The 10 best coffee shops in Kyoto

These cafes range from cozy, intimate spaces tucked away in quiet alleys to sleek, architect-designed establishments that exude a minimalist aesthetic. Some pay homage to Kyoto's rich cultural heritage, incorporating elements of traditional Japanese design and offering a tranquil respite from the bustling city. Others embrace a more modern, industrial vibe, with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and an abundance of natural light. Moreover, Kyoto's coffee culture is not just about the drink itself, but also the experience.

Many cafés offer a tranquil atmosphere, often adorned with traditional Japanese aesthetics—tatami mats, wooden beams, and zen gardens. Despite their traditional appeal, Kyoto is also home to a burgeoning scene of artisanal coffee roasters, with % Arabica leading the charge as a symbol of third-wave coffee in the city.It’s a beautiful fusion of tradition and contemporary coffee craftsmanship, making Kyoto a delightful destination for any coffee enthusiast. 

Coffee Culture

Kyoto's coffee culture is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the city's ability to seamlessly merge the old and the new. While steeped in centuries of tea traditions, Kyoto has wholeheartedly embraced the coffee craze, with a plethora of specialty cafes dotting its historic streets and contemporary neighbourhoods. From owner-run coffee shops to modern coffee shops, Kyoto has something for every taste. 

2050

A stylish cafe located in the Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade. It is managed by Kohei-san, a former barista from the renowned Kurasu coffee shop in Kyoto. The concept focuses on the future of coffee, emphasizing sustainability due to projected global coffee production challenges by 2050. With a unique two-story design, the ground floor is a regular coffee shop, while the second floor is a retail space where coffee beans are displayed on shelves like fashion items.

Address : 402 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : 2050.coffee
Instagram : @2050.coffee

Drip & Drop Coffee Supply

Drip & Drop operates across 3 locations in Kyoto. The Teramachi branch shares its space with a noodle shop and features a unique interior, where the meat processing fixtures are kept visible. They offer a variety of coffee options, from espresso-based drinks to drip and cold brew. For their espresso, they use a house blend made with beans from Ethiopia and Colombia.

Address : 99-1 Enokicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : drpdrp.com
Instagram : @dripanddropcoffeesupply

Three Horses

Located across the street from the National Museum of Modern Art, Three Horses is a spacious coffee shop situated next to a small river. The café features a large wooden table outside, as well as multiple seating options inside, including individual rectangular tables. The interior design incorporates a modern aesthetic, with concrete and wooden furnishings. For their espresso, they use beans sourced from Ethiopia.

Address : 65-1 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Instagram : @threehorseskyoto

Walden Woods

This two-story coffee shop, located in a residential neighbourhood, features a modern aesthetic with white wood and concrete elements. The ground floor houses the coffee roasting operation, while the second floor is an open seating area. The perimeter of the second floor is lined with benches, and a white tree is situated in the middle of the room. For their espresso blend, the shop uses beans sourced from Ethiopia and Brazil.

Address : 508-1 Sakaecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : walden-woods.com
Instagram : @waldenwoodskyoto

Alt.coffee

This vegan coffee shop features the iconic white and yellow logo painted on the storefront. In addition to various coffee offerings, they also sell coffee-based merchandise such as soaps, sweets, and other items. For their espresso, they use the Kyoto house blend.

Address : 28-4 Shinsenencho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Instagram : @alt.coffee_ro

Nijo - Koya

Hidden away in a Kyoto backstreet near Nijo Castle lies a coffee shop that's a true gem. With a rich history, this establishment is renowned for serving some of the best pour-over coffee in the city. The ambiance is a captivating blend of traditional and modern elements, creating a truly unique experience for coffee lovers. For a delightful dark roast, be sure to try their signature Koya blend.

Address : 382-3 Mogamicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : facebook.com/nijokoya/
Instagram : @nijokoya

Here

Tucked away on a residential street, this unassuming vegan-friendly coffee shop beckons with its wooden and glass storefront. Inside, the spacious interior features grey concrete walls complemented by wooden tables and chairs. The ample seating allows for a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, offering a wide range of caffeinated beverages,

Address : 524 Anenishinotoincho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : https://coffeehere.stores.jp
Instagram : @here.kyoto

School
Bus

With it’s iconic all-grey storefront, with an orange bicycle by the entrance, the Kyoto branch of this coffee shop is located on the ground floor of a brick building, making it stand out even more. Inside, the spacious interior provides ample room, though its popularity means the space fills up quickly. To ensure you grab a spot, it's best to arrive early.

Address : 244 Daimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : schoolbus.coffee/coffee-stop
Instagram : @schoolbus_coffeestop

Human
Made 1982

This is an interesting coffee shop that has integrated a Blue Bottle Coffee cafe into its Kyoto flagship store. The space features an art exhibition with some intriguing works on display. As for the coffee, the espresso is made with beans from Ethiopia, with a nutty aftertaste that has a slightly acidic profile. This specialty blend is part of the Blue Bottle Coffee lineup.

Address : 56 Benkeiishicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Blue
Bottle

This branch of Blue Bottle Coffee is housed in a renovated traditional Kyomachiya, a two-story structure that is more than 100 years old. It features beautiful frameworks with heavy pillars and beams with exposed earthen walls, large glass windows that allow natural light to flood in, and high atrium ceilings.

Address : 64 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : store.bluebottlecoffee.jp/pages/kyoto
Instagram : @bluebottlejapan

FAQ

• 1. Are there any traditional Kyoto coffee drinks that I should try?

  Absolutely! Kyoto is known for its unique coffee culture that has blended traditional Japanese tea rituals with modern coffee brewing techniques. One must-try Kyoto coffee drink is "Kyo-kohiShitakuchi", which is a concentrated, smooth cold brew coffee served in a small ceramic cup. Another traditional option is "Kissaten-kohí", a light and mildly sweetened coffee served in a glass along with a small plate of confections.

• 2. Which neighbourhoods in Kyoto are known for their vibrant coffee culture?

  Kyoto has several neighbourhoods renowned for their thriving coffee scenes. The Gion district, with its historic machiya townhouses, is home to many cozy kissaten (traditional Japanese cafes) serving exceptional coffee. The Arashiyama area, known for its bamboo forests, also boasts a number of specialty coffee shops. Additionally, the Kamogawa River area and the Higashiyama region are popular destinations for coffee enthusiasts.

• 3. Are there any coffee shops in Kyoto that roast their own beans?

  Yes, Kyoto is home to several coffee roasters and shops that take great pride in sourcing and roasting their own beans. Some notable examples include Arabica, which has multiple locations in the city and operates its own roastery, and Workaround, a specialty coffee shop and micro-roaster in the Funaokayama area.

• 4. Are there any coffee-related events or festivals held in Kyoto?

  Kyoto hosts a number of coffee-centric events throughout the year, including the Kyoto Coffee Festival, which showcases the city's vibrant coffee culture and offers opportunities to attend workshops, cupping sessions, and meet local roasters and baristas. The city also celebrates an annual "Kyoto Coffee Week" in the spring, with various cafes and shops offering special promotions and featured drinks.

• 5. What is the typical cost of a cup of coffee in Kyoto?

  In Kyoto, the typical cost of a cup of coffee ranges from 400 to 800 Japanese Yen, depending on the type of coffee, the brewing method, and the location of the café. Specialty coffee shops and high-end kissaten may charge towards the upper end of this range, while more casual coffee stands and kiosks may offer cups for the lower end.