Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Kyōto, Japan
1. Yasaka Coffee
A cozy café near Fushimi Inari Taisha, offering a tranquil retreat after temple exploration.
- Unique Roast: Uses locally sourced beans for distinct flavors.
- Temple View: Enjoy coffee with a view of the iconic Yasaka Pagoda.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free Options: Caters to diverse dietary needs.
2. Café Iguana
A vibrant coffee spot located near Kiyomizu-dera, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
- Live Music Events: Regular events featuring local musicians.
- Mexican Cuisine: Offers authentic Mexican dishes along with coffee.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy a coffee outdoors, soaking in the Kyoto atmosphere.
3. Precious Kishu
Experience traditional tea ceremony ambiance at this Kyoto-style coffee shop.
- Kishu Region Coffee: Serves premium coffee from the Kishu region, famous for its aromatic beans.
- Tea Ceremony Experience: Offers tea ceremony demonstrations and classes.
- Traditional Interiors: Authentic tatami mats and sliding doors create a serene atmosphere.
4. Café Kikuboo
Nestled in the Higashiyama district, this café offers a unique Kyoto-style experience.
- Local Artworks: Features works by local artists on display.
- Traditional Sweets: Pairs coffee with traditional Kyoto wagashi sweets.
- Kyomachiya Architecture: Housed in a traditional machiya townhouse.
5. Cafe & Diner Iroha
This Gion district café offers a wide range of coffee and breakfast dishes.
- Breakfast All Day: Serves breakfast items all day long.
- Pet-Friendly: Welcomes customers with pets.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Comfortable seating and friendly service make for a relaxed experience.
6. Café Arukotoba
Find this hidden gem near Sanjusangendo, serving coffee with a side of history.
- Historical Location: Located in the heart of historical Kyoto.
- Organic Coffee: Uses organic and fair-trade coffee beans.
- Quiet Study Space: A quiet, peaceful environment ideal for studying or reading.
7. Café A.M.
Situated near the Philosopher's Path, this café offers a serene atmosphere for coffee lovers.
- Freshly Baked Pastries: Offers a variety of fresh pastries daily.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Has vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
- Eco-Friendly: Committed to reducing waste through eco-friendly practices.
8. Café & Gallery Sui
A fusion of art and coffee in the Arashiyama district.
- Artistic Atmosphere: Surrounded by artworks from local artists.
- Unique Coffee Blends: Offers unique coffee blends not found elsewhere.
- Arashiyama View: Enjoy the beautiful Arashiyama scenery from the café.
9. Café de l'Abbaye
A charming café located near Enryaku-ji Temple in the mountainous Kurama district.
- Mountain Retreat: Ideal for escaping the city bustle.
- Temple Cuisine: Serves traditional temple cuisine alongside coffee.
- Natural Surroundings: Enjoy the fresh, clean mountain air and greenery.
10. Café Kagizen Yoshifusa
Experience traditional matcha at this famous Kyoto café.
- Authentic Matcha: Uses high-quality, ceremonial grade matcha.
- Historic Location: Established in 1791 and located near Gion district.
- Variety of Matcha Items: Offers a range of matcha drinks, pastries, and desserts.
11. Café Aoyama
Find this charming café in the heart of Kyoto's Gion district.
- Gion Charm: Embraces traditional Gion charm with its interior design.
- Specialty Coffee: Known for their unique coffee blends and brewing methods.
- Coffee Classes: Offers coffee classes for coffee enthusiasts.
12. Café Bake Station
A cozy café in Kyoto's downtown area offering a wide selection of baked goods.
- Bread Specialties: Known for their freshly baked bread and pastries.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free Options: Has vegan and gluten-free options available.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Comfortable seating and friendly service create a relaxed environment.
13. Café Mimura
A charming café located near the beautiful Katsura Imperial Villa.
- Katsura Scenery: Enjoy views of the stunning Katsura Imperial Villa.
- Hand-Dripped Coffee: Serves hand-dripped coffee for a unique brewing experience.
- Seasonal Menu: Features seasonally inspired menu items.
14. Café Kikusui
A tranquil café near the beautiful Kyoto Imperial Palace.
- Imperial Palace View: Offers views of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
- Japanese Cuisine: Serves traditional Japanese cuisine along with coffee.
- Serene Atmosphere: A serene, peaceful environment for relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee.
15. Café Tachibana
Find this cozy café near the historic Kiyomizu-dera temple.
- Kiyomizu Charm: Embraces the charm of nearby Kiyomizu-dera.
- Specialty Coffee: Offers a variety of specialty coffees and brewing methods.
- Traditional Sweets: Pairs coffee with traditional Kyoto wagashi sweets.