%Arabica at Azabudai Hills: 4F vs B1 Comparison and Kyoto Latte Menu Guide
Tokyo Mate
Looking for a cafe at Azabudai Hills?
%Arabica is the one you can't miss!
Famous for its flagship store in Arashiyama, Kyoto, this specialty coffee brand has only one location in Tokyo — and it's at Azabudai Hills. What's more, there are actually two stores in the same building.
The 4F store offers a relaxing coffee experience with Tokyo skyline views, while the B1 store connects directly to the subway for easy access. This guide covers both locations, the full menu with prices, recommended drinks, and how to get there.
What is %Arabica?
"See the World Through Coffee"
%Arabica is a specialty coffee brand created by founder Kenneth Shoji. Born in Tokyo, he grew up with Esperanto-speaking parents and traveled the world each summer for international Esperanto congresses. Meeting diverse cultures and people, he constantly asked himself, "Who am I, and what kind of life do I want to live?"
After high school, he moved to Venice Beach, California, where he fell in love with coffee during the 1990s as Starbucks was spreading across America.
The answer he found after years of reflection was simple: a modest life, satisfaction in the basics, traveling with his children, and a delicious cup of coffee every day.
To create the finest coffee, he purchased a coffee farm in Hawaii, traded green beans worldwide, and secured exclusive export rights for a Japanese roasting machine. He opened his first store in Hong Kong in 2013, then launched the Kyoto flagship in September 2014, putting the brand firmly on the global map.
Today, %Arabica operates over 150 stores across more than 20 countries. Azabudai Hills is the first and only location in Tokyo.
Where to Find %Arabica at Azabudai Hills
Many people don't realize there are actually two %Arabica locations at Azabudai Hills. They differ in location, atmosphere, and opening hours, so it's worth choosing the one that fits your schedule best.
1️⃣ % Arabica Tokyo Azabudai Hills 4F
"Embracing Tokyo's skyline"
📍 Location: Azabudai Hills Tower Plaza 4F
⏰ Hours: 11:00 – 20:00
☕ Seating: 15 indoor / 24 terrace
The 4F store is the best spot to sit back and enjoy your coffee at a leisurely pace. Designed by Nomura (no.10 of Nomura), %Arabica's regular design partner, the space features a central circular counter with signature beans displayed on curved shelving.
The biggest draw is the 24 open-air balcony seats. %Arabica's signature Chemex-style picnic tables are set outdoors, so you can sip your coffee while feeling the city breeze. It's also a perfect spot for photos.
2️⃣ % Arabica Tokyo Azabudai Hills B1
"A stylish urban retreat"
📍 Location: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B B1F
⏰ Hours: 08:00 – 20:00
☕ Seating: 6 indoor
※ 12 shared Azabudai Hills terrace seats available in front of the store
The B1 store is a compact, takeout-focused space. It opens at 8 AM — three hours earlier than the 4F store, making it the go-to choice if you need your morning coffee fix.
What makes this location special is its mirror ceiling. Look up while holding your coffee and you'll see the entire store reflected upside down — a truly unique experience. The store invites you to "Enjoy the upside down view."
4F vs B1 at a Glance
| Category | Tower Plaza 4F | Garden Plaza B B1F |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 11:00 – 20:00 | 08:00 – 20:00 |
| Seating | 15 indoor / 24 terrace | 6 indoor |
| Highlights | Open-air balcony, circular counter, spacious feel | Subway-connected, mirror ceiling, easy access |
| Best For | Relaxing with views and atmosphere | Quick, stylish coffee on the go |
✔️ Morning visit → B1 store
✔️ Photos & atmosphere → 4F store
Both stores welcome preschool-aged children and strollers, so families can visit comfortably.
Full Menu & Recommended Drinks
The entire menu ranges from ¥350 to ¥650 (roughly $2.30 to $4.30 USD), making it surprisingly affordable for a specialty coffee brand in Tokyo.
Espresso-Based
- Espresso ¥350
- Espresso Macchiato ¥450
- Americano ¥450
- White Americano ¥500
- Caffe Latte ¥600
- Kyoto Latte ¥600
- Espresso Tonic ¥650
Non-Coffee
- Matcha Latte ¥600
- Lemonade ¥500
☕ Kyoto Latte ¥600
The eternal signature drink of %Arabica. A touch of condensed milk makes it smooth and subtly sweet while still letting the rich coffee flavor shine through. Even if you're not a big coffee drinker, this is easy to enjoy. Sometimes the baristas pour latte art in the shape of the % logo, making it perfect for photos. If you're visiting %Arabica, this is a must-order.
☕ Caffe Latte ¥600
A well-balanced blend of milk and espresso — a solid, no-frills classic. Recommended if you prefer your coffee without added sweetness.
🍵 Matcha Latte ¥600
The perfect choice for non-coffee drinkers. The rich, authentic Japanese matcha flavor is noticeably different from what you'd find in other countries.
🍋 Espresso Tonic ¥650
Espresso mixed with tonic water — the priciest item on the menu, but worth it for something different. Refreshingly crisp, especially great on hot summer days in Tokyo.
☕ White Americano ¥500
A regular Americano with a splash of milk for a smoother taste. The perfect middle ground for those who want something less sweet than the Kyoto Latte but softer than a straight Americano.
You can also buy beans at the store. Signature roasts are displayed and sold on-site, with on-demand roasting available for up to 200g — a great souvenir idea.
How to Get There & Suggested Routes with Tokyo Tower
Azabudai Hills connects directly to the subway, making access very convenient.
Take the Hibiya Line to Kamiyacho Station or the Namboku Line to Roppongi-itchome Station and you'll walk right into the building. It's also about a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Tower, making it easy to plan a combined visit.
👉 Azabudai Hills Complete Guide: How to Get There & Best Things to Do
Suggested Route A (Morning)
Tokyo Tower morning visit → 10-min walk → %Arabica B1 store (opens at 8 AM) for morning coffee
Suggested Route B (Afternoon)
teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills B1–B2) → %Arabica 4F terrace for a relaxing coffee break
📌 If the 4F terrace is fully packed, the 33F Sky Room cafe is a great alternative — enjoy your coffee with a Tokyo Tower view.
👉 Azabudai Hills Observatory Cafe Sky Room Guide
FAQ
Q. Are there long waits?
A. As Tokyo's only %Arabica location, it's quite popular. The 4F terrace tends to have longer waits on nice days. The B1 store has faster turnover, but with only 6 seats, takeout is recommended there.
Q. Can I bring a stroller or young children?
A. Both stores welcome preschool-aged children and strollers. Families can visit comfortably.
Q. Does it taste the same as the Kyoto flagship?
A. The menu and beans are identical. However, while the Arashiyama flagship is known for its views of the Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsura River, the Azabudai Hills location has a distinctly urban Tokyo atmosphere with striking architectural design. The same Kyoto Latte tastes different when the setting is this different.
Q. Are there %Arabica locations in other countries?
A. %Arabica operates over 150 stores in 20+ countries worldwide. But the Azabudai Hills location has an atmosphere all its own — it's well worth experiencing in person.
"We only live once."
These are the words founder Kenneth Shoji left on the %Arabica official website. At Azabudai Hills — Tokyo's newest landmark — savor a cup of coffee and make the most of every moment of your trip.
Related Azabudai Hills Guides
- Where to start at Azabudai Hills? (Observatory, restaurants, teamLab — all in one guide)
👉 Azabudai Hills Complete Guide: Best Things to Do
- The perfect pairing with coffee — Tabelog's Top 100 Bakery, Comme'N Tokyo
👉 Azabudai Hills Comme'N Tokyo Bakery Review
- If the 4F seats are all taken, the 33F Sky Room is the ultimate alternative
👉 Azabudai Hills Observatory Cafe Sky Room Guide
Editor's Note
This article is based on the author's actual experiences and original content from blog.naver.com/tokyomate. It has been translated and adapted to provide authentic travel information about Tokyo for global readers.