[2022] 7 recommended Japanese breakfasts in Kyoto
2025.8.8
［2025] 23 Long-established, Pure & Retro Coffeehouses in Kyoto! Including popular lunches!
In the historic city of Kyoto, retro coffee shops, from classic coffee shops with stately interiors to old-fashioned pure coffee shops, are very popular. In this article, LeafKYOTO's editorial staff, who know Kyoto inside and out, selects 23 coffee shops, ranging from the classic to the obscure, that are well known among the locals. Each coffee shop offers a special menu, including coffee carefully roasted by the owner, a hearty lunch, and special sweets. On your next holiday, experience Kyoto's unique coffee shop culture. (TEXT/Saori Yoshikawa, EDIT/Moe Sawamura)
Contents of this article
1.Kitashirakawa/Exquisite seasonal desserts in a coffee shop with the aroma of a different culture [Shukagacafe Kashihate]
Located near Ginkakuji Temple, Shukagakko-Cafe Kashihate is a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop where you can enjoy Chinese tea, seasonal sweets, and alcoholic beverages. The menu, with its lingering aroma and unexpected flavors, can only be enjoyed here. To ensure a relaxing experience, the cafe is generally available for one or two persons. The popular "Morning Crackers Club" offers naturally sweet sweets that are easy on the body in the morning. Reservations are required and can be made for up to 4 people.
Today's Dessert from 1780 yen (photo: Tarte Tatin) and Organic Oolong Tea from 700 yen. Pie crust with custard, caramelized apples, vanilla ice cream and salted caramel ice cream
Sake Cracker Cafe Kashihate
- Kashihakase, a city in Kyoto, Japan
- 37-1 Kaminamida-cho, Jodoji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 2 minutes walk from bus stop "Ginkakuji".
- Tel: None
2.Gion Shijo / Jewelry store coffee shop in a famous building in Gion [Gion Ishi Coffee Shop].
Built in 1969, this coffee shop is located on the second floor of a building in Gion with an impressive ship motif that gives it a strong presence. The ceiling and walls covered with solid cypress wood and the glass ball lighting create a luxurious atmosphere, and the sofa seats allow you to relax in comfort. [It is within walking distance from Yasaka Shrine, so it is also a good place to take a break when visiting the area for sightseeing. Enjoy your break time with seasonal sweets while soaking up the modern retro atmosphere.
Lemon jelly made by squeezing the juice of one lemon 500 yen, topped with fresh cream
Gion stone cafe
- gion stone
- 2F, 555 South side of Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 5 min. walk from Exit 6 of Gion-Shijo Station, Keihan
- Tel.075-561-2458
3.Gion-Shijo/Yasaka's pure coffee shop with 80 years of history [COFFEE Cattleya
COFFEE Cattleya is a quasi-coffee shop with large windows and lace curtains. [Located on the approach to Yasaka Shrine, the store is crowded with tourists, but once you step inside, you will find a quiet space. In the retro atmosphere of the store, with its stained glass windows and lamps, you can relax and enjoy delicious coffee, homemade sweets, and baked goods. It is a coffee shop with a warm atmosphere where you can take a breather even though it is located in the city.
Today's coffee 680 yen, brewed by the manager, who has experience working at a coffee stand, using beans purchased from a store he is familiar with. Today's cake, made by coffee & wine Violon in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, is 650 yen and has an elegant flavor with a hint of two kinds of Earl Grey.
COFFEE Cattleya
- Coffee Cattleya
- 284 Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Six-minute walk from Exit 7 of Gion-Shijo Station on Keihan Railway
- Tel: None
4.Nishijin / Pure coffee shop where you can enjoy specialty coffee and handmade sweets [Kaze to COFFEE Cafe Kazeko]
In a place that used to be a coffee shop about 30 years ago, the shop warmly welcomes visitors with delicious coffee and handmade sweets. The owner, Mr. Mori, hand-drip brews a lineup of five types of coffee, including three standard types of beans and two limited-time-only types. Many fans look forward to the limited-time-only French toast.
Drip coffee El Salvador 600 yen. Rich green tea raw chocolate tart 650 yen, handmade by Mr. Mori.
Kaze to COFFEE Cafe Kazeko
- Kaze and Coffee Kissa Kazeko
- 266-2 Daimonji-cho, Motoseiganji-dori Rokuken-cho Nishiriru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
- 2 minutes walk from the bus stop "Kamishichiken"
13 min. walk from "Kitano Shiraume-cho" station on Randen - Tel: None
5.Kiyamachi / Pure coffee shop where you can take a break in the city late at night [late-night coffee shop/hall Tamon]
Located in the bustling downtown Kiyamachi area, the late-night coffee shop/hall Tamon is open from 7:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. the next morning. The atmosphere is a little dark and relaxed, with many antique pieces of furniture, such as a desk inherited from a grandparent and chairs used in coffee shops in the past, which retain the aroma of a good old-fashioned pure coffee shop. The greeting upon leaving, "Good night," is one of the special touches.
Tonight's deep-roasted, mellow coffee brewed from carefully selected beans roasted in-house is 770 yen (the type of beans changes daily). The 690 yen sake-infused gateau chocolat has a slightly rum-infused adult flavor. With figs, it is a delight to the palate as well!
Late night cafe/hall Tamon
- Shinyakissa/Hall Tamon
- B1F Kyoto Golden Building, 175 Zaimoku-cho, Sanjo-Sagaru, Kiyamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
- 4 minutes walk from Sanjo Station on Keihan Line or Sanjo Keihan Station on Subway Line (Exit 6)
- Tel. 075-708-7797
6.Teramachi Sanjo / Sweet store [Ama-no-chaya Ume-en Sanjo Teramachi] is a place that brings a smile to everyone's face.
Since its establishment in 1927, Umezono has been serving sweet treats with the utmost sincerity. The Teramachi Sanjo branch, which blends naturally into the bustle of the shopping street, offers a relaxing break in a retro café-style space that evokes Taisho Romanticism. Since its establishment, the shop has been famous for its carefully baked Mitarashi dumplings, which are freshly made, warm, and fragrant. Mitarashi dumplings, which are filled with homemade sweet-and-sour sauce, are also available for take-out and can be brought back as souvenirs.
Mitarashi dango (5 dumplings) 550 yen, drink set 1030 yen. The special light and sweet sauce, a recipe handed down from the time of the company's founding, has long been a favorite of many fans.
Sweet Tea House Umezono Sanjo Teramachi
- Amato Tochaya Umezono Sanjo Terramachi Ten
- 526 Tenjyoji-mae-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 7 min. walk from Exit 1 of "Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae" subway station.
- Tel. 075-211-1235
7.Teramachi Sanjo / Old-fashioned coffee float at Smart Coffee Shop
The store opened in 1932 with the aim of providing smart and attentive service. You can enjoy coffee and traditional sweets while feeling the atmosphere of a long-established store. The coffee float, made with home-roasted coffee beans, is a perfect match for the strong flannel drip coffee and mildly sweet ice cream.
Floating in the air is a coffee float with manmuru ice cream for 850 yen. Gum syrup and cream are optional.
smart coffee shop
- smart coffee
- 537 Tenshojimae-cho, Teramachi-dori Sanjo-kamiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- 5 min. walk from Exit 1 of "Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae" subway station.
- Tel.075-231-6547
8.Karasuma / Food menu at Ogawa Coffee Sakaimachi Nishiki, which makes the most of seasonal ingredients to be enjoyed with coffee
［At Ogawa Coffee Sakaimachi Nishiki, you can enjoy a food menu using seasonal ingredients and Kyoto produce along with original brand coffee. Seasonal fruit sandwiches made with homemade bread and seasonal fruit cream sodas (1,100 yen) are popular. The sandwiches are also recommended as souvenirs.
［The omelet made with eggs from Kyotanba Mizuho Farm is soft and fluffy. Coffee 800 yen and up.
Ogawa Coffee Sakaimachi Nishiki
- Ogawa Coffee Sakaimachi Nishikiten
- 519-1 Kikuya-cho, Sakaimachi-dori, Nishiki-koji, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 3 minutes walk from Exit 14 of "Karasuma" station on Hankyu line
- Tel.075-748-1699
9.Karasuma Oike: Egg sandwiches from a long-established Western-style restaurant at Cafe Madrague
Opened in 2011, Café Madlag is crowded with people every day, attracted by its extensive menu and delicious food. One of the most well-known menu items is the egg sandwich, which was inherited from the long-established Western-style restaurant Corona. The beautiful cross section of the large, fluffy omelet is also a sight to behold, so be sure to give it a try.
Corona's egg sandwich 1180 yen; take-out available with reservation by phone up to 2 days in advance.
Cafe Madrag
- Kissa Madrag
- Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Nakagyo Ward
- 5 min. walk from Exit 2 of "Nijojo-mae" subway station
- Tel.075-744-0067
10.Nishijin / A hearty menu served in the historic space of Sarasa Nishijin
Sarasa Nishijin Café was built in a 90-year-old public bathhouse, and is a precious space that has been reborn while retaining its original interior, with its high, coffered ceiling and walls covered with Japanese majolica tiles. The restaurant is crowded with people every day, as they can enjoy hearty lunches and sweets in such a historical atmosphere. Reservations are recommended on weekdays.
Hot and hot, available only at the Nishijin store! Teppan chocolate brownie 840 yen. Recommended to share after lunch!
Sarasa Nishijin
- Saraswati (god of wealth, music, eloquence and water)
- 11-1, Higashi-Fujino Fujinomori-cho, Shino, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 5 min. walk from bus stop "Daitokuji-mae".
- Tel. 075-432-5075
11.Karasuma Oike/ A hearty morning at Inoda Coffee
Founded in 1940, Inoda Coffee's main coffee shop has an elegant and charming retro atmosphere that has remained unchanged since its establishment. The morning meal served in the store is very popular, along with the home-roasted coffee. The morning meal is a hearty meal with original boneless ham, scrambled eggs, croissants, and other items!
Kyo breakfast 1830 yen. In addition to a glass of orange juice, you can choose a set drink such as coffee or cafe au lait!
Inoda Coffee Main Store
- Inoda Coffee Honten
- 140 Dosyu-cho, Sanjo-sagaru, Sakaicho-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Six-minute walk from Exit 5 of Karasuma-Oike Subway Station
- Tel. 075-221-0507
12.Shijo-Kawaramachi: Jelly punch in five sparkling colors at Cafe Soiree
A retro café that has remained unchanged since its founding in 1948. Soiree means "evening party" in French, and as the name suggests, the blue lighting creates a bewitching mood. The standard item is the jelly punch, which contains 5 different colors of jelly. You will be captivated by the sparkling jewel-like visuals that match the atmosphere inside the store.
Jelly punch 850 yen (*price varies). Fruits vary depending on the season.
Cafe soiree
- Kissa Soiree
- 95 Nishikiyamachi-dori Shijo Kameru Shinmachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
- Short walk from Hankyu "Kyoto Kawaramachi Station" Exit 1A
- Tel.075-221-0351
13.Shijo Kawaramachi / Sweets for Adults [Francois Cafe]
The Francois Café is a long-established coffee shop in Kyoto. The Western street-corner-like exterior and the interior decor reminiscent of a hall on a luxury cruise ship have remained unchanged since the shop's establishment in 1934. Its melt-in-your-mouth rare cheese cake is loved by many people.
Melt-in-your-mouth rare cheese cake made with rich cream cheese and fresh cream 700 yen
Francois Tea Room
- Francois kiss
- 184 Funatocho, Shijo Shimoru, Nishikiyamachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Short walk from Hankyu "Kyoto Kawaramachi Station" Exit 1B
- Tel.075-351-4042
14.Coffee and cheesecake marriage to be enjoyed in the peaceful atmosphere of Sanjo Kawaramachi / [Cafe Reed Island
The coffee is carefully roasted in small quantities using an open-flame roasting machine, and a well-balanced selection of beans is always available to meet the diverse tastes of guests. In 2023, a second store will open in Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. [T8], so be sure to check it out.
Sanjo Cheesecake to enjoy with Reed Island Blend 800 yen, a medium deep roast with good balance 700 yen
coffee shop or cafe where one can read manga, often has Internet facilities
- red-banded sand wasp (Ammophila sabulosa)
- 5F Bunmeido Building, 37 Daikoku-cho, Kawaramachi Higashi-iru, Sanjo-Dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
- 4 minutes walk from Exit 6 of Sanjo Station, Keihan
- Tel. 075-241-2210
15.Shichijo / Sandwiches at Cafe Amazon to enjoy with home-roasted coffee
Café Amazon is an old-fashioned coffee shop that serves home-roasted coffee. The master, who loves bread, has created a variety of sandwiches to enjoy with his strong, deep-roasted coffee. It is recommended when you want a delicious morning meal or just to take a breather. Take-out is also available.
Egg sandwich with ketchup and mayonnaise with tangy mustard butter, 1,000 yen (half size 700 yen)
Coffee Amazon
- Amazon
- 235 Shimohorizume-cho, Shichijo Kamigaru, Sasamachi-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 2 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Keihan "Shichijo Station".
- Tel. 075-561-8875
16.Okazaki/Omelette rice from Kisa Me, a long-established coffee shop in Ginza, Tokyo
The owner, Mr. Kimura, was shocked when he was a student at a long-established coffee shop in Ginza, Tokyo, called "Cafe you" for its omelette rice. With a passion to spread this omelette in Kyoto, he opened "Cafe me" after training at the original shop! The omelette on top of the omelette is not only beautiful to look at, but also has an unbelievably tender texture. Enjoy the happiness of eating in Kyoto to your heart's content.
Ginza Omelette Rice with Ketchup Rice topped with a pulled & melted omelette made with fresh cream, 1,300 yen. Includes choice of drink.
Cafe me
- Kiss me
- 1-8 Okazaki Seishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- 6 min. walk from Exit 2 of Higashiyama Subway Station
- Tel.075-708-7218
17.Higashiyama / A place of relaxation for locals and tourists alike [Yamamoto Cafe] offers a nostalgic taste of the past
Yamamoto Cafe is located along the Shirakawa River in Gion. The store is reminiscent of an old-fashioned coffee shop, serving aromatic coffee roasted by the master and a nostalgic coffee menu. Among the popular items, the grilled egg sandwich is loved by people of all ages. During the summer season, lemon squash and pineapple squash with coconut ice cream are also available to quench your thirst.
Grilled egg sandwich 850 yen matches the fluffy omelet with thinly sliced cucumber; lemon squash 900 yen, available only from June to September.
Yamamoto Cafe
- coffee shop or cafe where one can read manga, often has Internet facilities
- 307-2 Ishibashi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Short walk from bus stop "Chion-in-mae".
- Tel. 075-531-0109
18.Karasuma / Contemporary Art in Everyday Life. ［Enjoy the coffee menu at Maeda Coffee Meirin
［Maeda Coffee Meirin, located on the first floor of Kyoto Art Center, celebrated its 20th anniversary by renovating its kitchen into a contemporary artwork called "tower (KITCHEN). The shop has been transformed into a space where artists, local residents, students, and various other people can come in contact with the artwork and feel more comfortable in front of it. Enjoy a luxurious time feeling close to art while tasting a wide variety of dishes.
Coffee and matcha parfait with the deep, rich taste of matcha ice cream and thick coffee jelly is an irresistible combination. 1,850 yen.
Maeda Coffee Meirin
- Maeda Coffee Meirinten
- Kyoto Art Center 1F, 546-2, Yamabushiyama-cho, Takoyakushi-shita, Muromachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 3 minutes walk from Exit 22 of "Karasuma" station on Hankyu line
- Tel.075-221-2224
19.Coffee and homemade donuts at Rokuyosha in Kawaramachi Sanjo
Rokuyosha is a coffee shop established in 1950. The first floor has a beautiful arrangement of seats, all of which are sofas. The first floor shop has a beautiful arrangement of sofa seats, and even now, more than 70 years after its establishment, it is still a relaxing space for men and women of all ages to relax between jobs or to take a break from sightseeing.
Blended coffee 600 yen. 250 yen homemade doughnuts available for order at both the basement and 1st floor stores from 12:00 p.m.
Coffee Shop Rokuyosha
- coffee shop owner
- 40 Daikoku-cho, Sanjo-sagaru, Kawaramachi-Dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
- 5 min. walk from Exit 1 of "Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae" subway station.
5 min. walk from Exit 6 of Sanjo Station, Keihan - Tel. 075-221-3820
20.Nijo Castle / Simple but delicious egg sandwiches at Cafe Tyrol
The coffee shop [Cafe Tyrol] was established in 1968. The tables and chairs that have been used since the store's opening have the same coloring as the wood, creating a cozy atmosphere. The menu includes toast, spaghetti, and other items only a coffee shop can offer. Curry, which is infused with Awaji onions and Japanese beef, has been a popular menu item for many years.
The egg sandwich is popular along with the famous curry, and costs 800 yen. The fluffy, thickly baked egg seasoned only with salt is perfectly balanced with thinly sliced cucumber!
Cafe Tyrol
- coffee shop madam
- 539-3 Monzen-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- 4 minutes walk from Exit 3 of "Nijojo-mae" subway station.
- Tel. 075-821-3031
21.【閉店】今出川／［喫茶ゾウ］のカラフルで可愛いクリームソーダ
Cafe Zou is the sister store of the popular Zoumesuya restaurant run by the Aichi Prefecture miso store Imai Brewery. Here, you can enjoy crepes made with crispy dough and plenty of butter, as well as egg sandwiches with homemade meat miso spread on the bread. One of their specialties, a colorful cream soda for 660 yen, comes with an elephant cookie for an additional 100 yen. The previously popular Miso Nikomi Udon (red miso or white miso) for 1,200 yen has been revived, so be sure to check it out as well.
Choice of red, blue or green cream soda 760 yen each (with elephant cookie). Enjoy the harmony of vanilla ice cream and cream soda.
cafe elephant
- Kissa Elephant
- 440-3 Sanchocho, Ogawa Nishiri Ru, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- 12 min. walk from Exit 6 of Imadegawa Subway Station
- Tel.075-406-0245
22.Retro Showa-style fruit parfait at Cafe Jade in Murasaki
The interior of Cafe Hisui, which was founded in 1966, has a nostalgic feel. Light meals such as omelet rice and a wide variety of set meals are also available. The fruit parfait is a very satisfying dish with lots of fresh fruit and cream. The refreshing orange sauce goes perfectly with cream or vanilla ice cream.
Gorgeous fruit parfait with retro glasses and decorated fruit slices: 1,050 yen
Cafe Hisui
- KISSAHISUI
- Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Kita Ward Murasakino Nishigosho Tamachi 41-2
- 5 min. walk from Exit 2 of Kitaoji Subway Station
- Tel.075-491-1021
23.Shimogamo / Enjoy a perfect cup of coffee at the well-known Shimogamo restaurant "caffè Verdi Shimogamo Honten" (caffè Verdi Shimogamo Honten)
At caffè Verdi Shimogamo, known for its meticulous hand-drip coffee, the beans are sorted by hand and only the coffee for that day's use is roasted. The coffee's flavor has many fans among locals and tourists alike. Be sure to try the toast set during morning hours and hot sandwiches at lunch time, as well as the food menu to go with the coffee.
A wide variety of coffees from shallow roast to deep roast from 600 yen and up are on standby.
caffè Verdi Shimogamo main branch
- Cafe Verdi, Shimmokomo-honten
- 49-24 Shimogamo-Shibamoto-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Short walk from bus stop "Rakuhoku Koukoumae".
- Tel. 075-706-8809
The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
※内容の誤りや閉店情報などお気づきの点がございましたら、info@leafkyoto.co.jp までお知らせください。
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.
All prices include tax.
※内容の誤りや閉店情報などお気づきの点がございましたら、info@leafkyoto.co.jp までお知らせください。
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.
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