5 Things to Consider When Buying Coffee Online in Japan

Are you looking for coffee beans that will enhance your everyday coffee experience? Online shopping can be the perfect solution. You can choose from a wide range of coffee beans, blends, and origins.

Here are five things you should consider before Buying Coffee Online in Japan

Know Your Taste Buds

Knowing your taste buds is the first and most crucial step to consider when buying coffee online. With the vast array of coffee options available, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your personal taste preferences.

Start by determining the roast level. If you prefer a more acidic and delicate flavored coffee, a light roast (浅煎り, asa-iri) would be perfect.1 For a bolder and smoky taste, order dark roast coffee (深煎り, fuka-iri).1 Think about the flavor profiles you like: fruity, floral, nutty, or chocolatey. Words like “citrus,” “berry-like,” and “fruity” describe coffees with high acidity, while descriptors such as “caramel,” “nutty,” and “chocolate” indicate low acidity coffees. Don’t forget to consider your brewing method such as espresso machines or French press. This will help you buy a grind size that best suits your coffee-making method. You might also consider whether you prefer whole beans (コーヒー豆, koohii mame) or ground coffee (粉コーヒー, kona koohii).1

Learn Basic Coffee Terminologies

For many people, buying coffee online is an overwhelming process. They come across a wide range of unfamiliar terms and there are no workers to guide them as is common in grocery stores. The best thing you can do is learn some basic coffee terminologies.

Start by learning the difference between blends (ブレンドコーヒー, burendo koohii) and single origin coffees (シングルオリジンコーヒー, shinguru orijin koohii).1 Single origin coffees are sourced from one specific coffee-producing region, allowing you to experience the unique characteristics of that area. Familiarize yourself with different espresso types such as cappuccino, americano, and mocha.13 Understanding body (コク, koku) is also important: coffees with a light body are often described as “tea-like,” “clean,” or “floral,” while full-bodied coffees are described as “creamy,” “rich,” or “syrupy.” Coffee companies use different processing methods that significantly affect flavor. Washed beans are fermented in water to remove the fruit, whereas during the natural dry process, coffee beans are dried which results in a fruity flavor.

Try Coffee From Different Origins

Buying online coffee is the perfect opportunity for you to try coffee from different origins. Due to the varying climate, soil composition, and processing methods, every region has a unique coffee flavor. Japanese coffee, for instance, is becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. The Japanese focus on precision and use ancient methods to extract the true essence of beans. Coffee-making is a beloved part of Japanese culture with unique brewing techniques such as slow drip and pour-over methods. When you drink Japanese-brewed coffee, it’s encouraged to embrace the concept of “sado” or the “way of tea,” which means sipping your coffee slowly to fully appreciate the nuanced flavors and the care that went into its preparation. Japanese cold drip brewing, in particular, uses hot water to quickly dissolve desired flavors and aromatics in ground coffee, then cools the coffee instantly as it is poured into ice, which locks in the flavors and aromas.

Explore Different Brands

One important benefit of buying coffee online is that you can explore a wide range of brands. Keep in mind the following tips when you’re exploring coffee providers:

Check the roast date (焙煎, baisen) to ensure you get fresh coffee. Specialty coffee shops in urban areas like Tokyo and Kyoto often emphasize sourcing single-origin beans and perfecting brewing techniques, and many now offer online ordering.

Buy from a reputable company with substantial positive reviews.

Thoroughly read the shipping policy to avoid paying any extra charges.

Ask for sample packs to try different bean flavors. This will help enhance your palate. Many roasters offer discovery packs or tasting sets containing several small bags of different beans, which is an excellent way to explore various origins and processing methods without committing to large quantities.

Pay Attention to Aroma and Mouthfeel

Beyond taste, consider the aroma (香り, kaori) of the coffee you’re purchasing.1 Product descriptions often highlight aromatic qualities, which can help you choose beans that appeal to your senses. Additionally, pay attention to how the coffee feels in your mouth. Umami, an important taste quality in coffee, describes the coffee body, its density, and the mouthfeel. When you hear descriptors like “plump,” “soft and creamy,” or “sticks to the palate,” these indicate umami qualities that create a “round” taste experience. Understanding these sensory elements will help you select coffees that match not just your flavor preferences but also your desired overall coffee experience.