If you are exploring the many side streets of Shimokitazawa (the thrifting district which I love to rave about), you will definitely want to have a pit stop by this quaint yet trendy coffee stand, the W/O Stand. Although, it is a little out of the way of where the main shops are found, it is for sure worth the search.
The W/O Stand has grown in popularity throughout the last year, with many branches being opened across the whole of Japan. You can even find two in Tokyo; the Shimokitazawa branch and one in Harajuku. This artsy coffee shop, which originated in Kobe, not only serves your typical caffe lattes and coffees but creates original drinks according to the different seasons.
What makes the W/O Stand ‘stand-out’ for me is not only the unique combinations of flavours found in their drinks but the fact that every different branch across Japan has a different logo. It is quite hard to distinguish what the common motif is among the logos but each logo seems to be inspired by American hip-hop artists. What is also cool about this coffee stand is the fact that you can even buy merchandise such as stickers, purses and more with the logo on it, in the store.
When you first approach the stand, you have faced with the perfect setting for an aesthetic instagram post. There is a bench outside with the shop’s sign above it which is a great place to take a snapshot with your artistic drink.
The inside is small with seating being minimal, yet there is such a welcoming vibe and the staff are super friendly and super cool (they definitely shop in Shimo). The interior, simple yet so effective. If you are a lover of art, then this is the perfect coffee shop for you as on the counter they have on display three of KAWS models.
There is a great selection in drinks as well. You are more than welcome to have something simple such as a regular coffee but if you are feeling a little more adventurous (and wanting to upload a cool photo of an aesthetic drink against the neon light in the shop), then you should opt for one of their colourful concoctions. Although these are a little more on the pricey side, with one of these drinks costing around ¥500-600 (£3.48-£4.18) they are really delicious. I went for the Galaxy Soda which was this gorgeous vibrant blue sweet soda which had fresh fruits on the top. My friend Becky went for an Espresso one which she ended up getting again as she liked it so much.
So if you are looking for somewhere to relax, appreciate art and enjoy a good drink, get down to W/O Stand.
Address: 2 Chome-26-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Opening Times: Mon- Fri 11am-12pm, 1pm-7pm and Sat- Sun 10am-9pm
Instagram: @with_out_stand_shimokita
Price Range: ¥