The Kiyomizu Temple area is one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots, filled with winding streets, historic architecture, and an endless supply of cafes and sweets shops. If you’re walking through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, you’ll come across plenty of amazing places to sit down, relax, and enjoy Kyoto’s famous coffee and matcha culture. Here are some must-visit spots to check out:
⭐Maeda Coffee
A classic Kyoto kissaten with a warm, old-school atmosphere, Maeda Coffee has been around since 1971. The main branch in Karasuma is a local favorite, known for roasting its own coffee and making all its food and sweets in-house.
I tried the Ryuunosuke blend, their most popular coffee, along with a Kyoto-style matcha mousse. The coffee was smooth and fragrant, not bitter at all, and the mousse had layers of matcha jelly, light cream, and mochi. Perfectly balanced and a great place to unwind.
Unir Coffee Senses
Unir is a specialty coffee shop near Kodaiji Temple, set inside a beautifully renovated 100-year-old machiya. They offer a cafe space, a coffee stand, and even a Coffee Senses Bar serving botanical coffee cocktails. Their fruit sandwiches, egg sandwiches, and Zen garden tiramisu are popular choices.
Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka
This is the Starbucks that social media never stops talking about. Located in a historic machiya, it’s famous for its tatami seating. Opened in 2017, it’s aesthetically pleasing but doesn’t offer any special drinks. While it’s a fun experience, there are plenty of great local cafes around that are worth checking out instead.
⭐Kasagiya
This charming old-school sweet shop has been around since 1914, right next to the famous Starbucks. It’s a small, cozy space with about 20 seats, serving classic Japanese sweets that haven’t changed much over the years.
I ordered their gozen shiruko (sweet red bean soup) and sanshoku hagi no mochi (a trio of rice cakes). The red bean soup was mildly sweet and perfect for winter, while the ohagi rice cakes were soft and delicious. A great stop for traditional treats.
Maccha House
This place is known for its Uji matcha tiramisu, served in a traditional wooden box. The mascarpone and matcha blend beautifully for a rich, creamy dessert. They have plenty of seating, making it a good spot to take a break if you’re craving something sweet.
Kumonocha
Located on Sannenzaka, Kumonocha is all about aesthetics. Their signature item is a cloud-shaped matcha mousse, paired with a matcha latte featuring cloud latte art. It’s popular for Instagram, though the taste itself is just okay. If you’re into cute desserts, it’s worth checking out.
Ten
This stylish cafe is decorated with art and has a relaxing vibe. It’s surprisingly not too crowded, making it a great place to unwind. I had a matcha cheesecake and a latte—on the pricier side, but still enjoyable.
⭐here Kyoto Kiyomizu
Produced by a World Latte Art Champion, this cafe focuses on beautifully crafted lattes. They’re also known for their canelés. The roasted nuts mocha is a standout, offering a toasty and delicious flavor not often found in Kyoto. The downside? It’s usually very crowded.
Yumeji Cafe Goryukaku
This cafe is housed in a former Meiji-era entrepreneur’s home, embodying Taisho-era aesthetics (Taisho Roman style). It’s not particularly famous for its food, but the ambiance is a favorite among locals. Their pound cake and soy milk are simple but enjoyable. They’re also related to Junsei, a well-known tofu restaurant.
Gokago
One of the trendiest spots in the area, Gokago is always packed with people waiting in line. They whisk matcha in front of you, making it a fun experience. Just be prepared for a 20+ minute wait—but you can browse the shop while you wait.
Final Tips for Cafe-Hopping in Kiyomizu Temple Area
- The closer you get to Kiyomizu Temple, the more expensive and crowded the cafes become.
- Enjoy a drink at the bottom of the hill and save souvenir shopping for later.
- Many places have long waits, so plan accordingly if you have limited time.
- Maeda Coffee and Goryukaku Cafe are our top recommendation.
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