In the Tokyo/Yokohama area you’ll find no shortage of chain coffee shops from around the world. Blenz Coffee is from Canada. You usually find Blenz where you find the other trendy coffee shops, in places like Aoyama for example. Blenz seems to have a cooler vibe than most of the chain places and the staff are quite laid back.

As for the quality of the coffee, it’s pretty good. Definitely a cut above Starbucks, Tully’s and the like. I had an iced café mocha last summer at the Minatomirai shop and was surprised by how tasty it was. However, I really like just having plain old coffee at Blenz because it tastes so much better than what you get at the other trendy chain places (where coffee’s not brewed to order) around Tokyo and Yokohama. For a place that does do brew to order, check out Ueshima Coffee Shops.

Atmosphere-wise, while a little on the “hip” side, it still has a canned feel. A good place to take a break while out shopping or on business, but not the kind of place I’d search out.

Overall, I’d take Blenz over Dean and Deluca or Excelsior.

Blenz Tokyo/Yokohama store locator.