Cafe hopping is one of the most important skills as a freelancer working on the move. Last week, I spent a day exploring cafes in Osaka!
Stable Wi-Fi, a laptop, and a good cup of coffee are essentials when working on the go. Today, I share my experiences cafe hopping as a freelance writer in Japan!
Starting The Day At Tully’s Coffee
It was a rainy day in Osaka, but that didn’t mean it had to be a miserable one.
I decided to venture out of my room regardless of the weather, with nothing but my laptop and umbrella to lead the way.
I headed to Tennoji Park, a 20-minute walk down the road, as I was aware of a nearby cafe that was great for remote workers.
That cafe was none other than Tully’s Coffee, one of the most popular brands of coffee you’ll see throughout Japan, despite being American-owned.
There, I made myself comfortable by sitting down, plugging in my laptop, and connecting to Tully’s free Wi-Fi access.
On a wet and cloudy day like this, a nice hot cafe latte seemed like the best way to combat the blues.
The staff at Tully’s Coffee are particularly accommodating to foreigners, albeit it’s a widely recognized brand in America and Europe.
Staff are typically well-versed in English and seize the opportunity to converse with foreigners, even offering English menus as needed.
The cafe’s vibe was quite comforting, with a well-lit ambiance, warm room temperature, and fellow remote workers typing away at their laptops in the surrounding seats.
Feeling unusually motivated by the sounds of hard-hitting raindrops on the roof, I began to work vigorously on my articles and client outreach.
A few hours of hard work later, I felt the itch to get my legs moving again.
Hopping Over To Nana’s Green Tea
I knew I needed a break for some cardio, but what I didn’t realize is how much I was craving a change of scenery.
Changing one’s environment has a profound impact on improving inspiration levels and decreasing stress.
I walked across Tennoji Park and stumbled upon a huge shopping complex known as Tennoji MIO.
Given the size of the building, I figured it was a great opportunity to explore other workspaces and possibly get a nice view out of it too!
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the cafes inside were packed to the brim, and I slowly started to regret leaving Tully’s Coffee.
Admitting defeat and beginning my walk back home, I came across a small little shop in the corner of the shopping mall.
Nana’s Green Tea was a God-send, a small little cafe that was occupied only by a few elderly women and a couple of fellow remote workers.
I decided to head on inside and order an iced green tea with ice cream and dango (Japanese rice flour dumpling).
Again, I whipped out my laptop and got back to work, though there were a couple of roadblocks to deal with.
While the drink, atmosphere, and workspace were immaculate, the cafe lacked a stable internet connection which downplayed the experience.
Sadly, the cafe itself had no free Wi-Fi, so all I had was a weak connection to the train station’s Wi-Fi underground (it was way too slow!).
I took it as a sign to take a break from work and just enjoy the delicious green tea delicacy and relaxed cafe atmosphere.
Finishing Strong With Starbucks
After possibly the best cafe drink I’ve had since coming to Japan, I was refreshed and re-energized to find a good workspace at Tennoji MIO.
Having walked around for some time and exploring the many floors of the shopping complex, I was astounded at the sheer number of Starbucks cafes there were.
Naturally, most of them were filled to the brim, particularly the seats with power outlet connections (which is what I needed!).
Somehow, I eventually found a Starbucks across the road at the Abeno Hoop shopping complex, just opposite Tennoji MIO.
I did not hesitate to walk in as there was still a lot of laptop work I wanted to get done before heading home.
Japan’s Starbucks are notorious for its unique seasonal items that reflect the current time of year.
Chestnut lattes in autumn and cherry blossom frappes in spring are classic examples.
I found myself in the midst of the hot summer season (despite the rain), where a deliciously refreshing lemon cheesecake frappe was on offer!
I did not hesitate to order this drink and I certainly was not disappointed, comprising a strong lemon flavor with ground bits of lemon cheesecake infused into the beverage.
After a day of drinking caffeinated beverages, this drink provided the sugar hit I needed for the final stretch of work before heading home!
Starbucks proved once again why it’s a global giant, providing me with all the essentials for a productively pleasant freelance writing experience!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!