How to order coffee at a coffee shop in Japanese

As a foreigner, you’ll want to learn how to order at a coffee shop in Japanese! Coffee is loved all around the world and Japan is no exception. Japanese people have been drinking coffee since the 1800’s and have developed their own unique coffee culture. For non-coffee drinkers, Japanese coffee shops have plenty of drink and food options to keep you satisfied. 

This article will guide you through all of the menu options, phrases, and recommended coffee shops in Japan.

Types of coffee shops in Japan:

In Japanese, the word “coffee shop” can have three different names. The style of the coffee shop is usually different depending on the type.

 

喫茶店きっさてん  (Kissaten)

This is a retro style cafe that was popular during the Showa period of Japan (1926-1989). You can expect it to be a sit-down style, where you can leisurely enjoy your coffee. Aside from coffee, they tend to have western style Japanese cuisine like omelette rice, napolitan (Japanese ketchup pasta), or pancakes. 

 

カフェ (Kafe) 

These are modern cafes that can be anything from a classy sit-down cafe to a casual takeout place. Although they’ll have coffee, they are likely to have food options and in some cases serve alcohol. Cafes tend to have a European image compared to a kissaten.

 

コーヒーショップ (Koohii shoppu)

This name comes from the Japanese pronunciation of “coffee shop”. These are influenced by American coffee culture. You can expect it to be more focused on coffee than the other shops. It’s also likely to be a takeaway or quick coffee experience.

 

 

Japanese coffee shop drink menu:

Coffee shop drink menus can be different from Western countries, with additional options such as matcha (powdered green tea). In Japan, “coffee” usually refers to drip or filter coffee. However, you can also get espresso-based drinks.

Drink menus are typically separated into hot and cold drinks

ホットドリンク (Hotto Dorinku) – Hot Drinks

 

コーヒー – Koohii – Drip/filter coffee

 

アメリカーノ – Amerikaano – Americano

 

アメリカン – Amerikan – “American” coffee refers to weaker coffee 

 

カフェラテ – Kafe rate – Cafe Latte

 

カフェオレ – Kafe ore – Cafe Au Lait

 

カプチーノ – Kapuchiino – Cappuccino

 

カフェモカ – Kafe moka – Cafe mocha

 

ティー – Tii – Tee

 

ココア – Kokoa – Cocoa

 

抹茶まっちゃラテ – Maccha rate – Matcha Latte

 

 

アイスドリンク – Aisu dorinku – Iced drinks

 

アイスコーヒー – Aisu koohii – Iced Cofee

 

アイスカフェラテ – Aisu kafe rate – Iced Latte

 

アイスカフェモカ – Aisu kafe moka – Iced Mocha

 

アイスティー – Aisu tii – Iced tea

 

アイスカフェオレ – Aisu kafe ore – Iced Cafe Au Lait

 

タピオカ – Tapioka – Tapioca (some places have bubble tea these days)

 

ソーダ – sooda – Soda

 

ジュース – juusu – Juice

 

 

How to customize your drink:

Don’t worry if you have a specific way you like your coffee. Here are some phrases and vocabulary to customize your drink. In most cases, they will bring you milk and sugar to add yourself or there will be condiments available to you.

Customization vocabulary:

 

氷こおり – Koori – Ice

 

ミルク/牛乳ぎゅうにゅう – Miruku/gyuunyuu – Milk

 

豆乳とうにゅう – Tounyuu – Soy milk

 

ガムシロップ – Gamu shiroppu – Gum syrup (for cold drinks)

 

砂糖さとう – Satou – Sugar

 

ブラックコーヒー – Burakku coohii – Black coffee

 

カフェインレス/デカフェ- Kafeinresu/dekafe – Caffeine free

 

エスプレッソショット – Esupuresso shotto – Espresso shot

 

ホイップクリーム – Hoippu kuriimu – Whipped cream

 

 

Customize amounts:

To customize the amount, you should say what you want to customize and followed by the amount. For example, “less ice” would be 氷少こうりすくなめ (koori sukuname).

 

多おおめ – Oome – More

 

少すくなめ – Sukuname – Less

 

なし – Nashi – None

 

 

Japanese drink sizes:

Drink sizes in Japan typically follow small, medium, and large. These size names are called by their letter names. 

 

Sサイズ　- Esu saizu – Small size

 

Mサイズ – Emu saizu – Medium size

 

Lサイズ – Eru saizu – Large size

 

 

Customization phrases:

＿＿＿＿追加ついかでお願ねがいします – ＿＿＿＿tsuika de onegaishimasu – I would like to add ＿＿＿＿.

This phrase mainly applies to extra espresso shots and whipped cream. You can put either of these in the phrase. 追加 (tsuika) means “addition”. Keep in mind that these additions are going to cost extra.

 

＿＿＿＿に変かえてください。- ＿＿＿＿ni kaete kudasai – I would like to change to ＿＿＿＿.

If you want to change things like milk to soy milk, you can use this phrase. Put words like “decaf” or “soy milk” into the blank to change the original menu item.

 

 

Other menu items at a typical coffee shop in Japan

One of the highlights of Japanese coffee shops is that they tend to have great food options! You might find everything from cakes, pastas, sandwiches, hot dogs and more.

モーニングセット – Mooningu setto – Breakfast set meal

 

ケーキ – Keeki – Cake 

 

トースト – Toosuto – Toast (very thick pieces of toast with toppings)

 

サンドイッチ – Sando icchi – Sandwhich

 

ホットドッグ – Hotto doggu – Hot dog

 

パスタ – Pasuta – Pasta

 

ホットケーキ – Hotto keeki – Pancakes

 

 

Japanese phrases for ordering at a coffee shop:

Here are some useful phrases for ordering at a coffee shop! For sit-down coffee shops, they operate similarly to a restaurant. You can also follow my guide on ordering at restaurants here.

 

＿＿＿＿をください。- ＿＿＿＿ o kudasai. – I would like to have ＿＿＿＿.

This is the basic phrase for ordering. All you need to do is put the menu item in the blank. For example, “I would like to have a coffee” would be コーヒーをください (koohiii o kudasai). 

 

＿＿＿＿でお願ねがいします。- ＿＿＿＿ de onegaishimasu – ＿＿＿＿please. 

If you want to make a request, use this phrase. For example, “Large size please” would be Lサイズでお願ねがいします (eru saizu de onegaishimasu). 

 

お持もちち帰かえりでお願ねがいします – Omochikaeri de onegai shimasu. – I would like to take away

This is a useful phrase when you’d like to take away the food and drinks.

 

 

Recommended Coffee shops in Japan

Coffee chains in Japan:

Japan is full of coffee shop chains that each have their own specialities. It’s also fun to check out all the menus in Japanese. You can try them all out to see which one is your favorite! 

 

Dotour Coffee

This self service coffee chain has been operating since the 1980’s. Their coffees and foods are reasonably priced, and the store atmosphere is calming. Although they have some in store background music, it’s never too loud or too soft. You can enjoy a peaceful time alone or have conversations with friends. 

website: https://www.doutor.co.jp/dcs/

 

Komeda’s coffee

If you’re looking for a more retro-style coffee chain, Komeda coffee would be a great pick. They are a full service coffee shop where you can sit down and relax. Komeda has been operating since 1968. Some special offers include a free toast with a drink during the morning time.

website: http://www.komeda.co.jp

 

Cafe Veloce

One of the most affordable coffee shops is Cafe Veloce. They offer 200 yen coffees as well as cheap sandwiches. It’s a great place to grab a snack and a coffee!

website: https://chatnoir-company.com/veloce/

 

Excelsior Cafe

This coffee shop is actually owned by Dotour Coffee. However, it features a classier experience. They are modelled after Parisian sweets cafes. Although it’s a bit pricier than other chain coffee shops, you can find high quality espresso.

website: https://www.doutor.co.jp/exc/

 

Starbucks

Starbucks became extremely popular since its first Japanese store in 1996. In Japan, people refer to Starbucks as “Sutaba” as a nickname. They currently have the highest number of stores across the country compared to other coffee chains. You’ll find some special Japanese drinks like the cherry blossom macchiato during the springtime!

website:https://product.starbucks.co.jp/beverage/?nid=mm

 

Tully’s Coffee

This is also an American chain that arrived in Japan. The store includes amenities like power outlets which makes it a great spot for work or study. Aside from coffee based drinks, they also have some delicious frozen drinks. 

website: https://www.tullys.co.jp

 

 

Special coffee shops in Japan:

 

Kayaba Coffee 

This is a retro-style kissaten located in Yanaka, Tokyo. They are famous for their egg sandwiches! The original Kayaba Coffee opened around 1938 during the Showa period. The upstairs area even has tatami flooring and the building is from around 1916. 

 

Address: 6 Chome-1-29 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan

 

Utena Cafe

Located in Nakazakicho, Osaka, you can experience a retro Showa era Japan. They play relaxing jazz music while you enjoy some coffee and kissaten foods. Aside from coffee they have delicious desserts and sweet toasts.

 

Address:  1 Chome-8-23 Nakazakinishi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0015, Japan

 

Allpress espresso

This is a solid coffee shop that has an inhouse roastery. Allpress is originally a brand from New Zealand. Opening in 2013, the atmosphere is stylish and modern. It’s also possible to purchase beans if you want to take some home!

 

Address: 3 Chome-7-2 Hirano, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0023, Japan

Website: https://jp.allpressespresso.com

 

White Glass Coffee

Opened in 2019, this is a top notch American-style coffee shop. They have an inhouse roastery and the coffee and food are all made inside the store. There’s also a beautiful outdoor seating area where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

Address: 23-18 Sakuragaokacho | Visionary Arts 1F, Shibuya 150-0031, Tokyo Prefecture (Shibuya / Harajuku / Ebisu) (additional location in Fukuoka)

Website: https://whiteglasscoffee.com

 

St.Berry Coffee

You can expect some cute latte art at this cafe! They roast their own beans and it’s possible to buy coffee supplies so you can brew some nice coffee at home. There are also some nice desserts to go with your coffee.

 

Address: 1330-1 Hongo, Uozu, Toyama 937-0805, Japan

Website: https://www.stberry.net

 

I hope that this article on how to order coffee at a coffee shop in Japanese will help you out when you’re craving for a coffee! If you’re interested in some other Japanese language learning blog content, be sure to check out Japanese Numbers: Count from 1-100 and beyond or Me, My, and I in Japanese: Lets talk about yourself!

 

~ Tanuki