How did kissaten influence coffee culture?
Kissaten were known for meticulous brewing methods like siphon coffee and nel drip, producing a deep, rich cup that matched Japan’s attention to detail. Even today, classic spots such as Café de L’Ambre in Ginza preserve this old-world charm. Kissaten food is a category of its own, taking yoshoku down a coffee-fueled rabbit hole, while the spaces themselves range from theme park-chic to smokey den. Many kissaten are still cash only, feature handwritten menus, and welcome cigarettes.