Marumi Coffee Sapporo: Your Local Hidden Gem Cafe

A Local's Favorite Cafe Near Sapporo TV Tower

Marumi Coffee Main Branch

It's a well-known secret that Japan consistently delivers exceptional coffee, no matter where you go. Sapporo, in particular, boasts a fantastic array of cafes, but today, I want to introduce you to one that truly stands out for its remarkable brews: Marumi Coffee.

🕛 Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Marumi Coffee has several locations throughout Sapporo. While the branch on the 3rd floor of Marui Imai, offering picturesque views of the Sapporo TV Tower, is quite famous, I always prefer to visit the main branch when possible. This original location, nestled near Odori Station, is where I headed. If a scenic view is high on your priority list, the Marui Imai 3rd-floor branch is definitely worth considering!

Inside the Cafe

From the outside, Marumi Coffee might appear small, but step inside, and you'll be surprised by the ample seating available. The interior exudes a calm, wood-toned ambiance. What truly sets it apart is its status as a beloved local spot, meaning you'll likely find more residents than tourists, creating a wonderfully quiet and peaceful atmosphere rather than a noisy one.

A diverse selection of coffee beans is beautifully displayed, and the best part is that tastings are available! If you fall in love with a particular blend, you can conveniently purchase the beans on the spot to enjoy at home.

The walls are adorned with various awards and accolades, detailing years of wins and championships, which certainly built up my anticipation before even placing an order. Plus, every staff member was incredibly friendly!

Menu

While there isn't a Korean menu, don't worry! Each item has a clear English description beneath the Japanese, making ordering a breeze. You simply call a staff member to your table to place your order, and they are capable of communicating in English, which is a huge plus for international visitors.

Among the various offerings, what truly caught my eye was the "Tasting Three Types of Coffee" set! It's prominently featured on the menu and designed to let you compare coffees from different origins and processing methods all at once.

There were two pricing options: a Barista Recommended Selection, or a customizable set where you could choose two of the three beans yourself. We opted for the Barista Selection to experience their curated choices.

Our Coffee Selection

The set included three distinct coffees:

Guatemala La Canoa Geisha Fully Washed

Honduras Montecillos Bourbon Washed

Costa Rica La Pastora Honey Yellow Deluxe

What made this tasting so fascinating wasn't just the different countries of origin, but also the varied varietals and processing methods, which allowed for a truly insightful comparison.

Personally, the Geisha stood out with its incredibly vibrant aroma, perfectly matching my preference (and yes, it was the priciest of the bunch!). It wasn't overly acidic; instead, it offered a clean, lingering fragrance that was delightful.

The Honduras Bourbon provided a more stable and balanced profile, a classic, comforting cup. Meanwhile, the Costa Rica Honey had a subtle sweetness that gradually emerged, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

It was remarkable how three black coffees could taste so distinctly different. This tasting set alone made the visit absolutely worthwhile!

We also ordered a lemonade, a non-coffee option. It wasn't bad, but it was just an "okay" drink – nothing compared to their exquisite coffee.

Marumi Coffee's main branch isn't designed with a flashy, tourist-centric vibe; it's a place where the coffee itself is the star. If you're looking to quietly relax near Odori Park and savor a truly exceptional cup of coffee, Marumi Coffee comes highly recommended.