To get a coffee shop license in Japan, apply for an Inshokuten (restaurant) business permit at your local public health center; this supersedes the old “kissaten” permit and covers espresso, meals, and alcohol service. Start with a plan check: submit a floor plan showing washable surfaces, a dedicated handwash sink in the kitchen (and in the drink area if food is handled), a two- or three-compartment sink, ventilation, insect screens, a self-closing toilet door not opening into the kitchen, and refrigerator/freezer thermometers (≤10°C / ≤-15°C). Appoint a Food Hygiene Manager (Shokuhin Eisei Sekininsha) via a 1‑day course unless you hold an eligible license. Prepare HACCP-based sanitation procedures and simple temperature/cleaning logs. Typical fees run ¥16,000–¥20,000; inspection is scheduled 1–2 weeks after submission and the permit is valid 5 years. If roasting/packaging beans for retail, confirm with the health center whether a separate manufacturing notification is required. Serving alcohol after midnight requires a Late-Night Alcohol Serving notification to the police. Before lease-signing, confirm zoning/use, gas and fire safety approvals, grease trap, and garbage/grease collection contracts; test well water if used. To sell alcohol or coffee online, obtain the relevant liquor or mail-order permits. Build in 4–8 weeks from design to opening.
