Kyoto, Japan – The charming old capital of Japan has no lack of gorgeous cafes, teahouses and specialty coffeeshops. Here are some of our favourite cafes in Kyoto!

Blue Bottle Coffee – Kyoto Café 
A gorgeous café housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Kyomachiya (Kyoto townhouse) that is over 100 years old. The design of this Blue Bottle outlet features high ceilings and an open, airy atmosphere that blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern aesthetics. It is also a serene environment to enjoy a coffee as its location is tucked away from the main tourist spots in Kyoto. A must visit for any Blue Bottle Coffee lovers. 

Address: 64 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8437, Japan 

Gokago 
A charming matcha teahouse in Higashiyama Ward renowned for its high-quality matcha and offers a variety of matcha-themed desserts and beverages. You can enjoy their drinks either indoors or in the beautiful outdoor stone sitting area, which provides a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Gokago Kyoto also sells a range of tea-related products, including chasen (tea whisks), matcha in various weights, and tea ware such as teapots, cups, tins, and bamboo tea scoops. The staff is fluent in both Japanese and English, making it easy for international visitors to order and enjoy their experience. 

Address: 2 Chome-258 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan 

Weekenders Coffee Roastery 
This roastery is known for its commitment to high-quality coffee, offering a variety of freshly roasted beans sourced from around the world. The roastery operates only on weekends. The ambience of Weekenders Coffee Roastery is a blend of traditional and modern design, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto while incorporating contemporary elements. The space is designed to be open and inviting, allowing visitors to enjoy their coffee in a serene and relaxed setting  

Address: 682-7 Ishifudonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8047, Japan 

Yugen 
Yugen Kyoto is a specialty Japanese tea shop which opened in 2018 and offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality Japanese teas, including Sencha and Matcha, primarily sourced from Kyoto and Uji. It also provides a range of tea ceremony utensils and handcrafted items, in a renovated Showa-era building. The ambience is serene where you can enjoy seasonal sweets paired with good quality tea.  

Address: 146 Kameyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0865, Japan 

Salon de Muge 
A refined café and restaurant which is an extension of the renowned three-Michelin star restaurant Kikunoi, offering guests a more casual yet equally exquisite dining experience. The café is known for its serene ambiance, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern elegance. The two storey space is a perfect setting for enjoying a variety of Japanese sweets and light meals, including their famous warabimochi and freshly brewed coffee.  

Address: 524 Washiocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0072, Japan 

Hario Cafe Kyoto 
A charming café located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, this zen looking café which a beautiful outdoor garden is a direct extension of the renowned heat-resistant glass manufacturer, Hario, which has been crafting coffee equipment since 1921. The café is located at a quiet lane near the famous Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple, where you can enjoy specialty coffee and tea brewed using Hario’s equipment. There is also a retail section where you can purchase Hario products. 

Address: Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Shimokawaracho, 463-17 

Blend Kyoto 
A specialty coffee shop located in a beautifully renovated Kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse), the space offers a unique coffee experience by creating custom blend coffees tailored to each customer’s preferences. It is a small seating space where the coffee experience is personalised as the barista will ask you for your preferred coffee profile and recommend accordingly.  

Address: 447 Sasayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0983, Japan 

Walden Woods Kyoto 
An insta-worthy café to check out in Kyoto, this minimalist café is located in a quiet residential area between Kyoto and Gion stations. Housed in a renovated Taisho-era building, the café draws inspiration from Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden, reflecting a simple life in natural surroundings. The interior is entirely white, featuring a spacious two-floor layout. The ground floor includes a large counter and white shelves displaying Walden Woods brand goods. The second floor offers unique seating arrangements with wooden steps and a central white tree, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a serene forest. The menu boasts a variety of coffees, including their signature Walden and Walden Wolf blends, as well as chai and tea options. Pair your drink with a canelé for a complete experience. 

Address: 508-1 Sakaecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8194, Japan 

Common 
This café is known for its minimalist design and relaxed atmosphere, where it offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks, carefully prepared by skilled baristas, as well as a selection of pastries and light snacks. The interior of Common Coffee Kyoto features a clean and modern aesthetic, with ample natural light and comfortable seating. 

Address: Japan, 〒602-8033 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Kamikajicho, 340-5 

Kurasu Ebisugawa 
The design of Kurasu Kyoto reflects the simple and understated beauty of Japanese homeware. It offers a curated selection of specialty coffee, emphasizing manual brewing methods. The café showcases a variety of coffee equipment and accessories, many of which are handcrafted by local artisans. The café is part of the Kurasu brand, which has several outlets in Kyoto, Singapore, Bangkok, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. 

Address: 551 Yamanakacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0815, Japan 

Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Nineizaka-Yasaka-Chaya
The only reason to visit this particular Starbucks in Kyoto is because it is housed in a 100-year-old Japanese townhouse. From Kiyomizu-dera, it is a mere 10minutes walk to Ninen-zaka, the street where the wooden exterior Starbucks is housed. Make your orders at level 1, before proceeding to level 2 which you get to enjoy your beverages in traditional Japanese tatami style. [Read more here…]

Ranted by The Ranter

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