KIJITORA means tabby cat in Japanese.
Our cozy, cat-themed café celebrates specialty coffee, tea, and pastries, all crafted with care for a truly unique experience.

We source locally roasted, single-origin coffee beans, and our ceremonial-grade matcha is JAS Certified Organic, imported directly from Japan.

You’ll find flavors from Japan woven throughout our menu.

Whenever possible, we choose sustainable, organic ingredients and materials, and many of our recipes are made in-house.

Our chai is brewed from scratch with fresh organic ginger and spices, and our pastries are baked with love and attention to detail.

Unfortunately, there are no real cats in residence (we’re sad about that too!), but our space is filled with cute cat decor to welcome you.

At KIJITORA, we believe in slowing down, savoring every sip, and appreciating craftsmanship in every cup.

We aim to bring people together through comforting flavors, genuine hospitality, and a touch of Japanese inspiration creating a place where care, creativity, and curiosity come together.

Ayaha Otsuka, originally from Nagoya, Japan, moved to New York in 2013 to pursue a career in dance.

A classically trained ballet dancer, she has performed in a wide range of styles, from Japanese traditional Taiko drumming at the United Nations Headquarters to hip-hop perfomances as a backup dancer for the world-renowned K-pop group BTS.

When the pandemic brought the performing arts world to a pause, Ayaha discovered a new passion for coffee. What began as a part-time barista job quickly became an obsession with the art and science behind every cup, from sourcing, roasting and brewing to the delicate balance of time, temperature, and taste.

She dreamed of creating a cozy space where everyone could enjoy the warmth of Japanese atmosphere and find a sense of calm and inspiration.

That curiosity and her natural artistry now live on at KIJITORA, where she continues to craft experiences that blend precision, beauty, and heart.