The experience of living abroad is unique – especially when it’s in Tokyo. Living in the world’s largest metropolitan area (by population), learning a new culture and language, meeting new people, and simply having a whole new experience can be one of the best things you can do in your teenage years. But it can also bring its own challenges, such as feeling lonely or struggling to find the best study spots for students in Tokyo and meet new people. 

In this article, we will show you the top places to study in Tokyo and where to enjoy a good lecture. All with the smell of exceptional coffees and teas, the chance to grab a nice lunch, Wi-Fi and an electrical outlet!

Let’s get started!

How to Find a Good Place to Study in Tokyo

There are many different ways to find a good place to study. But it can be overwhelming, especially when you consider that Japan has one of the highest densities of cafes and restaurants in the world. So how do you choose one and try it out?

The first place to look is Google Maps. A quick search for “cafes near me” will give you a list of options. Take a close look at the reviews, ratings and comments that other users have left. You can even go one step further and filter by your must-haves in the reviews section. For example, you can look for:

  • Wi-Fi
  • Power outlet
  • Co-working
  • Healthy food
  • Gluten free food, 
  • Great coffee or tea
  • etc. 

Read the reviews carefully and choose the one that best suits your needs and allows you to concentrate and learn. 

Or, if you prefer, the list below is a great place to start. 

Best Places to Study in Tokyo

At Immerse Education we are committed to making your study abroad experience the best it can be. That’s why we’ve carefully compiled a list of the best places to sit down, open your laptop and concentrate on your coursework or study session. So, if you are spending or planning to spend some time in Tokyo, here are some places to visit. 

Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library

The Tokyo Metropolitan Library is open to everyone – no age restrictions. It’s one of the largest public libraries in Japan and is located in scenic Arisugawa Park. The library is the perfect place to sit down and spend hours reading and studying. There’s peace and quiet, because everyone is on the same page – pun intended! You can also browse for books and get help with your research.

While there are no dedicated study rooms, the Tokyo Metropolitan Library has 900 seats for study and research, as well as a group reading room and group study rooms. 

The library has a cafeteria, vending machines, over 300 seats with a PC power source, free Wi-Fi services, and you can use your own electronic devices or their computers.

In short, if you’re near Minato, don’t miss the chance to spend some time studying here. Admission and use of rooms and books is 100% free.

Address: Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

This tea house is one of the coziest places to study in Tokyo and have a good time. Its walls are covered with plants and flowers that simulate a greenhouse, giving you the sense of calm and peace you need to concentrate and learn. 

When you enter, you might find their flower shop, but don’t worry! Just keep walking until you find the door to their teahouse. Once inside you can choose to sit inside or outside. 

Their menu includes a variety of teas and small plates, perfect for a snack to boost your energy levels while you browse through your lesson materials. 

If you’re close to Aoyama, plan to study here, especially early in the morning or after 3pm when it’s less crowded and you can concentrate on your studies.

Address: GLASSAREA AOYAMA 1F, 5-4-41 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.

Daikanyama T-Site – Shibuya

An elegant bookstore complex, spread over three buildings, with virtually every book imaginable. It’s full of free seats and areas where you can sit and study, as well as a workspace where you pay by the hour. 

This mega bookstore also has a Starbucks where you can grab a cup of coffee, tea or a snack, and a bar-restaurant-library where you can have lunch without interrupting your study time.

It’s the perfect place to sit down and spend hours browsing books and doing coursework in a relaxed atmosphere with everything you need at your fingertips.

The Daikanyama T-Site allows you to browse any book before you buy it, and has a large staff of concierges who can help you with any enquiries, including advice and recommendations. 

Address: DAIKANYAMA T-SITE / DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS 〒150-0033, 17-5 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.

Manuscript Writing Cafe

This café, which has attracted a lot of media attention, is only open to writers. When you arrive, you are given a card to fill in, specifying your writing target for your time in the cafe. For example, you might write that you’re aiming to complete a 2,500 word article. From time to time, managers will come up to you and check that you are progressing towards your goal and give you some words of advice or motivation (you can choose how much verbal pressure you want to receive from them).

You can choose to sit in a group or at a table of 1. Whatever you choose, you will have access to a power outlet, a USB fast charger, WiFi, a laptop cooling stand and free coffee or tea. You can also sit on the terrace. Note that there is an hourly charge for sitting.

What makes this place great is that everyone is working to a deadline and is deeply invested in their writing. This keeps you stimulated and focused, and you can’t leave until you’ve achieved your goal. 

Address: Japan, 〒166-0002 Tokyo, Suginami City, Koenjikita, 2 Chome−1−24 村田ビル 1階

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m.

Forest Library – Shibuya

This library has a very interesting concept. Basically, you pay by the hour you read, study or use the library and you get access to thousands of books, chairs, sofas, tables, drinks and food. Unlike most libraries, they encourage chatting, making it the perfect place to study and meet new people. 

The Forest Library has a great environment. During peak hours you can find a large crowd, especially at 15:00 and 21:00. During the rest of the day it’s a very quiet place to study.

If you’re near Shibuya, don’t miss the chance to visit and experience a bookstore like no other.

Address: Udagawacho 23−3, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 22:45 p.m.

Trunk Lounge – Shibuya

Inside the Trunk Hotel there’s a lounge where you can study. It’s a very quiet, dark space with great drinks and food options that won’t limit your time. What makes it even better is that it’s open to everyone – hotel guests, people from the neighbourhood, nomadic workers, creatives and more. 

While you are here, you are likely to meet other young people like yourself, especially during the week. It’s full of plugs, Wi-Fi, food and drinks to make your study time more enjoyable. 

Address: 5 Chome-31 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.

Breadworks  – Tennoz Isle

This café is a  must if you are in or near Tennoz. It’s a venue with riverfront seating and outdoor tables to make your stay more enjoyable. There are power points on almost every wall, water fountains and drink refills. 

According to the blog, Passports and Cookbooks, one of the best things about working here is that they don’t ask you to leave. You can sit and study for hours and enjoy some great food options including fresh deli, sandwiches, cakes and sweets. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to study and enjoy some freshly baked bread.

Address: 2-1-6 Higashi-shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002

Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.

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Bottom Line: Best Study Spots for Students in Tokyo

Almost every street in Japan has a cafe where you can sit, study and enjoy a cup of tea and a snack. However, not all of them will allow you to occupy a table for hours on end. Nor will they give you their Wi-Fi password! So before you get into trouble, check out some of the options shared here. 

If you are planning to spend some time in Tokyo, be sure to check out our summer programme. It’s an opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant culture and make lifelong friendships with peers from around the world.

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