DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
DEEPTOKYO
magazine
EN
2025.04.28
Enjoy the Scenery of Ginza with a Cup of Coffee at a Long-Established Kissaten
Nearest Station
Founded in 1972, "Ranzu" is a long-established Kissaten—a traditional Japanese-style coffeehouse—that has grown alongside the city of Ginza. Featuring a classic interior that retains the ambiance of the Showa era and large windows offering scenic views of Ginza’s street corners, the Kissaten invites you to savor meticulously prepared coffee. Each cup, whether it’s iced coffee brewed from mocha beans using a flannel drip method or hot coffee made with a siphon, is crafted with time and aesthetic sensibility.
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The interior of "Ranzu" has remained unchanged since its founding in 1972 (Showa 47). The heavy wooden counter, exposed beams on the ceiling, warm lighting, and lithographs by Picasso adorning the walls—all reflect the founder’s refined aesthetic. The large windows facing the street are another highlight. Seated on a low chair, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ginza’s street corners and leisurely watch the scenery shift between day and night. Smoking is allowed throughout the Kissaten, and the traditional paper coffee tickets are still in use. Regular customers casually drop by for a cup of coffee, embodying the timeless "everyday Ginza" atmosphere that lives on here
The modern Showa-era interior remains intact. The Kissaten has even been used as a film location.
A quintessential Ginza streetscape unfolds beyond the large windows. The view varies depending on where you sit.
Traditional paper coffee tickets are still used, reflecting the strong presence of loyal customers.
Numerous masterpieces, including lithographs by Picasso, are displayed on the walls.
A photo of the exterior of "Ranzu" at the time of its founding.
Behind the counter is a wooden plaque listing various historical names for coffee. The name "和蘭豆 (Ranzu)" appears as the 33rd entry, derived from the Edo-period term "Holland beans" for coffee beans introduced from the Netherlands.
The Kissaten’s signature item is its iced coffee, which has preserved its original flavor since its founding. While it’s common to blend multiple types of beans and roast them dark for iced coffee, "Ranzu" uses only mocha beans in a unique blend.Each coffee is hand-brewed using a flannel drip method with dedicated equipment. A whipped animal-based fresh cream is floated atop the coffee, and a special sugar syrup is added, creating a rich and smooth flavor. The cream forms a layer over the ice, preventing the drink from becoming watered down over time. This carefully crafted cup has been beloved for decades.
A stylish iced coffee made with mocha beans, popular year-round. 900yen
Hot coffee is brewed one cup at a time using a siphon. Sitting at the counter, you can watch the entire brewing process unfold before your eyes, savoring the rising steam, the aroma of coffee, and the pleasant wait for your drink. Known as "the flavor of siphon, the aroma of drip," the siphon method continuously moistens the coffee grounds at around 100°C, drawing out a deep, full-bodied flavor. The graceful movements of the staff as they pour the coffee into your cup add another layer of enjoyment, offering a luxurious experience for both the eyes and palate.
At the counter seats, you can watch the siphon brewing up close.
Staff dressed in vests offer attentive service, another charm of "Ranzu."
The menu from the time of the Kissaten’s founding. The "Ranzu Blend" still preserves its original flavor.
Iced Wiener: A glamorous drink served in a tall copper champagne glass. The performance of the staff pouring the milk right before your eyes makes it visually entertaining. 950 yen
Ranzu Mocha Jelly: A luxurious dessert featuring layers of coffee jelly, ice cream, and fresh cream, with a hint of liqueur adding an adult flavor. 880 yen
The information contained this article was correct as of 04/28/2025 (the time of publication)
