When you recall all of the globally-renowned coffee makers and destinations, you might not initially think of Japan. Nonetheless, although it’s a country commonly known for their tea ceremonies and traditions, Japanese coffee has also thrived and been loved by people over the past decades. Today, Japanese coffee has carved out its name in the country’s diverse culture.
Japanese Coffee Culture
With this, travelers wouldn’t want to miss out on what Japanese coffee has to offer. From a cup of traditional black coffee or hand-drip drinks to lattes or even a can of cold coffee, coffee has made its way into the daily habits, routines, and practices of the Japanese.
Apart from this, there are more interesting things to know about Japanese coffee culture. Curious enough? Keep on reading to find out more.
1. Drip Coffees
If you venture and opt for modern-looking cafes in the country, you may come across drip coffee choices. Drip coffees are easy to prepare and are known to be fancier than instant coffee. Also, you can buy them in nearby stores and make them in the office. Apart from this, drip coffee is also served to hotel guests, together with their complimentary tea bags.
There’s a science and art to making delightful drip coffee. This incorporates the process of dripping water with ease over the ground coffee beans to release the flavors from your chosen coffee bean. However, take note that the taste and quality of your drip coffee may vary every time you make it.
Hence, you need to master the art of making it to attain consistent, flavorful coffee. The next time you’re about to make your own, initially check if the ground coffee beans are fresh and that the ratio of the hot water to the amount of coffee is precise.
You can choose among premium coffee, light-roasted beans, dark-roasted, and the like. Apart from these, they also offer seasonal blends to appreciate the nation’s changing seasons. It’s such a creative and thoughtful way of presenting various flavors in which customers may love. With various options, you may try something new every time. This is one of the wonders of Japanese coffee culture.
If you’re looking for a new dimension to relish the beverage and to add on to your experience, then you definitely need to try out Japanese drip coffee. Its complexity and delicacy of flavors will get you hooked. You should put this out on your itinerary soon as you travel to the country.
2. Coffee Shops
Regardless of the time of the day, a lot of Japanese take a moment to enjoy their coffee commonly, with a light snack. With a plethora of coffee shops in the country, Japan will surely offer you an abundance of flavors and options.
In Japan, you will typically come across three types of coffee shops — traditional ‘Kissaten’, large and popular chains such and specialty or personalized coffee shops.
Kissaten
Kissaten are traditional, old-school coffee shops that are historically preserved for decades. It has a retro atmosphere that provides you a sense of nostalgia once you enter the room. One cup of coffee may cost approximately 350-800 Japanese yen which can be quite pricey. Despite its high price, it continues to be loved and delighted by a lot of older individuals and businessmen. This coffee is usually accompanied by sweets such as pancakes.
Interestingly, the term Kissaten is interchangeably used by some to describe and talk about cafes or coffee shops. However, the term café is typically used to depict contemporary chains such as the large and popular cafes in the country.
Specialty Coffee Shops
A recent trend in Tokyo is the growing popularity of small, local, and independent coffee businesses.
The place’s aesthetics are definitely the most interesting. It ranges from tiny shops with a few chairs to mid-sized establishments with appealing wallpapers. Some cafes have quirky seats such as hammocks and others have adapted modern designs with a flair of vintage furniture. Nearly all of these specialized cafés have their own unique charm.
These specialized coffee shops focused on roasting their own beans and brewing quality coffee for their various clienteles. Due to their love and passion for making coffee, these Japanese coffee owners have started to make their own blends from hand-drip to colorful lattes to season-inspired flavors and espresso-based drinks.
With all of these varieties, you definitely need to try and see how all of Japan’s coffee blends and choices differ from the coffee in your own country.
Final Thoughts
It can be said is a widespread, beloved beverage people lean on to fuel them up for the day ahead. If you love coffee and traveling at the same time, then you definitely need to discover, experience, and taste the various offerings of Japanese coffee. You’ll never know, it might be the beginning of a whole new love for Japanese culture. is a widespread, beloved beverage people lean on to fuel them up for the day ahead. If you love coffee and traveling at the same time, then you definitely need to discover, experience, and taste the various offerings of Japanese coffee. You’ll never know, it might be the beginning of a whole new love for Japanese culture.
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