Kyoto's Best Cafes 2024: Recommendations for 8 Top Coffee Shops
Kyoto is one of Japan's premier tourist destinations, popular among both Japanese and foreign visitors for its elegant atmosphere. Known for its Kyoto cuisine such as obanzai (traditional home-style dishes eaten in Kyoto), Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine that doesn't use meat or fish), and Kaiseki Ryori (traditional multi-course Japanese dinner), Kyoto is also famous as a city of gourmet food.
Tea culture has long been established in Japan, so menus featuring not only coffee and black tea but also green tea and matcha are characteristic. There are many cafes in addition to restaurants, making it easy to take a break between sightseeing spots.
With numerous shrines and temples in this historically rich area, you can find cafes built in traditional architectural styles or coffee shops renovated from old facilities. You can relax while enjoying a nostalgic atmosphere.
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Kyoto has many "Kissaten" (Japanese-style cafes) where you can enjoy coffee and meals
In Kyoto, Japanese-style cafes called "kissaten," which offer not only drinks but also meals, have been popular for a long time.
In 2017, Kyoto ranked first in Japan for coffee consumption per household, indicating a strong dedication to coffee. In addition to coffee, these establishments offer a wide range of food options, from Western dishes like gratin and pasta to desserts such as pancakes and French toast, making menu selection a delightful challenge. It's no wonder that locals often enjoy breakfast at retro-style cafes that have been in business for many years.
From here, we'll introduce recommended coffee shops known for their meal menus, especially delicious breakfasts. We'll start by introducing three major long-established coffee shops loved by locals for years and now expanding nationwide.
Three Major Long-Established Coffee Shops Loved by Locals for Years
Ogawa Coffee Sakaemachi Nishiki Branch
source：Official website
Ogawa Coffee is one of Kyoto's three major coffee shops, offering a rich menu of meals and carefully crafted coffee. The interior, which retains Kyoto's charm while presenting a modern atmosphere, is also an attractive point. The coffee you enjoy while surrounded by this sophisticated ambiance will undoubtedly become a memorable part of your Kyoto trip.
Recommended menu items at Ogawa Coffee:
Morning
Charcoal-grilled Toast with Koji Butter: Choose from two types of bread - Kyoto-produced wheat bread or whole wheat bread. The distinctive "charcoal-grilled" method gives it a rich aroma, making it addictive once you try it.
Lunch
Charcoal-grilled Mackerel Cheese Melt Sandwich with Soup: Flaked charcoal-grilled mackerel and vegetables sandwiched with melting cheese. Combining elements of Western and Japanese cuisine, it's popular among foreign visitors.
Cafe Time
Organic House Blend 010 Medium: Flavorful coffee extracted through nel drip. With a wine-like richness and a vibrant note reminiscent of rum raisins, it pairs excellently with desserts.
I visited for breakfast, and the crispy toasted bread had a satisfying crunch with the aroma of wheat filling my mouth. The Organic House Blend 010 Medium I had with it was exquisite, and pairing it with the bread brought out deeper richness and sweetness.
<Store Information>
・Address: 519-1 Kikuya-cho, Sakaemachi-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 050-5600-0642
・Hours: 7:00-20:00
・Official website
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Maeda Coffee Muromachi Main Store
source： Official website
In addition to a varied grand menu including sandwich toast and pasta, they offer value morning menus and lunch sets.
Morning Menu
Special Morning: The toast uses English bread from the long-established bakery, Shinshindo. A nutritious one-plate meal with plenty of salad, omelet, bacon, and orange juice. Choose from 10 types of drinks.
Choice Lunch
Select 1 or 2 items from 12 mini-size main dishes such as pasta or sandwiches. Choose from 15 types of drinks including coffee and juice.
I've tried the Croissant BLT from the Choice Lunch menu. The combination of crispy croissant, fragrant bacon, fluffy egg, crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomato creates an addictive flavor. I finished it in no time. The mild iced café au lait perfectly matched with its richness and sweetness, and it was delicious.
<Store Information>
・Address: 236 Hashibenkeimachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 075-255-2588
・Hours: 7:00-18:00
・Official website
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Inoda Coffee Main Store
In addition to à la carte menu items such as sandwiches, pasta, and hashed beef rice, set menus are also available.
The Kyoto Breakfast, which can only be ordered from opening until 11:00, is particularly popular. It's a set that includes a plate with scrambled eggs, ham, salad, and fruit, along with a croissant, orange juice, and your choice of drink.
I also visited for breakfast, and the plate was generously filled with creamy scrambled eggs and boneless ham, offering great value. The content was similar to what you'd find in a hotel breakfast, allowing you to enjoy your meal with a sense of luxury.
There's also a rich selection of desserts including cakes, parfaits, and Kyoto-style sweets like anmitsu beans. Be sure to savor these Japanese-style sweets that pair well with coffee.
<Store Information>
・Address: 140 Doyumachi, Sanjo-sagaru, Sakaimachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
・Closed: None
・Phone: 075-211-0507
・Hours: 7:00-18:00
・website
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Two Kyoto Cafes Where You Can Enjoy Traditional Japanese Architectural Design
ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama
source：JDN
This is a popular cafe located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots, where you can enjoy coffee while luxuriously overlooking the famous Togetsukyo Bridge. The pure white walls and large glass exterior that stand out even from afar represent a stylish and chic Japanese design. While retaining the atmosphere of an old Japanese house, it adds a modern touch, making it perfect for photo opportunities.
The interior isn't very spacious, but with its white base and large glass windows, it feels open. The occasional warmth of wood and the clean, well-organized interior make it a comfortable place to be.
There are often lines not just on weekends but also on weekdays. When I went, I had to wait for several dozen minutes. However, I recommend it as you can enjoy delicious coffee with a spectacular view of Arashiyama, making you feel luxurious.
<Store Information>
・Address: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 075-748-0057
・Hours: 9:00-18:00
・website
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Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Uji Byodoin Omotesando Store
source： Official website
Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Uji Byodoin Omotesando Store is one of Starbucks' Regional Landmark Stores (stores located in symbolic places that convey local culture to the world). It's right next to Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Japanese architecture features a gabled roof (a roof that looks like a half-opened book placed face down), with an impressive pine tree in the garden serving as a symbol. The store is glass-walled, allowing you to relax while enjoying views of the proud Japanese garden. The highlight is the seasonal expressions of plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and the autumn foliage of Byodoin Temple.
They've paid attention to details like setting chairs and tables lower than in other stores to enhance garden viewing. You can enjoy specialty coffee, which ranks higher among Starbucks' carefully selected coffees. I too lost track of time, lingering over the wonderful scenery and delicious coffee.
<Store Information>
・Address: 21-18 Uji Renge, Uji City
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 0774-25-7277
・Hours: 8:00-20:00
・Official website
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Cafes Where You Can Enjoy Japanese-Style Drinks with Matcha Flavor
Hatoyaryoyousya
source：Official website
The owner, a former barista, opened this shop attracted by the charm of tea leaves, which unlike coffee, allow direct contact with farmers.
There are four types of popular matcha lattes, with "Ichi" being the most popular. Ichi uses a blend of "Okumidori" and "Samidori" teas from Ujitawara. The latte, whisked right before your eyes (adding hot water to powdered matcha and mixing), spreads the fresh scent of matcha down the street without any off-flavors.
When I tried it, the bitterness of matcha wasn't as strong as I expected, giving a mellow and easy-to-drink impression. Even those who don't like the bitterness of matcha can adjust it to their preferred sweetness with syrup.
You can also add toppings like Shiratama (rice flour dumplings), matcha cookies, foamed matcha, or ice cream, making it fun to create your own original drink.
<Store Information>
・Address: 22-66 Sagaasahi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 075-881-1881
・Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-17:00, Sat/Sun/Holidays 10:00-17:00
・Official website
Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
source：Tabelog
Established in 1854, this long-established shop offers a menu centered around tea. The array of sweets and drinks using high-quality matcha unique to Uji, famous for its tea, is irresistible to matcha lovers.
The specialties are "Maruto Parfait" and "Namacha Jelly". The Maruto Parfait is packed with various flavors including fragrant Hojicha as a base, white chocolate with a refreshing sweetness, white bean paste, and slightly bitter matcha gateau chocolat.
The Namacha Jelly is not only visually striking with its deep green color but also directly conveys the taste of matcha. The jelly has a smooth, cool texture. Personally, I crave this chilled Namacha Jelly every hot summer. The chewy white dumplings and the sweetness of azuki beans topped on it provide a nice accent.
<Store Information>
・Address: 5-1 Uji Renge, Uji City
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Phone: 0774-22-9500
・Hours: 10:30-17:00
・website
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Two Cafes Where You Can Taste Authentic Coffee Popular in Japan, at the Cutting Edge of Trends
Vermillion - cafe.
source： Official website
This place is popular for its authentic espresso drinks and meal menu using local vegetables. Located near Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the owner, who previously lived in Australia, opened it with Melbourne in mind.
The recommended menu item is the Vermillion Plate. It's generously loaded with thick-cut bacon with just the right amount of salt, juicy sausages from a local butcher, creamy poached eggs, spicy roasted potatoes, and more. When I ate it, it was a voluminous dish like you'd find in an Australian cafe, and the taste was excellent.
Drinks are espresso-based. You can customize to your liking, such as adding extra espresso or changing to oat milk or soy milk.
<Store Information>
・Address: 5-31 Fukakusa Kaidoguchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: Unknown
・Hours: 9:00-15:30
・Official website
Kurasu
source：TYPICA
This specialty coffee stand opened in 2016 with the desire to introduce Japanese coffee culture to the world. They offer at least four types of hand drip coffees where the temperature and brewing method change depending on the beans, as well as espresso drinks, matcha latte, chai, and kids' menu items.
On the day I visited, it was hot, so I ordered a refreshing, acidic type. The time spent drinking a carefully brewed cup was truly blissful. The cookie I ate with it had a moist texture, and the moderate saltiness of the salt vanilla was a perfect match for the coffee.
The shop also has introduced "tap coffee" where coffee is poured in just 10 seconds by placing a cup, allowing you to easily enjoy specialty coffee. Feel free to drop by when you pass by.
<Store Information>
・Address: 552 Higashi Aburanokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Phone: 075-744-0804
・Hours: 8:00-18:00
・Official website
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