In a country full of modern cafés, the Japanese Kissaten (喫茶店) is a nostalgic refuge. Indeed, a kissaten is far more than just a coffee shop. It is a quiet retreat back in time. These shops preserve the unique charm of Japan’s Shōwa era (1926-1989). Inside, you’ll find dark wood interiors and velvet seats. Soft jazz or classical music often plays in the background. As a result, these establishments prioritize slow moments over modern convenience.
Accordingly, this Guide to Kissaten in Japan will transport you into that charming world. We will explain the unique menu and culture. Plus, we will provide the essential Japanese you need in a kissaten to order with confidence.
1. The Kissaten Menu: Nostalgic Drinks and Food (メニューの定番)
A kissaten menu is a collection of timeless classics. Naturally, coffee is the star of the show. It is often prepared with great care using siphon or flannel drip methods. However, beyond coffee, you will also find iconic drinks and simple, satisfying food. This is known as keishoku (軽食), or light meals.
Classic Kissaten Menu Items
ブレンドコーヒー (burendo kōhī) – House blend coffee
サイフォンコーヒー (saifon kōhī) – Siphon-brewed coffee
クリームソーダ (kurīmu sōda) – Ice cream float (typically melon soda)
ナポリタン (naporitan) – A classic ketchup-based spaghetti dish
モーニングセット (mōningu setto) – “Morning Set” breakfast special
トースト (tōsuto) – Thick-cut toast
サンドイッチ (sandoitchi) – Sandwich, often with fillings like egg or ham
2. How to Order and Settle In (注文の仕方)
Unlike modern cafés, a kissaten always offers full table service. First, upon entering, the staff will greet you. This is often the “Master” (マスター), the owner and coffee artisan. They will then guide you to a seat. Next, they bring you a menu and water before returning to take your order. For these reasons, understanding how to politely get their attention is the first piece of practical Japanese you need in a kissaten.
Ordering Phrases
すみません、注文お願いします。
すみません、ちゅうもんおねがいします。
Sumimasen, chūmon onegai shimasu.
Excuse me, I’d like to order.
ブレンドを一つください。
ブレンドをひとつください。
Burendo o hitotsu kudasai.
One house blend coffee, please.
おすすめは何ですか。
おすすめはなんですか。
Osusume wa nan desu ka.
What do you recommend?
3. The Famous “Morning Set” (モーニングサービス)
One of the best kissaten traditions is the “Morning Service” (mōningu sābisu). This is a very economical breakfast special. It is usually available until 10 or 11 AM. In fact, for the price of a coffee, you often get thick toast and a boiled egg. Therefore, asking about this special is very useful Japanese you need in a kissaten for any morning visit.
“Morning Set” Vocabulary
モーニングサービス (mōningu sābisu) – Morning Service / Morning Set
厚切りトースト (あつぎりトースト) – Atsugiri tōsuto – Thick-cut toast
ゆで卵 (ゆでたまご) – Yudetamago – Boiled egg
小倉トースト (おぐらトースト) – Ogura tōsuto – Toast with red bean paste
Example Sentence:
モーニングセットは、まだありますか。
モーニングセットは、まだありますか。
Mōningu setto wa, mada arimasu ka.
Is the morning set still available?
4. Kissaten Etiquette and Atmosphere
Essentially, the primary rule is to respect the quiet atmosphere. For this reason, people visit to read or think. Hushed conversations are the norm. Consequently, it is not a place for loud talking or phone calls. In addition, you should be aware that many older kissaten still permit smoking. So, if you’re a non-smoker, it is a good idea to ask for a non-smoking section.
Atmosphere & Etiquette Vocabulary
マスター (masutā) – The “Master” or owner-proprietor
禁煙席 (きんえんせき) – Kin’en seki – Non-smoking seat
喫煙席 (きつえんせき) – Kitsuen seki – Smoking seat
おしぼり (oshibori) – Wet towel for your hands
Example Sentence:
禁煙席はありますか。
きんえんせきはありますか。
Kin’en seki wa arimasu ka.
Do you have non-smoking seats?
5. Paying the Bill and Departing (お会計)
When your quiet respite ends, paying the bill is the final step. Typically, the staff leaves a bill on your table. Afterwards, you take this slip to the cash register (レジ, reji) near the entrance. To assist with this final interaction, here is the last piece of Japanese you need in a kissaten for a smooth departure.
Payment Phrases
お会計お願いします。
おかいけいおねがいします。
O-kaikei onegai shimasu.
The check, please.
ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita) – “Thank you for the treat,” a polite phrase to say when leaving.
伝票 (でんぴょう) – Denpyō – The bill/check slip
レジ (reji) – The cash register
別々でお願いします。
べつべつでおねがいします。
Betsubetsu de onegai shimasu.
We’d like to pay separately, please.
