreigners can feel at ease knowing that menus have English included and the staff are able to take orders in English without any issues.
The noise from the traffic outside seeps into the store a bit, although I found it easy to tune out aside from the brief moments when the door facing the main road is opened. I’d recommend bringing your own headphones and music playlist just in case, and honestly it would probably be for the best if you plan to stay for longer than an hour as it seems the music in the café is on repeat.
Inside the shop you’ll find three tables that are high enough to be comfortable for working and bench seating that would work well for conversations or brief visits. It is worth noting that the outlets are not in abundance, although there are two that are within reach of the table seats and you will also need to request the Wi-Fi password. The store’s atmosphere is simple and comforting with plenty of natural light brightening up the space nicely.
Finally, as a specialty coffee shop and roaster, coffee up! has its own selection of beans that can be purchased and brought home. Additionally, you can opt to take workshops at the café to learn about drip coffee or latte art, although these seem to be popular as they were entirely booked for the month of February before the second week was even over.
Sloth Coffee Motomachi
Situated in a side alley from the Chinatown area within Kobe, Sloth Coffee Motomachi offers an ambient space with lots of seating, delicious desserts, a clean washroom, and trendy drinks. Many of the staff understand English at this café and menu items are labeled in both English and Japanese.
The café remains a peaceful study spot during the early afternoon, but it becomes more lively later into the day as many people meet here to chat. I believe the café is also pet-friendly as several dog owners met up while their dogs were resting beside the table in strollers and small bags. There are individual tables set up against the walls as well as a large communal table in the centre of the café.
While the café lacks outlets and Wi-Fi, the tiramisu is incredible while their yuzu lemonade is perfectly sweetened everytime. I’ve heard many other patrons praising the coffee, so it’s definitely a worthwhile spot to visit if you don’t need to be connected online.
Lima Coffee
Located just a few steps from Minato Motomachi Station sits Lima Coffee. The storefront is easy to spot thanks to the green door with the welcoming orange glow coming through the windows. The signs outside signal there are food, drinks, and outlets available and upon entering the store you’ll notice all the menus are in English.
The first thing to note about this café is that there is, unfortunately, no Wi-Fi available. There is also a sign letting patrons know that there is a one hour limit on days when it’s busy, but when I arrived on a Monday morning, there was only one other person sitting in so I was able to relax for almost two hours without any issues.
Still, Lima Coffee would be a great spot if you’re looking to get some old school studying done or just need a chill place to read. There are tons of seating options available ranging from benches to comfy couches or individual tables, outlets if you need to charge any devices, and a restroom for those who choose to stay awhile. The barista working also spoke English, and the place appears to be very foreigner friendly.
The overall aesthetic of the shop is quite pronounced the moment you walk through the door, and there’s a lot going on but in a good way. The first word that came to mind upon walking in was “cool” but I suppose you could describe the style as almost dark eclectic mixed with an almost rustic feel? Perhaps that’s not the best description, but I honestly loved the look and you can tell there was a lot of thought put into creating the space.
While there’s even an entire roastery in the back of the store for in-house coffee bean roasting, the café offers a range of drinks, so you don’t have to worry if you’re not a huge coffee fan. As a bonus, they allow for oat milk substitutes in your drink for an additional 100 yen. There are also food options like pizza toast, cheesecake, and cookies that you can enjoy with your drink, although since I had just eaten breakfast I wasn’t able to try any for myself. Finally, if you’re so inclined, the shop sells some funky merch that could make for a nice gift.
School Bus Coffee Stop Motomachi
Nestled close to many other casual coffee shops in Motomachi, School Bus Coffee Stop offers a mix of seating ranging from low comfy couches, a small raised counter, and larger table seats for groups of 2-4. This quiet space is stylish and even offers some school bus-themed merch.
Personally, I would only stay here if you’re able to snag a table by the wall as the raised counter isn’t super comfortable if you need space to write or spread out a textbook. The sofas could also be ideal for reading or just meeting for a coffee chat with friends.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the coffee and desserts available, but it is a spot that’s easy to work in with a simple aesthetic that helps you to stay focused. A washroom is also available, but unfortunately there are no outlets or WiFi.
Tierra the Lounge
Located in the Sannomiya area, Tierra the Lounge offers a quiet spot with two spacious tables in the back of the café alongside some bar seating. The front of the café features some cool and funky decor and artwork. Recognizing the limited table space, patrons are asked to limit their time to 90 minutes during busy periods.
The menus had very limited English, but it was still pretty easy to order as the barista understood English. This is also a great place to visit if you are looking to grab a sweet treat or something small and savoury like an egg sandwich with salad.
There weren’t any practical outlets, although technically you could sit at the bar table if you’re fine with your cable dangling behind you on the floor where people may pass by to get to the washroom.
Charmant Cafe クレフィ三宮店
Charmant Cafe is a great spot to escape the crowds of the Sannomiya shopping streets. Located on the 6th floor of Clefy in Sannomiya Center, the café is quite spacious and with plenty of seating. It seems to be a popular spot for friends to meet up and chat as many of the seats were occupied when I visited on a Wednesday afternoon. If you do choose to visit with a friend, just keep in mind that there is a one-drink-per-person policy.
The baristas encourage you to find a seat before ordering, and then they’ll bring you your order when it’s ready. The cafe is foreigner-friendly with some of the baristas speaking English while the menus are written in both Japanese and English.
When it comes to getting work done, the cafe offers complimentary WiFi but lacks outlets for charging. The space is clean and well-lit, but you may want to bring a pair of headphones if you’re easily distracted by the conversations of others. Charmant Cafe’s overall atmosphere is very comfortable with a modern industrial aesthetic.
The café offers specialty coffee alongside donuts and pound cakes, although if you arrive between 2-4PM, you can also order one of their toasted sandwiches. I ordered a chai latte and one of their scones, and I was honestly tempted to buy another scone because it had a great texture and was paired perfectly with some kind of specialty honey and clotted cream.
Saku Coffee 朔コーヒー
Saku Coffee is specialty coffee and snack shop tucked away just 2 minutes from Hankyu Rokko Station. The café offers solitude for those seeking a place to get some work done or enjoy a sweet snack.
While there is no Wi-Fi, there are outlets, cozy seats, and a washroom. The front of the store is brightly lit by natural light that shines through while the seating area is more dim and cozy.
I’d recommend trying one of the muffins while you’re here and perhaps one of the seasonal items. If you’re a fan of chai, you’ll be pleased to know that Saku Coffee offers a great tasting version. Do note that the menus have very limited English, so you’ll want to pull out your translation app if you can’t read Japanese, although the barista was able to receive orders in English without any issue.
Forest Coffee Roasters
With a large variety of beans and freshly roasted coffee, Forest Coffee Roasters gives off a calm and natural vibe with tons of plants and coffee on display. It’s located a little far from other recommendations on this list, but if you happen to be in the Rokko neighbourhood it’s worth stopping by. Even better, pair it with a visit for some pizza at the nearby pizzeria romana IL VENTO da REMO and you’re sure to have a good time.
The owner here is super friendly and has a number of reasonably priced dessert sets available. While I didn’t see any outlets, there are tons of seats, a clean washroom, and free Wi-Fi.
Cafe Monteca Panna
Conveniently located on the second floor of the building attached to JR Maiko Station, Cafe Monteca Panna offers a selection of foods, desserts, and drinks alongside a stunning view of the ocean (incredible for sunsets if you get a window seat) and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge. This cafe is a popular spot for high school students to meet or study, and although it lacks Wi-Fi and outlets, it’s very cozy and the prices are affordable.
Expect to use your translator while here if you don’t know Japanese as the menu has very limited English and the workers prefer to speak in Japanese. Still, the attitude towards foreigners is very friendly and the cake sets are a nice treat to enjoy while completing your work. While the cafe itself does not have a washroom, there is one available just down the hallway.
Chain Brand Cafes
If you’re looking for something a little more familiar or need something that’s available in multiple cities across Japan, there are also several chain cafes you can hit up including Starbucks, Excelsior, Komeda’s Coffee or Doutor. All of these tend to be acceptable places for meeting with friends or completing work, and some spots like Excelsior or Komeda’s Coffee will even offer actual meals rather than just light snacks or desserts.
If you’re fine with a less central location and want a scenic view, I’d recommend visiting one of the Starbucks situated along the coast such as Starbucks Kobe Nishi-Maiko. The sunsets can be really stunning and there are usually many others working on various projects or assignments within the store.
