Tokyo’s kissaten offer a slow, nostalgic escape from the modern city—with strong brews, velvet booths, and Showa-era charm in every cup.
Japan’s kissaten are more than just coffee shops; they are cultural artifacts, reflecting the nation’s complex history of Western influence and domestic reinvention. Born in the Meiji era (1868–1912), as Japan opened to the world, they flourished in the mid-20th century, becoming hubs for artists, writers, and intellectuals.
Unlike today’s sleek cafés – with their single-origin pour-overs and minimalist aesthetics – kissaten prioritise atmosphere and tradition. Here, coffee is brewed slowly, often with a cloth filter, and served in delicate porcelain alongside a glass of water and a tiny spoon.
For travellers seeking the ‘real’ Tokyo, beyond neon and bullet trains, these cafés are essential stops. After all, some flavours can’t be replicated, only preserved.
As seen on Epicure June 2025 issue. Continue reading: https://www.epicureasia.com/drinks/41719/kissaten-culture-exploring-tokyos-vintage-coffee-shops/
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