Kissaten

Kissaten (喫茶店, literally 'tea-drinking shop') emerged in Japan's Meiji era and peaked in the 1970s–80s before declining as Starbucks and Doutor expanded. Classic kissaten feature aged wood interiors, jazz or classical music, and a master (マスター) who hand-brews each order using Nel drip, siphon, or pour-over methods with remarkable precision. Beans are often aged and dark-roasted in the Japanese style. While many kissaten have closed, a revival is underway as younger Japanese consumers and international coffee enthusiasts rediscover the meditative, craft-focused kissaten experience as a counterpoint to fast-service specialty cafes.