Kyoto guide

Best Cafes in Kyoto

The best cafes in Kyoto for specialty coffee, pastries, and that perfect work-from-anywhere vibe.

Caffeine fix

Best coffee spots in Kyoto

% Arabica Higashiyama

The original location of the famous chain, in a beautiful old machiya near Yasaka Pagoda. The latte art is flawless and sipping coffee with a view of the pagoda is a quintessential Kyoto moment.

Weekenders Coffee

Kyoto's best specialty roaster in a minimal space near Tominokoji Street. The pour-overs are exceptional and the baristas are warm. The seasonal single-origin Japanese beans are rare finds.

Vermillion Espresso Bar

A tiny cafe right at the entrance to Fushimi Inari with a terrace overlooking the first torii gates. Great espresso, friendly Australian owners, and the most unique cafe view in Kyoto.

Kaikado Cafe

In a renovated tram depot, this cafe is run by a century-old tea canister maker. The beautiful metal containers are displayed alongside excellent Japanese tea and coffee. The architecture alone is worth visiting.

Sarasa Nishijin

A cafe inside a converted 1930s public bathhouse, the original tiles and high ceilings are stunning. Great coffee, homemade cakes, and one of Kyoto's most unique interior spaces.

Iyemon Salon

A tea salon by the Iyemon green tea brand on Sanjo Street. The matcha latte is predictably perfect and the tea-infused desserts are creative. Beautiful modern Japanese design throughout.

Walden Woods Kyoto

A minimal, beautifully designed cafe near the Imperial Palace. The espresso is strong, the cheesecake is dense and excellent, and the peaceful interior is a welcome contrast to temple-hopping exhaustion.

Kosoan

A 100-year-old traditional house turned tea cafe along the Philosopher's Path. Matcha served with seasonal wagashi (sweets) while overlooking a tiny garden. The experience is as much about beauty as taste.

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Photo credits

Hero, Su San Lee / Unsplash · % Arabica Higashiyama, Takumi Ota / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Weekenders Coffee, BMRR / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Vermillion Espresso Bar, Banej / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kaikado Cafe, Sage Ross / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Sarasa Nishijin, Sage Ross / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Iyemon Salon, Sage Ross / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Walden Woods Kyoto, Sage Ross / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Kosoan, Sage Ross / CC BY-SA 3.0