Tokyo · Japan
Onibus Coffee
Onibus Coffee is one of 7 Tokyo roasters tracked on day9, in Tokyo.
Since 2012 · Atsushi Sakao
Overview
Onibus was founded in 2012 by Atsushi Sakao in Okusawa, a residential pocket of Tokyo, after Sakao trained as a barista in Australia and worked at Paul Bassett in Shinjuku. The roaster's name is the Portuguese word for 'bus', and Sakao deliberately sited the original cafe in a sleepy neighbourhood to build a regulars-driven community rather than a destination retail spot.
Known for
- One of Tokyo's earliest third-wave specialty roasters
- Sister concept store About Life Coffee Brewers in Shibuya — a multi-roaster window also pouring Switch, Amameria and guest beans
- 15kg Diedrich at the Nakameguro roastery (after starting on a Fuji Royal in the early years)
- Light, Nordic-leaning roast profiles refined for Japanese filter and espresso service
- Wholesale supply to cafes across Tokyo and Kyoto
Why it matters
Onibus is consistently named by Tokyo coffee professionals as the city's must-visit roaster. Sakao broke from the dark-roast convention dominant in Japan in 2012, and his decision to open in a residential area rather than a retail strip helped seed the model now common across Tokyo's specialty scene.
Production
- roaster machine
- Diedrich IR-15 (15kg)
- roastery location
- Nakameguro, Tokyo
- espresso equipment
- La Marzocco Linea PB (at About Life Coffee Brewers)
Café
2-14-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo (Nakameguro flagship)
Recognitions
- Routinely named must-visit Tokyo coffee shop by Japanese specialty coffee professionals (Sprudge Tokyo Coffee Profiles)