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Kissaten

Before the arrival of the international coffee chain, the kissaten was Japan’s answer to cafe culture.To this day, most kissaten look virtually unchanged since the postwar period.

A dark wooden bar, marble topped tables, assortments of art deco lamps and the same face behind the counter as there has been for the last twenty years.

Coffee is admittedly expensive and the decor not openly inviting but a good kissaten is worth finding as the quiet atmosphere and the personal touch added by the proprietor can make them real havens amongst the city hubbub.

Many kissaten also serve Western-influenced Japanese meals (yoshoku) such as omurice and Japanese-style curry.