The 3 best Zen Cafes in Kyoto

Kyoto

Jan 27

Written By a v

Where specialty coffee meets serenity

So, you’ve spent hours wandering Kyoto’s stunning temples and shrines, soaking in the history and serenity. But now, you’re looking for a place to recharge - somewhere you can enjoy a great cup of coffee while continuing to bask in Kyoto’s peaceful atmosphere. Why not combine both? Imagine sipping specialty coffee in a serene setting, surrounded by the quiet beauty of a Zen garden. Kyoto offers a few hidden gems where cafés and Zen aesthetics come together in perfect harmony. Set in traditional Japanese houses (kura), these cafés provide not just incredible coffee but also a tranquil space to relax, reflect, and refuel for the next leg of your sightseeing journey. Here are three standout Zen cafés where you can enjoy the best of Kyoto’s coffee culture and timeless beauty.

Coffee Base NASHINOKI

Nestled on the serene grounds of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, this café offers a peaceful coffee experience with views of an open Zen garden. Surrounded by various seating options, you can savor your favorite brew while immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere. Inside, the café provides a few standing tables for a casual and intimate vibe. The single-origin Brazilian dark roast coffee features a rich, full body and chocolatey.

Address : 680 Somedonocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto
Instagram : @coffeebase.nashinoki

Interior of Coffee Base NASHINOKI cafe, Kyoto

Cappuccino on a tray at Coffee Base NASHINOKI, Kyoto

Main entrance of Coffee Base NASHINOKI, Kyoto

Outdoor benches at Coffee Base NASHINOKI, Kyoto

Courtyard at Coffee Base NASHINOKI, Kyoto

Weekenders Coffee Roastery

WCR features a beautifully designed rectangular Zen garden, bordered by minimalist wooden benches that provide a quiet spot to sit and sip your coffee. Espresso house blend, a dark roast crafted from Brazilian and Guatemalan beans, offers a nutty, strong profile with no sharp acidity. This café is ideal for anyone seeking a mindful coffee experience, where you can unwind and reflect while gazing at the tranquil garden.

Address : 682-7 Ishifudonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Web : www.weekenderscoffee.com
Instagram : @weekenders_coffee

Le Labo Machiya

To reach Le Labo’s hidden Zen garden, step through the storefront and continue to the back, where the garden and café await. At the end of the garden, limited seating on two benches is angled towards a square garden, providing an intimate setting to enjoy your coffee. It’s best to arrive at opening to enjoy the space before it fills up. Le Labo’s house-blend espresso pairs beautifully with their oat milk cappuccino, a creamy, comforting choice that complements the garden’s calm ambiance.