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Not Just a Cafe: All You Need to Know About Kissaten | Arigato Travel
Many may be familiar with Japan’s abundance of cafes and spots to get a quick drink, take a break to study, or even catch up on some work. You may think of the lively, sociable atmosphere full of chatter. However, there are certain types of “cafes’ all over Japan, where the atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and dimly lit. This is called a kissaten, which translates directly to a place with coffee and tea. Cafes nowadays can become quite noisy, so those who wish to eat, drink some coffee, and work, tend to flock to these kissaten for a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Now without further ado, let’s learn more about these calm coffee spots and their culture. What exactly is a kissaten? Kissatens are a distinct type of “cafe,” a spot where customers can enjoy coffee and tea, and a filling meal, especially in the morning. Traditionally, kissaten were locations that would take upon the appearance of a traditional Japanese tearoom that sold coffee. However, in the Showa era and with increased popularity today, kissaten now have a more retro/modern appearance on the interior, adding items such as tea and toast to their menus. The addition of breakfast items has made many use these as a regular spot for their mornings, but they are as equally enjoyed throughout any time of the day. The culture within a kissaten Do you want to know what made kissaten so popular way back in World War Two? It was the fact that you could listen to music on a record player while enjoying coffee - something very unheard of at the time as record players were nearly unattainable. This kind of atmosphere became something unique to kissaten culture, the combination of music and coffee, or tea, if that’s more your style! Because of their long history, these coffee spots are seen as a place to relax, while also soaking in the nostalgia from eras that have come before. To fully feel the culture of any shop you visit, take note of the interior, the music, and the silence while you enjoy your drink of choice. What sets them apart from a cafe? While cafes may have baristas, at kissaten these staff are often referred to as Masters. Additionally, unlike the former, you can feel a more personalized, comfortable experience at a kissaten rather than the rush you may experience at your local, crowded coffee spot. Masters at these coffee locations can make you their own special drink if you so request and are known to pay their customers more personalised attention than a cafe’s staff might. When looking at images of a kissaten you may notice that the interiors are quite dim, with warm lighting scattered gently across the room. This results in a more soothing and welcoming atmosphere, allowing for the perfect place to relax. These spots also specialize in bread and desserts more than their cafe counterparts, whilst also focusing solely on serving tea and coffee, compared to some cafes which also may sell alcohol. Kissaten Recommendations in Tokyo Kayaba Coffee - Yanaka Settled inside a cozy neighborhood bustling with shopping streets, Yanaka holds the perfect kissaten for those searching for a bit of nostalgia to go with their drink of choice. Taking on the exterior of an old home, Kayaba Coffee has been around for seventy years. You won’t be bothered by the sounds of noisy coffee machines or chatter, your only task is to sit back and relax. If you happen to visit Yanaka for their shops or just a simple stroll, make sure to stop by Kayaba to experience a twist on the typical cafe. Address: 6 Chome-1-29 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001 Opening Hours: 7 days a week, 8 AM - 6 PM Price Range: ¥1,000–2,000 per person Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayabacoffee/ Pegasus - Asakusa Right near Sensoji Temple, this kissaten destination is perfect if you’re already in the popular Asakusa area! If you’ve had a good start on the busy streets and your own tourism in the area and are looking for a peaceful break before you get back on your feet, this might be the place for you. There is a good selection of sodas, the iconic melon soda, but also thick pieces of toast, and a variety of pasta dishes. Address: 3 Chome-1-10 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035 Opening Hours: 7 days a week, 11 AM - 6:30 PM Price Range: ¥1–1,000 per person Website: https://ckv3.onushi.com/coffee/ These two locations aren’t even the tip of Japan’s kissaten iceberg. There are so many more places out there for you to discover so where do you start? Check out our blogs on the best Kissatens to visit in Tokyo and Kyoto! Coffee, Please! While many may enjoy their regular cafe spot, it is always good to remember that trying new things is how we can obtain more experiences, and kissaten are a perfect example of that. These coffee spots turn the world of a typical cafe upside down, transforming the atmosphere to a subdued, calming one where you can enjoy new flavors by yourself or with a friend. With how long they have been in Japan, and also their importance in the coffee scene, a visit to at least one is a must for your next trip! Featured Photo Credit: melscoffeetravels If you'll be on a trip this summer, be sure to check out our Summer Food Tours!
Why Join a Food Tour in Japan? | Arigato Travel
As a traveler, coming to a new country can sometimes be overwhelming. It is particularly true in the case of Japan, where each Prefecture, each city, and each area within those cities, have their own specialties and interesting places and eateries to discover. You feel amazed, yet it feels stressful to try and decide which ones are worth your while and which aren’t. Guidebooks can help, but they are not very customizable and just don’t feel personal\. Well, I may have a solution for you. Why not join one of our food tours? A Food Tour? What's that? As the lovely Julie Andrews would say, “Let's start at the very beginning.” What is a Food Tour, you may ask? An excellent question, but an even more important one would be: What is a Food Tour with Arigato Travel, and what added value may it bring to your trip? Okay, so technically those are two questions, but my point still stands. A food tour with Arigato Travel promises you a memorable 3-hour guided tour, including: walking around with a local, strolling off the beaten paths (even in touristy areas there are always hidden streets and shops you won’t find on your own), and exploring hidden passageways. All while discovering their secrets and stories that you would otherwise have missed. Learning about the fundamentals of the neighborhood through its rich history and culture, with a fun and expert guide. But more importantly, it guarantees you a selection of unique unsuspected deliciousness that the area has to offer! Because at Arigato Travel, we use the food as a gateway to introduce you to Japan's amazing culture and traditions! A friendly tour with awesome guides! Today I will talk about our Crazy, Cute, Kawaii Tour, which I highly recommend as you will be able to discover the hidden gems of Harajuku and Omotesando. I joined this tour when I started my internship at Arigato Travel and one of the best parts was the friendliness and knowledgeableness of the guide. She was smiling the entire time and answering any requests or questions that we had. She made sure that everyone was comfortable and at ease, so the overall ambiance was similar to hanging out with your own friend circle. But one thing is for sure, I can personally guarantee you that all the guides at Arigato Travel are very welcoming and friendly, as well as being amazing at their jobs! Making new friends One of the other highlights of taking this tour was that it allowed me to meet fellow travelers and listen to their stories. We all have a reason why we chose Japan as a destination, but have you ever wondered if theirs were similar to yours? When we travel, we tend to prioritize the places we want to visit and focus on ticking them off our bucket list. But don’t forget the human touch of traveling! While traveling solo or with a partner is fun, it is also refreshing to meet new people from different horizons than yours. From faraway lands to neighboring countries, or perhaps even from your own homeland, you never know all the positive impacts a spontaneous interaction could bring you. A food tour is a great way to meet and start new friendships that otherwise wouldn’t have been made possible. After all, doesn't it remind you of the legend of the red string? You chose this tour for a reason, the other person also did, but nothing forewarned the two of you that you would meet this way, right? Destiny, maybe? Meeting with the locals A bonus point is that friendship is limitless, not only will you get to meet other travelers, but you will also get a chance to connect with the locals. All the places we went to, during the tour, were also frequented by native residents, so it was easy to strike up a conversation with them and the staff. Even with a mixture of Japanese and English, it was very agreeable to learn about their view of the area and of its evolution. Secret Alleyways and delightful snacks all the way At the heart of this tour, and what made it so unique, was the guide showing us the core of the area while avoiding overcrowded tourist spots. Instead, she took us through lesser-known passages, to shops and restaurants! These places are adored by the locals, but unfamiliar to the rest of the world - and not even listed on the most popular guidebooks. If you want to discover Japan through the lens of a local, I would sincerely recommend joining one of our tours. Learn the history behind the spots Not only will you get to discover new trendy spots, but you will also get to know the evolution of the places you are going to visit. Learn more about the history of the locations and see for yourself the before and after. Our lovely guides come prepared with an amazing presentation about each spot. Let yourself be immersed in the past and travel back in time to find the origins of what is known today. Embark on a journey full of fun facts and anecdotes and unravel the secrets behind them. Personalized to your needs Whether you want to meet new people and join a group or if you would rather prefer to have a private excursion, anything is possible with us. Our tours have been created with the idea that each one of them should be personalized to cater to your needs. If you have any dietary restrictions, we make sure to find a replacement and accommodate your needs. So please feel free to let us know beforehand! Our wide selection of tours ensures that you get to experience the real Japan and discover its nooks and crannies. May you join us as a couple, as a whole family, or as friends, we want to welcome you for who you are and with welcome arms! We don’t tolerate any discrimination and are 2SLGBTQAI+ friendly and accessible to all. Be your true self, be proud of it, and enjoy every bit of the tour! That’s all we ask for! Featured Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne If you're ready to make new friends, try great food, and explore a small piece of Tokyo like a local, come join our Crazy, Cute, Kawaii Food Tour for an unforgettable experience!
Enjoy Japan’s Summertime with Amusement and Water Parks | Arigato Travel
Japan’s summers are known for getting quite hot and many look for ways to beat the heat. While there are popular methods, such as visiting a beach or taking a dip at the nearest pool, Japan has many more ways to escape the heat and have fun during this hot and humid season. If you’re looking forward to a summer trip to Japan, this blog will prepare you with a list of available amusement and water parks that you can find throughout the country so that instead of remembering the intense steamy weather, you’ll remember all the fun you had at these parks! Theme Parks: Tokyo Joypolis If you’re looking for a way to stay cool but still have fun, Joypolis is number one on the list due to it being one of Japan’s biggest indoor amusement parks. Entertainment with air conditioning to escape Japan’s humidity? You won’t find that much elsewhere, making Tokyo’s Joypolis a park you should consider incorporating into your travel plans. This park contains more than 20 attractions and several roller coasters, making it perfect for those seeking a thrill this summer. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ZPeG7xbMEAKqmnt9 Website: http://tokyo-joypolis.com/ Times: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Ticket: 1,200 yen (adult) 900 yen (child) Legoland Japan Located in the beautiful city of Nagoya, Japan is home to the eighth Legoland in the world. With adventurous rides, fun Lego-shaped food, and workshops, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. With four areas in the park, Adventure, Lego City, Knight’s Kingdom, and Pirate Shores, you can enjoy shows and rides for people of all ages. If you’re interested in learning more about Lego, there are certain activities to learn about the manufacturing process along with the respective machinery that goes towards making the very popular Lego as we know it. Make sure to try out the various Lego-shaped foods during your visit, too! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5E1CvqAbkauU2TLz7 Website: http://www.legoland.jp/ Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM on weekends) Ticket: 5000 - 7400 yen (adult) 3700 - 4800 yen (child) Fuji Q Highland Considered one of Japan’s most popular amusement parks, Fuji Q contains one of the world’s scariest haunted houses, not to mention boasting a beautiful view of Fuji in the background. There’s no doubt that Fuji Q Highland should be a spot you visit this summer. With various popular roller coasters that go straight up, straight down, and loop around several times, this is perfect for thrill seekers. Many would like to know that Fuji Q holds various Guinness World Record rides as well, so if you’re looking for a high-energy amusement park, Fuji Q is your best bet. The park has five roller coasters in total, and lines can get pretty long, so it may be best to head to the park early. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EbvjCNZ5pB2ppMGN6 Website: https://www.fujiq.jp/ja Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM on weekends) Ticket: 6000 - 7,800 yen (Check prices for specific age groups on the website) Universal Studios If you’re spending your summer in Osaka, you’ll discover many rides at the city’s Universal Studios that are perfect for a hot summer day with nothing else to do. From rides based on popular series such as Jurassic Park and Harry Potter to Nintendo games and even a few rides based on popular anime, USJ has a great variety to choose from. The park has ten different sections that’ll keep your day busy, whether you are taking photos with mascots walking around the park, enjoying the sectional delicacies, or checking out the many amazing rides. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GBdF2ZGqNbd8NyXr8 Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp Times: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ticket: (Prices depend on the day/calendar, so make sure to check the month you plan to go, but they tend to aim for around 8,000 yen) Water Parks: Shibamasa World This park, located in Fukui, Japan, opens every summer, boasting some of the largest swimming pools in the country. From twisting water slides to huge pools simulating lapping waves, Shibamasa makes the perfect summer waterpark for families and friends. If you want to dry off before you make your way home, you can take advantage of this park, which is a hybrid water and amusement park, and take a few rides on their high-speed roller coasters. This 560,000 square meter park has enough for everyone to spend a few hours in the summer sun. Make sure to try out their funnel water slide, which is a very popular hit among visitors. Better yet, admission to this park is free! Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rMvPUjcsKJDbYRiN7 Website: http://www.shibamasa.com/ Times: Open from March - November (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Ticket: Free Tokyo Summerland If you’re looking for a way to kick back during your summer vacation, Tokyo Summerland, home to the longest lazy river pool in Japan, is the place to go. From indoor pools where you can slip down short slides to huge outdoor pools where you can spin around on a huge inner tube with a group of friends, there is something fun and exciting at every location in this park. Tokyo Summerland even has a fun obstacle course and, as mentioned earlier, a relaxing lazy river where you can sit on an inner tube and float around. Whether you’re by yourself, with friends, or with family, this park is suited for people of all ages and groups. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ouSxK3c4B5eJCCgr7 Website: https://www.summerland.co.jp/ Times: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ticket: Starting from 2,600 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children (check the website’s timetable for specific passes) Seibuen Yuenchi Slightly to the north of Saitama and Tokyo’s border lies a water/amusement park called Seibuen Yuenchi. With four different water slides, a huge wave pool for everyone to enjoy, and various spots for different age groups, anyone can find a way to spend their summer at Seibuen. A great thing about this park is how easy it is to get food if you happen to grow hungry during your time in the park. While taking a break from splashing around in the pools, you can enjoy popular Japanese foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, somen, and other summer classics. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SoqJDgGxc5hCwipr7 Website: https://www.seibu-leisure.co.jp/amusementpark/index.html Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ticket: 2,900 yen (adult), 1,900 yen (child) Nagashima Spa Land Located in an area called Kuwana, Nagashima Spa Land has it all, including an amusement park, a water park, shopping districts, an onsen resort, and more; you’ll find it very easy to spend all your time here. If you’re going to Nagashima for the waterpark, you’ll be happy to know that their “Jumbo Seawater Pool” is one of the largest swimming pools in the world. Additionally, just last year, the park introduced a new water slide, “Mega Abyss.” Like other parks, there are indoor pools, but what sets Nagashima apart from others is the fact that they have eleven different water slides, cutting down on the wait times to use them and also giving you several different ways to find some fun this summer. Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/puETa6tTqm4Gydu5A Website: https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/pool/index.html Times: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (7:00 PM during peak season) Ticket: 4,500 yen (adult) 3,000 yen (child) Get Out in the Sun and Have Some Summer Fun! Summer trips can be fun; you just have to know how to make them so! Japan has a wide collection of parks for both entertainment and to allow you to splash around in the water on the very hot days you will experience on your travels. Hopefully, this blog has given you a wide enough range for those searching for a spot to make great memories this summer. From places in the popular cities to spots a bit further away from the hustle and bustle, there are locations all over Japan to spend time in for amusement. With that being said, pick a park, whether more amusement-based or with more refreshing water rides, and spend your summer to the fullest! Featured Photo Credit: grapeejapan For more options of escaping the summer's sweltering heat, book one of summer tours and delve into Japanese cuisine!
Discover Japan Sustainably: How Your Travel Can Support the UN’s SDGs | Arigato Travel
At Arigato Travel, we believe every journey should not only enrich your life but also leave a positive impact on the places you visit. As the world moves forward with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we invite you to explore Japan in a way that aligns with these meaningful global efforts. Let’s embark on a sustainable adventure—one that supports local communities, protects natural beauty, and builds authentic connections. We’d love to share 5 of the UN’s 17 global goals that resonate deeply with travel in Japan. Keeping these in mind during your journey can help make a real difference for local people and the stunning environment of this incredible destination. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected objectives designed to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future for our planet. These goals address pressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation, with a vision of achieving progress by 2030. While the SDGs encompass a wide range of initiatives, many of them align closely with the principles of responsible travel and tourism. In this blog, we’ll explore a few key goals that can be applied to travel and tourism in Japan, highlighting how mindful exploration can contribute to a better world while offering unforgettable experiences. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The Art of Local Dining Japan's culinary scene is a tapestry of flavors, traditions, and stories passed down through generations. By choosing to dine locally, you become part of this rich narrative. Our food tours spotlight family-owned restaurants and hidden gems where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients take center stage. Imagine savoring fresh sushi crafted by a master chef whose family has perfected the art for centuries or indulging in farm-to-table delicacies in a rustic countryside setting. Responsible consumption isn't just about enjoying delicious food; it's about supporting sustainable practices that reduce waste and empower small businesses. By embracing traditional cooking techniques and mindful dining, you're contributing to a cycle of positive impact that resonates far beyond your meal. SDG 13: Climate Action – Low-Impact Travel in Japan Japan's efficient public transportation system is not just convenient—it's a sustainable way to explore the country. Opt for the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) or local trains to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying scenic journeys. Our walking-focused tours in cities and nature walks in rural areas offer immersive experiences without the environmental impact of car travel. We also encourage eco-conscious practices such as staying at green-certified accommodations that utilize renewable energy and implement waste reduction measures. Small actions like using reusable bottles and shopping bags during your trip can make a significant difference. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Supporting a Global Sustainable Future At Arigato Travel, we believe in the power of collaboration. We partner with local communities, artisans, and organizations to create experiences that are meaningful for both travelers and locals. Whether it's arranging workshops with traditional craftsmen or coordinating with environmental groups for eco-tours, our partnerships amplify the positive impacts of sustainable tourism. By choosing us, you're not just booking a trip—you're joining a network committed to making a difference. Together, we can support the UN’s SDGs and contribute to a more sustainable and interconnected world. Sustainable travel is more than a trend; it's a conscious choice to make a positive impact while exploring the world. Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, providing the perfect backdrop for a journey that aligns with the UN's SDGs. As you plan your travels for 2025, consider how your journey can contribute to responsible consumption, environmental preservation, and community support. At Arigato Travel, we're passionate about crafting experiences that are enriching for you and beneficial for Japan's people and places. Let's make your next adventure not just memorable, but meaningful. Featured photo credit: maridav Let’s embrace a time of meaningful travel. Contact us today to start planning your sustainable journey through Japan!