Kissaten / Japanese Coffee Shops / Japanese Cafe in Anime

Kissaten, which translates to “tea-drinking shop,” started to pop up in Japan in the late 20th century. As cafes also spread throughout the country, kissaten evolved as an alternative to them. Whereas cafes also served alcohol and were a social place for people to talk and be noisy, kissaten were meant for quiet gatherings and intellectual discussion. While each kissaten is unique and has its own special design and menu, they do follow a similar aesthetic.

Kissaten are classy and often use upscale decor like mahogany wood, velvet seats, dark curtains, and brass or gold utensils and other kitchen appliances. Almost always, the staff wears a suit or other formal uniform with an apron. You won’t see many wild hairstyles, piercings, or tattoos like you may see other baristas sporting at more modern cafes, either. Another huge feature of kissaten are the cups used for coffee, which are often fine china with beautiful and intricate designs. The overall atmosphere is subdued, with jazz or classical music playing sometimes even on vinyl. A few kissaten even offer a “menu” of the music currently being played that day so you know what you’re listening to. Keeping to a more formal atmosphere, it’s not uncommon for kissaten to have a “no phones” rule; no pictures, no surfing the internet, no talking on the phone. That’s not why you’re meant to be there!

Across the board, kissaten take coffee very seriously. There are always a lot of different beans to choose from, most of which are single-origin, and all with their flavour profiles listed as well. Some kissaten serve food like pasta or Japanese curry, or small sandwiches, and almost all serve cake and toast. Often, the coffees have a certain food suggested to eat alongside them, much like upscale restaurants do with wine. The coffee is meticulously and carefully brewed and prepared for each customer, so visiting a kissaten is not a fast experience — and certainly not for take-away. Most kissaten are more expensive than, say, Starbucks — but you get what you pay for, as they say. The quality and service are always high.