Kissa Ashijima

Choosing a cake to go with your coffee is part of the pleasure at Kissa Ashijima. Some visitors have enjoyed the cheesecake served almost frozen, noting how its texture changes as it warms. The Sanjo Cheesecake, too, has been described as starting out cool and gradually melting into a milky richness with gentle sweetness. One guest paired the rich Bitter Chocolat with the Ashijima Blend; it is a tempting combination for anyone who likes to savour the contrast between coffee’s bitterness and a cake’s sweetness.

Coffee options range from the medium-dark Ashijima Blend, with balanced sweetness and body supported by bitterness and acidity, to cold-brewed coffee prepared to order. For a more distinctive cup, consider Mocha G1, a medium roast described as having a wine-like fragrance and fruity acidity, or deep-roasted Mandheling Aceh, whose spicy bitterness gives way to a restrained sweetness. There is also straight tea and milk tea, served hot or iced, as well as decaffeinated coffee and a decaf café au lait.

For something more substantial, the Japanese-style chicken curry is made with onions from Awaji Island and chicken from Kyoto, with a hint of clove. The drinks menu also includes Beer Espresso, known for its deep, bitter-chocolate character. Despite its coffee-inspired name, it contains no coffee.

On the 5 floor of the Bunmeido Building, Kissa Ashijima is also described as a quiet place to spend time. It suits a pause between city walks, or an unhurried coffee and cake.