Kabuki is one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional performing arts, and the Kabukiza Theatre is a venue dedicated exclusively to kabuki.
Just behind this historic venue—long at the heart of kabuki culture since the Meiji era—is a retro kissaten (Japanese-style cafe) that draws visitors from all over the world: “Kissa American.”
Kissaten differ from modern cafes that serve trendy food and drinks. These nostalgic cafes offer a timeless atmosphere where you can enjoy coffee, sandwiches, and other classic light fare.
Among kissaten, those that maintain a traditional atmosphere and don’t serve alcohol are called jun kissa (pure cafes), and they are often family-run businesses.
Opened in 1983, Kissa American is one such establishment.
Owner Makoto Haraguchi moved from Kyūshū to Tokyo, worked for a watch manufacturer as a businessman, and then branched out on his own. He single-handedly built this hugely popular cafe, which was even featured on CNN.
The owner has many fans of his own
As featured on CNN—sandwiches loved by all ages
The only food Kissa American serves is their special sandwiches. Their standout dish, ordered by 80% of customers, is the “Egg Sandwich.”
You’re sure to be surprised when it arrives—thick bread slices over 5 cm (about 2 inches) in length packed with overflowing filling!
“タマゴサンド,” Egg Sandwich 900 JPY (tax included)
The filling is simple: just Japanese eggs and mayonnaise. The perfectly balanced softness and firmness pair beautifully with the freshly baked bread for a satisfying and never-tiring bite.
Haraguchi says he avoids using salt, pepper, or other seasonings in the filling because he wants everyone from children to the elderly to feel at ease and enjoy it.
A love-filled sandwich made with premium bread and eggs
Simple as it may seem, the sandwich is packed with attention to detail.
First and foremost is the specially ordered premium bread, delivered directly from an established bakery’s factory twice a day.
It arrives piping hot and freshly baked.
Each loaf is about 45 cm long (about 18 inches, roughly three times the size of a standard loaf) and is cut into thick slices.
A puff of steam rises with each cut of the knife, releasing an appetizing aroma.
“This bread is the star of our sandwiches. It’s the fact that it’s freshly baked that makes it so good,” says Mr. Haraguchi.
Even on days when the weather or traffic delays the delivery, regulars will wait patiently while sipping their drinks.
Preparation of the ingredients begins right after closing time the previous day.
For the egg sandwich, the shop uses extra-large eggs, up to 800 per day on busy days. After boiling, they’re cooled and rested overnight.
Each boiled egg is peeled by hand and coarsely mashed with mayonnaise. Some of the prep is even done not just the night before, but even early in the morning on the day of service.
When an order comes in, the carefully prepared filling is sandwiched between slices and cut in half. Then, more filling is piled generously on top—almost unbelievably so!
“I kept adding more because customers were pleased, and that’s how the filling became heaped up,” Mr. Haraguchi says with a smile. The special egg sandwich overflows not only with filling but also with a spirit of hospitality.
“Pastrami Beef Sandwich” and “Roasted Chicken Sandwich” are also popular picks
In addition to the egg sandwich, meat-filled options are also popular at Kissa American.
The “Pastrami Beef Sandwich” features a mountain of spiced meat so large it looks like an avalanche about to fall off the plate.
“パストラミビーフサンド,” Pastrami Beef Sandwich 1,600 JPY (tax included)
Made with a more premium cut than roast beef, the pastrami beef is richly seasoned with spices for a bold, flavorful taste.
The juicy “Roasted Chicken Sandwich” also has many fans. The moist and tender roast chicken is flavorful on its own, and its savory aroma pairs perfectly with the bread.
“ローストチキンサンド,” Roasted Chicken Sandwich 1,200 JPY (tax included)
Other options include the “Hamburger Sandwich,” “Tuna Sandwich,” “Ham Sandwich,” and more, offering a diverse lineup to enjoy.
If you can’t finish Kissa American’s hefty sandwiches during your visit, don’t worry, as take-out containers are available.
The cozy, welcoming vibe is part of the kissaten charm
The drinks to pair with these famous Ginza sandwiches come in a diverse lineup.
They offer blended coffee characterized by deep richness and a fruity taste that complements the sandwiches, as well as café au lait, iced tea, grapefruit juice, yogurt juice, and more.
Each customer is required to order one sandwich and one drink.
All drinks are 800 JPY (tax included) per order
Take-out sandwiches are also available at the storefront.
For takeout, they offer half & half combinations of different sandwiches not available on the eat-in menu, such as “Hamburger Steak & Tuna.”
All takeout sandwiches are 900 JPY (tax included) each
Highly popular among Ginza office workers and even kabuki actors, these take-out sandwiches often sell out as early as 2:30 PM, so plan accordingly!
The charm of independently run kissaten isn’t just tasty food and drinks in a cozy setting, but also the joy of connecting with the people who run them.
At Kissa American, Mr. Haraguchi and the rest of the staff are all very friendly. With sandwiches overflowing with both ingredients and love, you’re sure to enjoy a warm and memorable visit.
Information
| Store name | 喫茶アメリカン Kissa American |
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|---|---|---|
| Address | 4-11-7 Ginza, Chūō-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Higashi-ginza Station 1-minute walk from Exit 5
Ginza Station 7-minute walk from Exit A7
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| Phone number | 03-3542-0922 | |
| Reservations | Not accepted | |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None | |
| Hours | 8:30-10:30 , 11:30-14:00 while bread lasts | |
| Closed | Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays |
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| Seating | 28 table seats | |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking | |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/kissaamerican/ | |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of May 2025.
