Kissa Edinburgh: A Retro Coffee Experience Blending Jazz, Nostalgia, and Flavor in the Heart of Tokyo

Shinjuku is an exceptionally urban district within Tokyo. With its numerous skyscrapers and restaurants, it's always bustling with businesspeople and shoppers.

However, Shinjuku isn't just about modern buildings. Many long-established restaurants continue to operate here, serving unchanged flavors from years past. Among these, "Kissaten" (traditional Japanese coffee houses) are particularly popular among locals who seek a relaxed interior atmosphere along with coffee and light meals.

Today, we'll introduce the appeal of "Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh" (Kissa Edinburgh), a 24-hour kissaten that's gaining popularity in Shinjuku. We'll explain their menu and unique characteristics to help you make an informed choice for your visit.

What is "Kissaten" - A Uniquely Japanese Café?

A kissaten is a Japanese-style café that focuses not only on coffee but also on meals and desserts. While menu contents vary, most establishments offer a "morning set" that includes drinks accompanied by toast, egg dishes, and salad.

They also offer an extensive menu of Western-style dishes like pasta and gratin, as well as desserts including cakes and parfaits. Many kissaten are long-established businesses that bustle with locals enjoying coffee and light meals from early morning.

Difference from Modern Cafés

The main differences between cafés and kissaten lie in their atmosphere and menu. While cafés tend to have modern designs, kissaten are characterized by antique-style interiors featuring chandeliers and stained glass. Many incorporate wooden furniture, creating a warm and welcoming impression.

While cafés often feature trendy menu items, kissaten offer classic menu items that have been beloved by Japanese people for generations. People of all ages continue to visit kissaten seeking these time-honored flavors.

Visit Kissa Edinburgh When in Shinjuku for a Retro Atmosphere!

"Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh" (Kissa Edinburgh) is a long-established kissaten located just 30 seconds on foot from Shinjuku Sanchome Station. You can spend a relaxing time in its retro-styled interior that exudes tranquility.

The menu isn't limited to coffee; it also features an extensive selection of light meals and desserts. Next, we'll explain in detail why "Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh" is popular among foreign visitors.

Why is Kissa Edinburgh Popular Among Foreign Tourists? A Former Barista Explains Its Appeal

A Retro Atmosphere with Leather Sofas and Chandelier Decorations

The interior of Kissa Edinburgh catches the eye with its antique-style furniture, ceiling, and walls, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The seating options are diverse, including leather sofa seats and counter seats perfect for solo visitors. With 130 seats, the cafe gives a spacious impression.

The cafe features paintings and chandeliers as interior decorations, highlighting its retro ambiance. Siphon coffee makers and other brewing equipment are displayed prominently, emanating the atmosphere of a long-established coffee house.

During the day, natural light streams through the windows, creating a bright impression. At night, visitors can enjoy views of bustling Shinjuku through the windows.

Aromatic Coffee Carefully Brewed Using Siphon Method

At Edinburgh, coffee is carefully brewed one cup at a time using the siphon method. Siphon coffee is characterized by its clean aftertaste and rich aroma.

The coffee, brewed using high-quality beans, offers a smooth mouthfeel without any harsh notes, balanced bitterness and acidity, and a rich flavor that can be enjoyed through the nose.

Staff members bring the siphon with coffee to your table and pour it into your cup right before your eyes. Being able to enjoy piping hot coffee is a delightful aspect of the experience.

Carefully Crafted Food Menu Typical of a Traditional Coffee House

Kissa Edinburgh offers a wide variety of food and dessert options. The menu includes pizza toast and sandwiches made with thick-cut bread, generously topped chocolate parfaits, and cake sets where you can choose from six different varieties.

Whether you're looking for a substantial lunch or craving something sweet during cafe time, you can enjoy meals for any occasion.

My recommended dessert is the crepe set. A plate featuring soft crepe filled with sweet fresh cream and topped with cut fruits like kiwi and peach makes for a perfect cafe time treat.

24-hour Service - Highly Convenient Location Just 30 Seconds from Shinjuku 3-chome

Kissa Edinburgh is a rare 24-hour coffee shop. It's an incredibly convenient establishment that can be visited at any time - early morning, afternoon, evening, or late night. You can enjoy breakfast after an early morning walk or have coffee after a night out drinking.

Kissa Edinburgh is located just 30 seconds on foot from Shinjuku 3-chome Station. Even when visiting at night, its proximity to the station allows you to relax without worrying about time until just before the last train.

The surrounding area is lined with commercial facilities, making it convenient for shopping. When looking for a place to take a break, why not choose Kissa Edinburgh?

Power Outlets and Free Wi-Fi Available - A Welcome Feature

The shop is equipped with power outlets and free Wi-Fi. You can spend time working on your laptop or smartphone at your leisure. Anyone can use the Wi-Fi by entering the password displayed in the store.

This shop is recommended for those who want to work on their computers or plan their travels while doing research. If you're looking for a restaurant with Wi-Fi around Shinjuku, please give it a try.

Three Recommended Menu Items to Enjoy at Kissa Edinburgh

House Coffee Brewed with Direct-Heat Siphon

The most recommended item on Edinburgh's menu is their siphon-brewed coffee. Each cup is carefully brewed, resulting in a clean, flavorful taste without any unwanted notes.

The menu features dozens of coffee options. Besides blend coffees, you can order single-origin coffees that highlight the characteristics of different regions such as Brazil, Mandheling, and Colombia.

As someone with barista experience, I recommend the "Kizoku Mild Blend" (Noble Mild Blend). It offers a well-balanced taste with subtle bitterness complemented by the sweetness of coffee oils. It's a high-quality cup that maintains its umami even as it cools.

Morning Set

From Monday to Saturday, 6:00-11:30, you can order morning sets. Choose from three options: roll bread set, toast set, or Zosui set. All sets come with a drink, salad, and dessert.

Zosui is a dish where rice and chicken are simmered in broth and topped with beaten egg. It's rare to find Zosui as a coffee shop morning option, even in Japan. Its gentle flavor is perfect for breakfast after a night out.

For drinks, you can choose from blended coffee, American coffee, milk, or tea. Only the two coffee options are available for refills.

Potato Gratin

The potato gratin is one of my favorite menu items. It's topped with plenty of cheese over simple ingredients like potatoes, bacon, green peppers, and onions - a cheese lover's dream. The hot, browned cheese pairs perfectly with the set's butter toast.

The thick toast with its strong browning has a light texture. The potato gratin set comes with a mini salad and drink. It's just the right portion for lunch or a light meal when you're feeling peckish.

The combination of hot, creamy gratin and coffee is especially perfect for the upcoming winter season.

Access to Kissa Edinburgh

<Store Information>
Address: 2F M&E Square Building, 3-2-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 30 seconds walk from Shinjuku 3-chome Station Exit C4
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5379-2822
Official Website: https://edinburgh.jp/

3 Recommended Tokyo Kissa (Traditional Japanese Cafes) for Those Seeking an Authentic Retro Atmosphere

Much like the historic Kissa Edinburgh, these establishments preserve Japan's unique cafe culture. Here are three exceptional traditional cafes in Tokyo:

Meikyoku Kissa Lion

Established in 1926, Meikyoku Kissa Lion is a cafe dedicated to classical music appreciation. The exterior features an imposing stone architecture, with a design that transports visitors back in time.

Inside, classical music plays at high volume through massive speakers installed in the center of the cafe. All seats on both the first and second floors face these speakers, allowing visitors to be completely immersed in the powerful acoustics while enjoying classical music.

Drinks-only orders are welcome here. Take your time to listen to the music while sipping on coffee or cream soda.

<Store Information>
Address: 2-19-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 13:00-20:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3461-6858

Kojyo

Founded in 1963 in Ueno, Kojyo is a long-established cafe. Upon entering its discrete narrow entrance, visitors are greeted by a luxurious staircase adorned with marble and stained glass. The journey to the cafe interior itself is part of the experience.

The interior features sophisticated furniture and chandeliers, allowing guests to dine in a retro yet elegant atmosphere.

My recommendation is the Napolitan (a Japanese-origin pasta dish where noodles and ingredients are stir-fried and seasoned with tomato ketchup). Try it alongside their signature milkshake, blended with milk and sugar.

<Store Information>
Address: Kowa Building B1F, 3-39-10 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00-20:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 03-3832-5675
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kojyo_kyoko/

Coffee Ojo

Operating since 1975 in Ueno, Coffee Ojo has maintained a loyal following for many years. Visitors can relax in an interior decorated with antique furnishings.

I recommend their chocolate parfait, which features generous portions of ice cream and mandarin oranges, topped with a mountain of whipped cream. Given its size, it's perfect for sharing.

They also offer medicinal herb-based items like Chinese herbal curry and brown sugar ginger milk, making it ideal for those seeking nourishing meals.

<Store Information>
Address: 6-8-15 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-19:00 (Last order: Food 18:00, Drinks 18:30)
Phone: 03-3832-2863
Official Website: https://coffeeoujou.base.shop/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeeoujyou/
Official X: https://x.com/coffeeoujou