The history of Asakusa and coffee

- The aroma of a cup of coffee that evokes the atmosphere of Edo -

Asakusa is known as a town with a strong Edo atmosphere, centered around Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate. This town, which can be said to be a symbol of downtown culture, actually has a deep connection to Japan's coffee culture. When talking about the history of coffee in Japan, Asakusa is an essential place.

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Japan's first coffee shop, "Kahisakan"

The catalyst for coffee becoming popular among the general public in Japan was the appearance of "Kahisakan" in the Meiji era. It opened in 1888 in Ueno, Tokyo as Japan's first full-scale coffee shop, and was loved by many as a social gathering place incorporating Western culture.
This culture quickly spread to Asakusa, and the new way of enjoying coffee after a play or comedy show became popular among the general public.

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Asakusa's vibrant cafe culture

From the Taisho to the early Showa eras, Asakusa flourished as Japan's number one entertainment district, with many movie theaters, theatres and comedy halls lining the streets. Numerous coffee shops and cafes sprang up in the surrounding area, and the area became a bustling gathering place for artists and cultural figures.
Asakusa's cafes were not just places to rest, but places where people could chat, exchange information, and sense the atmosphere of the times. They were truly the "intersection of coffee and culture."

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Asakusa coffee passed down to the present day

Walking around Asakusa today, you can encounter a wide range of coffee culture styles, from old-fashioned coffee shops to roasteries serving the latest specialty coffee. Cafes with a Showa-era retro feel serve siphon coffee, while cafes popular with young people offer Asakusa-exclusive blends and lattes.
Asakusa continues to attract people through coffee, both now and in the past.

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Experience the charm of Asakusa and coffee

The streets of Asakusa are a place where old-fashioned Japanese culture coexists with new culture. Enjoying a cup of coffee in this area gives you a special taste that seems to connect hearts across the ages. For both tourists and locals, coffee in Asakusa is an important part of life that enriches their daily lives.

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summary

Asakusa is a special town where Edo atmosphere and modern culture blend together. The coffee culture that has flourished there tells the story of Japan's coffee culture itself. Come experience the "story of Asakusa and coffee" that has been passed down from the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Reiwa eras, while sipping on the aroma of a cup of coffee.

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