coffee murasaki
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Ueno Station · 5 min walk (JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line, JR Jōban Line)
- Hours
- Mon–Thu, Sat–Sun 9:00–17:00; closed Fri
- Time needed
- 15–30 min
- Best time to go
- Weekday mornings before 11:00, when seating at the six-chair counter is readily available.
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Tucked away near Ueno Station, Coffee Murasaki is a cozy, modern coffee stand celebrated for its meticulous pour-overs and exceptionally welcoming staff. It is a must-visit for coffee purists seeking high-quality specialty beans roasted to highlight their distinct origins. Expect a warm, minimalist atmosphere, friendly barista conversations, and a perfect, quiet respite from the bustling Ueno district.
What Japanese guides note
Located near the Ryōdaishi-shita intersection outside the Iriya Exit of JR Ueno Station, the stand provides a convenient pause when walking toward Kan'ei-ji temple or the Tokyo National Museum. Contrary to common assumptions that it is a slow-drip lounge, the venue is a double-shot espresso bar with an explicit short-stay format. With only six counter seats available, visits should be kept brief to accommodate local foot traffic.
Details from local sources
- The cafe is operated by Murasaki Sports, the action-sports chain whose corporate origins trace back to a coffee shop named Jun-kissa Murasaki before relaunching the concept in 2023 for the company's 50th anniversary. [source]
- Rather than pour-over filter coffee, the drink menu is built around double-shot espresso for its Americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos. [source]
- The signature food item is hot imagawayaki griddle cake branded with the shop's kanji logo and filled with purple sweet potato paste or adzuki red bean paste. [source]
- The shop interior contains only six counter seats, and customers are requested to limit their stay to 30 minutes during busy periods. [source]
Insider Tip
Try their signature hand-drip coffee paired with a slice of their homemade terrine cake for the ultimate flavor combination.
Frequently asked
How is Coffee Murasaki related to Murasaki Sports?
Murasaki Sports began in Ueno as a kissaten called Jun-kissa Murasaki in 1968 before expanding into action sports retail. In May 2023, commemorating the company's 50th anniversary, Murasaki Sports revived its founding cafe concept directly adjacent to its Tokyo corporate headquarters.
What food items are available at the stand?
The stand specializes in freshly prepared imagawayaki round griddle cakes stamped with the store's kanji logo. Fillings include traditional sweet adzuki bean paste and smooth purple sweet potato paste, priced at 200 yen each, designed to pair with espresso drinks.
Can I work on a laptop for an extended period?
While each counter seat includes electrical power outlets and complimentary Wi-Fi, the interior contains only six seats. To maintain counter turnover at this micro-stand, staff ask patrons to treat it as a quick refreshment stop and limit seating to roughly 30 minutes.
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