If you are planning to come to Japan in the future, you will no doubt be keen to experience the vast array of beautiful and interesting food and beverage options this beautiful archipelago has to offer.
You may also be interested in understanding the trends from region to region. One of these trends becoming more popular is that of a revitalized coffee culture. Japanese people enjoy all types of beverages, especially coffee, and it is interesting to see how this trend is taking on a different look in Japan.
At first glance, it appears that Japanese people prefer simpler coffees, such as your standard black or American style drip coffee. However, on closer inspection, in the last few years especially, a number of boutique and specialty style coffee houses are popping up across this island nation.
When you enter these coffee houses, you immediately begin to take in all those beautiful aromas of freshly ground coffee that tantalize the senses. Many of these newer style coffee houses are retro and trendy, and have a feel to them as though you are in a different atmosphere. You may ask yourself, “why is this?”
The answer is that a lot of the owners and baristas (coffee masters) of these coffee houses have trained and mastered their craft abroad, especially in places like Australia.
Australia is well known and recognized for its unique coffee culture. When it comes to coffee, Australia has mastered the form of espresso fresh roasted coffee.
The Australian culture of lattes, flat whites, espressos, and so many more has become a daily part of many Australians’ morning routine. Many of the coffee houses there produce their own special house blends and produce much of their own coffee as well. Australians have always been coffee fans, and the influence really started because of many migrants, especially from Europe that arrived in Australia during the mid part of the last century.
This Australian coffee style has started influencing Japanese coffee houses over the last few years. Australian style coffee is becoming more popular for people looking for something different from the norm.
Japanese Hospitality or “Omotenashi” is world-leading, and the Japanese spirit is to please. Even within the Australian coffee market, there are a number of Japanese baristas who are training in overseas and bringing back their experience and styles to Japan.
One aspect that is becoming a unique part of the coffee experience is Latte Art. Japanese baristas don’t just want to create a cup of coffee, they want your coffee to also be artistic. There are many styles of Latte art you can find, from birds and animals, through to the baristas own unique patterns.
This attention to detail is part of the reason that Japanese Hospitality is world-leading. The influence of some Western coffee culture mixed with Omotenashi helps provide not just your daily brew but a completely unique atmosphere and experience you can only appreciate in Japan.