Sakuraco Logo
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
account menu button
Sakuraco Logoaccount menu button
snack box
お菓子の箱について
subscription
pricing
about us
私たちについて
subscribe
購入する
Top StoriesNewsFood & Drink
Categories
Top Stories
News
Food & Drink
search

culture, japanese food, kissaten

Kissaten: Tracing the Rich History of Japan’s Beloved Coffee Houses

Anna Ayvazyan

Anna Ayvazyan

Share:

A cup of kissaten-style cinnamon coffee, serve with a cinnamon stick on the side.

Japan is home to various types of tea, especially matcha (green tea). But did you know it has a significant coffee culture too? Let’s explore Japanese coffee culture through their style of coffee shops, the kissaten. 

History of Kissaten

For several centuries tea was the primary go-to drink for Japanese people. The first recorded tea shop surfaced in the Edo era in 1735 in Kyoto. However, with the arrival of coffee beans in the 17th Century by Dutch traders, the drinking culture slowly started to change.

Originally coffee wasn’t famous among Japanese people; they thought it was an “overcooked drink.” Then in the late 1800s, Eikei Tei, also known as Tsurukichi Nishimura, opened the first coffee shop in Japan. At the time, he had studied abroad in France and became fascinated by European coffee shops. 

The interior of a kissaten, which has a lot of vintage decor from the early to mid Showa era.
Most kissaten retain their vintage charm from the Showa era. Image via Savvy Tokyo

In particular, he was fond of the idea that cafes can be a place for socialization between artists, writers, and friends. So he thought about opening a place in Ueno, Tokyo. The coffee shop was called Kahiichakan, and its design was unique to Japan, with Western decor, leather chairs, newspapers, and plenty of tobacco. 

Unfortunately, the coffee shop went bankrupt within five years of opening. Despite the closing, it planted the seeds for the kissaten boom that followed. Kahiichakan is still celebrated today, with April 13th (the day the shop opened in 1883) being called “Kissaten no Hi” (Coffee Shop Day) in Japan. Some coffee shops may provide unique blends or discounts to customers who visit them today!

Kissaten in the 20th Century

Around 1908 many Japanese workers were sent to Brazil. There they worked on coffee farms, and many of them went on to open their coffee shops back in Japan. In 1911 1, a businessman named Ryo Mizuno opened his coffee shop in “Cafe Paulista” in Ginza, Tokyo. The shop sold Brazilian coffee, and it quickly became popular. He soon opened up another twenty-two shops in Japan and Shanghai.

The interior of a Japanese cafe.
Most kissaten use a wooden interior. Image via Shutterstock

In the 1930s, Tadao Ueshima opened a coffee shop in Kobe and became UCC Coffee’s founder. He is now dubbed the “Father of Coffee in Japan” due to his significant role in establishing the All Japanese Coffee Association in 1980. In the 1930s, there were about 10,000 coffee shops in Tokyo alone! 

During the war and its effect on importing coffee beans, there was a brief time when the coffee culture was stagnant. However, the boom returned after the war, and the coffee culture evolved. There became two major categories surrounding coffee shops, those that were kissaten and those that were considered more like cafes. 

Are you looking for classic Japanese delicacies to enjoy at a coffee shop? Try Sakuraco! Sakuraco delivers traditional Japanese snacks, sweets, tableware, and more from local Japanese makers right to your door, perfect for a pleasant snack time at home!

What were kissaten like in the later years?

The category of kissaten referred to coffee shops that kept the Meiji/Taisho-era atmosphere, such as the decor, music, low lighting, and smoking. Typically the music played at kissaten was soft jazz or classical. Kissaten also operated independently. On the other hand, Cafes had a brighter and more modern atmosphere and operated in chains.

A designer's Starbucks cafe in Fukuoka. It has multiple wooden beams throughout the store.
Starbucks is more famous than kissaten these days. Image via Shutterstock

Cafes started getting much more popular, whereas kissaten had to look for ways to adapt to younger customers’ needs. In 1970 Nagoya opened its first manga-kissa (manga coffee shop), credited with influencing modern manga internet lounges. However, many young people still sought more modern places to drink coffee, so chains such as Doutor and UCC continued opening up. 

In 1996 Starbucks arrived in Japan and introduced “Seattle-style” coffee which transformed how coffee was consumed once again. Now Starbucks is the most popular coffee shop chain in Japan. Despite Starbuck’s popularity, many people still enjoy going to kissaten, especially for the nostalgic vibes of the Meiji/Taisho era and for classic dishes such as coffee jelly

Top 3 Kissaten to visit 

There are still thousands of kissaten in Japan, and many retain their nostalgic vibe. Here are the top 3  kissaten to visit in Japan.

Kisa You Ginza

Kisa You is a small kissaten in Ginza that specializes in Omurice. It has been a local favorite for many years because the omurice is delicious and cheap! Another popular dish is the fluffy egg sandwich. The cafe is trendy and usually has a line, but you can make a weekday reservation.

A plate of omurice at Kissa You in Ginza.
Kissa You has some of the best omurice in the city. Image via Citron Shiso Leaf.com

Location: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4 Chome−13−17 高野ビル 1F・2F
Cost: 1000-2000 yen
Opening hours: Open every day between 11 am and 4:30 pm
Access: A 1-minute walk from Higashi Ginza Station

Smart Coffee

Smart Coffee is a two-story kissaten in Kyoto specializing in pudding and coffee. It has been active since 1932 and is a popular breakfast place. They provide pancake or french toast sets for 1000 yen. During lunch, they also serve egg sandwiches and steak.

A cake at a kissaten named Smart Coffee in Kyoto.
Smart Coffee also has pancakes and French toast! Image via Trip Advisor

Location: 537 Tenshojimaecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8081

Cost: 1000-2000 yen
Opening hours: Open every day between 8 am and 7 pm
Access:  A 2-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station

Junkissa American

As the name suggests, American is a kissaten with an incredibly retro American coffee house theme in Osaka. This kissaten opened in 1946 and is known for its electric design, particularly the beautiful curved staircase. They offer a range of breakfast and lunch sets; the most popular dish is the omurice (omelet rice) and fruits a la mode dessert. 

A large winding staircase at Junkissa American in Osaka.
Junkissa American in Osaka has a gorgeous staircase! Image via Maido Storage

Location: 1 Chome-7-4 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
Cost:  1000-2500 yen
Opening hours:  Open everyday between 10 am and 9:45 pm
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Namba Station

Generally, new cafes have been trying to capture the retro feel of kissaten since it is popular with young people. Sometimes you can see a kissaten in anime. It is a popular place for characters to have a first date! What do you like better, kissaten or cafes? Let us know in the comments below! 

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month $32.50 USD

Get Sakuraco package

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

From left to right: Osamu and Kazue Nakamori of Eisendou; Sakuraco CEO Ayumi Chikamoto and Rika Hino.

White Sesame Senbei from Eisendo in Ishikawa!

White sesame senbei is one of Eisendo’s most notable confectioneries. Let’s learn how they make them and why they’re so important in Ishikawa.

October 31, 2024
Mitsukejima in Ishikawa, Japan.

Ishikawa Japan: The Enchanting Land by the Sea

From Kanazawa’s stunning gardens to the Noto Peninsula’s rugged beauty, Ishikawa offers a unique blend of experiences that captivate every visitor to Japan. Let’s take a closer look at why this area is important. 

October 23, 2024
Noto Peninsula surrounded by cosmos flowers.

Noto Peninsula: A Remote Land in Recovery

Noto offers an authentic Japanese experience for those exploring Japan’s lesser-known natural sites and culture. Let’s explore this remarkable peninsula and see why it is so favored by travelers seeking authentic Japanese culture.

October 21, 2024
A sea cave in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Sea Caves and More: Beautiful Places in Ishikawa!

With its rich history, beautiful nature, and exciting culture, Ishikawa is the perfect getaway destination. It is famous for its stunning coastal scenery with a wide variety of sightseeing spots.

October 15, 2024
Footer background patternFooter background pattern
Sakuraco
Subscription & gifts
PricingUpcoming Month’s BoxPast Month’s Box
Today's Offer
Personal GiftCorporate Gift
Support & Information
FAQContact UsCompare to Bokksu

Be the first to know!

Join our newsletter and receive tasty news and deals

AnIchigo Logobrand.
Copyright © 2024 Sakuraco™. All Rights Reserved.

Accepted Payments

Visa payment availableMastercard payment availableAmerican Express payment availableDiscover payment availablePayPal payment available