How to Say ‘Coffee Shop’ in Japanese (And Avoid Ordering a Sofa by Mistake)

Let’s be honest—if you’re learning Japanese, your priorities probably include food, travel, and, most importantly, caffeine. You don’t want to find yourself in Tokyo, jet-lagged and desperate for a latte, only to realize you have no idea how to say coffee shop in Japanese. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

So, how do you say coffee shop in Japanese? Grab a cup of your favorite brew and let’s dive in. ☕

The Basics: Two Ways to Say Coffee Shop

Japan, as always, likes to keep things interesting. There are actually two common ways to refer to a coffee shop:

1. 喫茶店 (Kissaten) – The old-school, traditional Japanese-style coffee shop. Think wooden interiors, soft jazz, and a menu that probably includes melon soda for some reason.
2. カフェ (Kafe) – The modern, Western-style café. This is where you’ll find your lattes, cappuccinos, and trendy avocado toast.

But wait—how do you know which one to use? Let’s break it down.

喫茶店 (Kissaten): Your Grandma’s Favorite Spot

Imagine you time-traveled to 1970s Japan. You step into a dimly lit coffee shop, and the smell of freshly brewed kissaten coffee (strong and slightly bitter) hits you. The menu? Probably hand-written. The background music? Classical, maybe some old jazz records playing on a turntable.

Welcome to the kissaten—Japan’s nostalgic coffee culture at its finest.

☕ Pro tip: If you want a traditional Japanese coffee experience, ask for a kissaten. But don’t expect fancy foam art on your cappuccino.

カフェ (Kafe): Where Your Instagram Dreams Come True

Now, let’s talk about カフェ (Kafe). If a kissaten is like a warm hug from your Japanese grandma, a kafe is like walking into a Pinterest board. These are the sleek, modern coffee shops with aesthetic interior design, English menus, and baristas who take their latte art very seriously.

Want an oat milk latte? A matcha frappuccino? Maybe even a croissant that costs as much as a small apartment? Kafe is the word you’re looking for.

☕ Pro tip: If you say “カフェ” (kafe) in Japan, you’ll be directed to a stylish café, not a traditional coffee shop.

Wait… What About “コーヒーショップ” (Koohii Shoppu)?

Ah yes, the direct translation of “coffee shop” in katakana: コーヒーショップ (Koohii Shoppu). While technically correct, it’s rarely used in Japan. If you say it, people will understand, but they might look at you like you just called a smartphone a “portable telephonic device.” It’s just not how people actually talk.

Use kissaten or kafe instead. Trust me, it’ll save you some confused stares.

The Dangers of Mispronunciation (Or How to Accidentally Order a Couch)

If you’re still working on your pronunciation, be careful. A slight slip of the tongue, and instead of asking where the nearest カフェ is, you might end up asking for a 家具 (kagu)—which means furniture. Imagine confidently walking into a store, asking for a kafe, and being shown a lovely selection of sofas. Not exactly what you were looking for, right?

How to Actually Order Coffee Like a Pro

Now that you know where to go, let’s talk about what to say when you get there. If you’re ordering in a kissaten, things are straightforward:

☕ コーヒーをください (Koohii o kudasai) – “Coffee, please.”

Want a little more customization? Try:

• ホットコーヒー (Hotto Koohii) – Hot coffee
• アイスコーヒー (Aisu Koohii) – Iced coffee (hugely popular in Japan!)
• カフェラテ (Kafe Rate) – Café latte
• エスプレッソ (Esupuresso) – Espresso

If you’re at a kafe, you can usually just point at the menu and look cute. It works 99% of the time.

Beyond Coffee: Other Fun Words You’ll See in a Japanese Café

Japanese coffee culture goes beyond just coffee. Here are a few bonus words you might spot on a menu:

• パンケーキ (Pankeeki) – Pancakes (fluffier than your dreams)
• トースト (Toosuto) – Toast (often served with red bean paste, because Japan loves a plot twist)
• ケーキセット (Keeki Setto) – Cake set (yes, you can order coffee and cake as a set, because life is beautiful)

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?

So, let’s sum it up:

• Want a nostalgic, quiet, old-school Japanese coffee experience? Go to a 喫茶店 (kissaten).
• Want a modern, stylish café where you can take artsy Instagram photos? Head to a カフェ (kafe).
• Want to sound slightly outdated but still be understood? Say コーヒーショップ (koohii shoppu).

Next time you’re in Japan, you’ll know exactly where to get your caffeine fix. Just don’t ask for a kafe in a furniture store unless you’re in the market for a new couch.

Now, go forth and caffeinate! ☕✨

Ever been to a Japanese coffee shop? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!