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LIKE many Asian countries, Japan is a tea-drinking nation. So visitors to Tokyo in search of a coffee jolt must often settle for a machine-made caffè latte at a cheap Japanese cafe or find a Starbucks or Tully’s, both plentiful but predictable.

Thankfully, a growing number of specialty coffee shops have opened in recent years. But like many things in this expensive city, sticker shock abounds. A cup of slow-drip can set you back as much as 1,000 yen, roughly $10 at 97.96 yen to the dollar. Don’t expect refills.

But for those addicted to the aroma of fresh ground beans, a mellow caffeine buzz and the smooth taste of a well-made cappuccino, here is a quick list of some of Tokyo’s best coffee shops.

Macchinesti, a one-minute walk from the Hiroo subway station, is a bright cafe started by a Japanese architect who lives in Seattle much of the year and sells espresso machines to restaurants in Tokyo. Many of Macchinesti’s drinks are made with the owner’s original blend of Indonesian, Central American, East African and Indian beans.

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The Romano, an espresso shot for 450 yen, and the macchiato, espresso with milk for 500 yen, were smooth but impossible to nurse in three-ounce cups. The dry cappuccino (600 yen) was top shelf, with a leaf design in the foam. The Cubano (450 yen) included a shot of espresso, water, sugar, caramel and cardamom to create a pleasingly sweet — but not cloying — drink. The menu at Macchinesti (Minami Azabu 5-15-14; 81-3-5739-1852; www.macchinesti.com) includes eggs Benedict (1,500 yen) and chef’s salad (1,100 yen).