“Is coffee in Japan any good? I’m a coffee lover.”

Yes! Japan has amazing coffee culture. It’s different from the West but just as good!

Types of Coffee Shops

“What options exist?”

Kissaten (Traditional cafes)

• Old-school Japanese coffee shops
• Hand-drip coffee
• Retro atmosphere
• Often smoky (older ones)
• Slower pace

Third Wave/Specialty

• Modern coffee shops
• Single origin beans
• Latte art
• Similar to Western specialty

Chains

• Starbucks (everywhere)
• Doutor (cheap and good)
• Tully’s Coffee
• Komeda Coffee (Nagoya style)

What Makes Japanese Coffee Special

“What’s different?”

Unique aspects:

• Nel drip (flannel drip) method
• Siphon coffee preparation
• Attention to detail
• Coffee shops as a ritual
• Kissaten culture since 1950s

Try: Hand-drip coffee at a traditional kissaten!

Where to Go

“Any recommendations?”

For kissaten experience:

• Café de l’Ambre (Ginza) – Since 1948
• Chatei Hatou (Shibuya) – Serious coffee
• Tajimaya Coffee (Asakusa) – Classic

For specialty:

• Blue Bottle Coffee – Multiple locations
• Fuglen Tokyo – Norwegian roaster
• Onibus Coffee – Local favorite

Convenience Store Coffee

“What about quick coffee?”

Actually great!

• 7-Eleven: 100 yen fresh brew
• Lawson: Machine coffee
• Family Mart: Good quality

Better than you’d expect!

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Have a favorite neighborhood kissaten
• Drink canned coffee from vending machines
• Use convenience store coffee daily
• View coffee shops as relaxation spaces

Extra Travel Tips

1. Morning sets – Coffee + toast combo, great value

2. Canned coffee – Try hot from vending machines

3. Kissaten hours – Often close early (6-8 PM)

4. Table charge – Some kissaten have minimum order

5. No laptops – Some traditional places discourage working

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