- Authentic butter coffee can be enjoyed at The Sunrise Shack Harajuku, originating from Hawaii.
- The menu offers 5 types: Classic, Mocha, Coconut, Golden, etc. Customization is possible by combining ingredients.
- We tried Coconut + Grass-fed Butter. Its natural sweetness and warmth were perfect for a morning stroll.
- Butter coffee suppresses hunger and supports concentration, but it's high in calories, so beginners should be mindful of the quantity.
If You Want to Try Butter Coffee in Harajuku, This is the Place! The Sunrise Shack Harajuku Report
Our team at geefee regularly recommends butter coffee (coffee + grass-fed butter + MCT oil). While it's easy to make at home if you have the ingredients, we recently visited "The Sunrise Shack," a coffee stand from Hawaii that just opened in Harajuku. It's great to be able to enjoy the authentic t aste of Hawaii right here in Japan, with information also available on their official website.
Location and Atmosphere — An Orange Accent in a Quiet Backstreet of Harajuku
The shop is located at the corner of Meiji-dori, a short walk from Harajuku Station through Takeshita Street, in front of "THE SHARE" building. Marked by an orange Volkswagen, it offers a calm atmosphere in Ura-Harajuku, just a step away from the bustling Takeshita Street. It's primarily a takeout stand, bu t on sunny days, it's pleasant to enjoy a drink outside while strolling.
Menu and Recommended Way to Order — Customize to Your Liking
The main butter coffee menu at the Harajuku store consists of 5 types: Classic (hot/iced), Mocha Classic (hot/iced), Coconut (hot/iced), Golden (hot/iced, with turmeric creamer), and Organic Coffee (hot/iced). While the Harajuku store generally doesn't offer the wide variety of superfood toppings available at the Hawaii main store, they sometimes accommodate additional requests if the ingredients are already used in other menu items.
What we actually tried was "Coconut (hot) + extra grass-fed butter." The subtle sweetness of the coconut creamer blended with the richness of the butter, making it very drinkable and satisfying. On a cold day, it warmed us from the inside out, making us slightly sweaty under our jackets while walking. If you're new to it, we recommend starting with a hot Classic, and once you're used to it, try Mo cha or Golden.
Benefits and Precautions of Butter Coffee — Boost Performance, but Be Mindful of Calories
Butter coffee is popular among those practicing intermittent fasting because fats serve as an energy source, promoting a sustained feeling of fullness. MCT oil is rapidly metabolized, aiding in ketone body production, and some reports suggest it can lead to a clearer mental state. Grass-fed butter is also favored for its richness in vitamin A and conjugated linoleic acid.
However, to be honest, butter coffee is high in calories, and for those not used to it, it can sometimes feel heavy on the stomach. Individuals with dietary fat restrictions (e.g., those at risk of cardiovascular disease), pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with digestive issues should consult a doctor before trying it. For beginners, it's safest to start with a small amount of MCT oil and gradually increase it.
Our Tasting Notes and a Little Ordering Technique
Whe n we visited, the staff kindly helped us with customization. A little trick here is to "use Classic as the base and add grass-fed butter or coconut creamer to your liking." If you order it iced, it tends to separate, so ask them to mix it well to enjoy it smoothly until the end.
Also, if you want to have it as a breakfast substitute, checking with the store if nut-based toppings or protein can be added will increase satisfaction (pre-checking is recommended as some toppings may not be available at the Harajuku store).
Summary
The Sunrise Shack in Harajuku, where you can experience the taste of Hawaii, is a valuable place to easily try butter coffee. The Coconut + Grass-fed Butter we tried had a natural sweetness and richness, perfect for a morning stroll or before work. If you're looking for specific effects, adjust the quantity and type of oil while listening to your body. With future plans to open in Shinjuku, we look forward to enjoying it even closer to home.
SHOP INFO
The Sunrise Shack — Harajuku branch
3-25-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Official website: https://www.sunriseshackhawaii.jp/
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.