Japan’s Coffee Scene, Part 1: Convenient Caffeine
It’s mid-morning on a hot, humid, summer day here in western Japan.
In between creating new video content about Japan travel and talking to some nice folks about custom travel itineraries, I need a quick hit, a moment that pauses & refreshes.
Time for a cup of coffee.
Now, you might be thinking, "wait, Japan? Isn't it all about green tea?"
Yes, Japan is famous for its tea. But trust me, they take their coffee just as seriously — if not more so.
Japan's coffee game is stronger than that espresso shot you desperately need on a Monday morning.
I mean, these folks turned pouring hot water over coffee into an art form. Japan's been perfecting the pour-over method for longer than Starbucks has been in business.
And Japan’s got a coffee option for pretty much every occasion.
First Hits: Which Coffee to Drink When You Arrive in Japan
You’re walking (stumbling?) through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, jet-lagged and not altogether here or there.
Suddenly, salvation appears in the form of a vending machine. This magical contraption dispenses cans of hot (or cold), ready-to-drink coffee. It's like the coffee gods heard your desperate pleas and blessed you with caffeine on every corner.
And here’s the best part: That coffee, the stuff from the machine? That’s the worst coffee in Japan – and it’s still passable when you need it!
Up a notch from the “jihanki” (local parlance for vending machine) is another Japanese invention that visitors love: the konbini.
Konbini: Convenience Stores + Pretty Decent Coffee
If you’re near a vending machine, there’s a decent chance that you’re also near a convenience store.
Known as konbini, Japan’s convenience stores are frequented by locals and visitors alike. Major Japanese konbini chains include 7-eleven, Lawson and Family Mart. If there’s not one of these near you….. um, where exactly are you?
Need to make a photocopy or buy tickets for a sumo match? Go to the konbini.
Craving an onigiri (rice ball), egg sandwich or crispy fried chicken? Konbini’s got you covered.
Running low on milk, dish soap, clean socks or caffeine? You guessed it, konbini.
Now as for that last one — just how does the konbini come through on coffee?
For started, if you’re really in a hurry, that same canned or bottled coffee from the vending machines is available in the convenience stores in Japan – but with a much broader selection. They also have brands and styles that are next level and unseen in most machines. Notice that there’s a hot section as well as a chilled section.
That aside, however, the best coffee in the konbini is freshly ground and brewed.
Just walk up to the “reji” (cash register), and tell them you want a large coffee. I mean, you want the biggest one, don’t you? Especially considering what “small” generally amounts to in Japan, ahem.
Most konbini these days have a range of fresh brewed coffee options; you choose the roast, strength, style, iced or hot, etc. The menu usually has some English, too (if not, use the translation app on your phone).
Your konbini cast member will ring you up (pro tip, make sure your IC card is preloaded — just like you will be with coffee soon — and, bonus, linked to your phone for a quick tap & go) and they’ll give you a cup to take to the coffee brewing station. You’ll see coffee bean hoppers atop the brewing machines, and here again the instructions usually have some English.
Soon enough, you’ll have a cup full of konbini coffee goodness – and out the door you go. Unless you’re at a konbini with tables or counters, then stick around and enjoy it here.
Beyond Vending Machines & Konbini Coffee – To Be Continued
Alrighty, caffeine-loving friends, we’ve covered the bottom couple of rungs on Japan’s coffee ladder.
I’ve been enjoying an iced espresso while writing this, the beans coming from a local coffee roaster here in the Kansai Area.
So it’s back to work for me, for now…
Please continue to the next installment of Japan coffee diaries.
Until next time, otsukaresama and happy coffee travels!