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Roy's Station Coffee & Teas

8.3Friend Score / 10

#2 of 10 Cafés & Coffee in San Jose

Known forHawaiian musubipork bunsbento boxesspicy mocha
Directions

A beloved Japantown coffee house built inside the family's old 1940s gas station — Grandpa Roy's Mobil pumps are still out front. Great Verve coffee, musubi and pork buns, and a sunny patio in one of America's last three historic Japantowns. Note the early close: 2pm weekdays, 3pm weekends.

Key facts

Hours
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Sat–Sun 08:00–15:00
Price$$
Phone
Website
Nearest transitVTA light rail Japantown/Ayer station, about 2 blocks away
Time needed30-60 minutes
Best time to goWeekend mornings, especially when Japantown has festivals or the farmers' market
Last verifiedJuly 12, 2026

Friend Score

8.3/10
  • Value8.0
  • iconic6.5
  • Freshness9.2
  • Crowd level7.0
  • Authenticity9.0
  • Accessibility8.0
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Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Roy's Station on transit?
VTA light rail's Japantown/Ayer station is about two blocks away. From downtown San Jose it's a five-minute ride or a pleasant 20-minute walk up 1st Street.
What should I order at Roy's Station?
They brew Verve coffee, and the Spam musubi and pork buns are the local move alongside your latte. The matcha and tea program is better than average too, sourced from small organic farms.
What's the story behind Roy's Station?
The building was Grandpa Roy Murotsune's Mobil gas station, run by the family for decades in Japantown. His descendants converted it into this coffee house, and the vintage pumps still stand out front.
What else is near Roy's Station in Japantown?
You're in the heart of one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the US — the Japanese American Museum, JTown mural alley, and old-school spots like shops on Jackson Street are all within two blocks.
What time does Roy's Station close?
Early — 2pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends, opening at 8am daily. Treat it as a morning spot.
Is Roy's Station good for sitting outside?
Yes — the patio around the old gas pumps is the best seat in Japantown. It's shaded, relaxed, and dog-friendly.
Does Roy's Station have wifi and laptop seating?
Yes, and weekday mornings are calm enough to work. Just know you'll get kicked out by the 2pm close, and weekends the patio crowd takes priority over laptop campers.
Is there parking near Roy's Station?
Street parking on Jackson and the surrounding Japantown blocks is usually easy outside festival days. On Obon or farmers' market mornings, give yourself extra time.

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