The 9th TOKYO COFFEE FESTIVAL, one of Japan's largest coffee events, will be held over two days, April 14th and 15th, in the courtyard of the United Nations University in Aoyama, Tokyo.


First held in the fall of 2015, this 9th edition of the event will bring together approximately 50 roasters and cafes from Japan and abroad, as well as coffee companions and goods. This year, for the first time, the focus will not be on roasters, but rather on unique cafes. The lineup will include 28 first-time establishments selected by GOOD COFFEE editor Vaughan and event organizer Yuji Otsuki.


A noteworthy accompaniment to coffee is the "Butter's Cousin" gaufres, developed by the "chus" complex in Nasu, Tochigi, in collaboration with Yuichi Goto, owner and pastry chef of "Shinrin no Bokujo" and "PATH." These gaufres were created with the aim of adding value to inexpensive nonfat milk and ensuring a stable supply of craft butter for local dairy farmers. They're filled with milk jam made with nonfat milk. During the event, Goichi Miyamoto, CEO of "chus," Masahiro Yamakawa of "Shinrin no Bokujo," and Yuichi Goto of "PATH" will be on hand to serve delicious gaufres. Enjoy them with your favorite coffee.


A workshop open to both adults and children will allow participants to experience a new side of coffee as a fruit.
A tasting event will also be held featuring a wide selection of coffees from Japan and abroad. Original merchandise designed by Shuntaro Takeuchi, including ceramic tasting mugs, will also be available for purchase. The event will welcome first-time vendors to the venue's lounge, creating a coffee and food space called "COFFEE LOUNGE." The chef from gelato shop "FLOTO" in Sangubashi will be serving up simple, unforgettable gelato made with carefully selected ingredients. Popular dishes from "MIP cafe," located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, surrounded by nature, will also be available for the first time in "COFFEE LOUNGE."


The concurrently held farmers' market will have a "Gourmet Street Food" theme, featuring chefs working together to update festival food stalls. To coincide with this event, Joe, owner and chef of "80/20," which was selected as one of the top five restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand, and Num, co-owner and chef of "Samuay & Sons," who has many years of chef experience in San Francisco, will be visiting Japan! The menu will be revealed on the day.