Traveling in Japan means a lot of walking, especially in Kyoto, where every street is full of history and charm. Finding a place to rest, enjoy a great cup of coffee or matcha latte, and take in the atmosphere can make your trip even better. And if the cafe serves delicious sweets, that’s an even bigger bonus.
I truly believe that these cafes will drip just a little more happiness into your journey. If you happen to have a bad experience at any of the cafes listed below, I’d probably exclaim, “No way!” in shock—and might even consider hiring a detective to find out what went wrong.
Fushimi Inari Area
The area around Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and frequently visited spots, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. While it’s often bustling with travelers, the surrounding streets have a laid-back, local feel once you move away from the main path. With some tucked among souvenir shops and others among quiet alleys, you’ll find a handful of small cafes that offer a peaceful break from the crowds.
⭐Vermillion Cafe
They market themselves as a bilingual English and Japanese espresso bar and cafe and offer food including items that are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free. Let’s check it out.
So I ordered a bahn mi, which was the perfect light meal to enjoy on the terrace with some hot tea. A lot of their menu is items that would provide good, nutritious fuel for a nice big walk up Mount Inari.
I love the vibe here, which is relaxed and welcoming. The fact that the staff speak English would probably be reassuring for a lot of people, especially when wanting to ask about things pertaining to coffee. They were also very kind, and even waved at us later when we ran into them outside of the store.
They also have a location on the main road by JR Inari Station. You’ll probably end up walking by there, so you might check out this location if it’s more convenient, particularly for coffee.
Kiyomizu Area
The area surrounding Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, is a vibrant mix of history and modern culture. As you wander through the quaint streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of traditional wooden machiya houses, artisan shops, and an abundance of cafes offering everything from matcha-infused desserts to expertly brewed coffee. With so many options to choose from, we have carefully selected some of the best cafes near Kiyomizu-dera, ensuring that each spot provides a unique and memorable experience for visitors looking to relax and savor Kyoto’s renowned flavors.
⭐Maeda Coffee
The first place I’m at is called Maeda Coffee, a classic Kyoto kissaten with a warm, old-school vibe, but which also keeps things fresh and modern.
Now, there’s lots of different types of cafes in Japan, and one you’ll often encounter is the kissaten. A kissaten is a traditional Japanese coffee shop with a nostalgic, retro feel. Unlike modern cafes, they focus on carefully brewed coffee and simple, well-made food like toast and sweets. Popular in the Showa era, kissaten offer a cozy, slow-paced atmosphere, similar to the nostalgic American diner.
Maeda Coffee has been around since 1971, and their main shop in Karasuma is a go-to spot for locals. They roast their own coffee and make all their food and sweets in-house.
They have a lot of different coffee blends, today I went with the Ryuunosuke, which seems to be the most popular, and a Kyoto style matcha mousse. Their parfaits are amazing but I wanted to try a smaller sweet this time. You may also enjoy their wide variety of both sweet and savory food when you come by.
The location is fabulous, being located fairly near to Yasaka Pagoda. It’s rarely too busy, especially since it has two large floors of seating. I’ve come here many times, and the service is always great, to the polite Japanese standard that is comfortable without being too friendly.
⭐Kasagiya
The next place I’m going to try is Kasagiya. It’s is a charming, old-school sweet shop hidden right on Ninenzaka, next to the famous Starbucks. Now this place has been around since 1914, keeping the real nostalgic vibe alive.
Let’s head inside. The place is cozy, with about 20 seats, and the menu hasn’t changed much over the years. Their specialties include “御膳しるこ” (gozen shiruko), a traditional sweet red bean soup, and “三色萩の餅” (sanshoku hagi no mochi), which lets you try three types of rice cakes in one go.
I love these kinds of places that sort of stay traditional, and so obviously I came and ordered both.
Red bean soup is so good in winter, it’s smooth and mildly sweet, and very warming. Red bean can be a strange flavor experience for those who aren’t used to it, but I highly recommend trying it while in Japan. The other item, ohagi, is one of many different types of mochi, but very unique in that it still has soft pieces of rice inside, and hasn’t been totally pounded into a marshmallow-y mochi. These are often enjoyed during spring and fall holidays, and I love the unique bite of the soft but textured rice mixed with things like red beans.
If you’re exploring the area, Kasagiya is a great spot to take a break and enjoy some classic Japanese sweets.
⭐Yumeji Cafe Goryūkaku
Goyruukaku was the house of a former Meiji Era entrepreneur, and has a very Taisho era charm to it, often referred to as Taisho roman, a cultural and intellectual movement that was influenced by European romanticism. We arrived as it opened, and though we were the first ones inside, and there was no line, Japanese people with little cameras and excited looks on their faces started dripping in. Everyone seemed to be equally in awe of the romantic charm this place radiates.
The cafe is related to Junsei, a restaurant who is famous for their tofu, and so serves hot soy milk, which I especially recommend. This is not your grocery store soymilk, but is thick and gently sweet. The coffee they serve is Sarutahiko Coffee, a popular brand of coffee that comes from Tokyo. The pound cake was dense and moist, pairing well with matcha ice cream. They recently renovated and updated their menu, which is very simple and serves to entertain the palate without taking too much attention away from the charm of the building itself.
Do you wanna see more cafes in this area? Check out this blog!
Shijou Kawaramachi Area
The Shijo-Kawaramachi area is Kyoto’s bustling commercial and entertainment hub, where traditional culture meets modern city life. Located at the intersection of Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street, this lively district is home to department stores, boutique shops, and an endless selection of restaurants and cafes. Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing, or just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, there are plenty of great spots to take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious Kyoto-style dessert. With so many options available, we have carefully selected some of the best cafes in Shijo-Kawaramachi, offering everything from specialty coffee and matcha sweets to stylish modern cafes with a relaxing ambiance.
⭐Sarasa Kayuu Kouji
I’m so obsessed with Sarasa Kayuu Kouji.
I literally keep thinking about it, and I desperately want to go back to enjoy more amazing carrot cake in this unique retro space. The rustic interior with lots of wood, vintage decor, and some pieces like a blackboard and manga bookshelf almost invoke an old Japanese schoolhouse.
They have modern cafe-style food, small plates with rice, salad, soup, and a meat such as karaage. The staff are very friendly, and there is a QR code menu and a regular menu in English, which also has pictures on it. Most people here were young Japanese couples and friends, giving it a very youthful vibe, though I don’t think it’s a good place to bring noisy kids.
The coffee was simple enough to compliment the food–not my favorite cup on this winners’ list. But the general ambiance and amazing food and sweets here makes it a must-visit cafe while in Kyoto.
⭐Kissa Ashijima
This was one of my favorite coffees out of every coffee I tried. I got the Ashijima blend, which is a medium-dark roast with a great balance of bitterness and acidity, making it very pleasant to drink with or without milk. I also loved the cheesecake, of which they have a large variety to choose from with varying amounts of cream. The one we got was half-frozen, like ice cream, and sweetened just enough to not ruin the flavor of the coffee. The ambiance is excellent, it’s a place where you are expected to keep your voice down, and at night the lights are very dimmed to keep things more intimate.
Although the price is a little higher than average, you’re paying for exceptional quality. This coffee is something any real coffee lover needs to enjoy.
⭐Inoda Coffee Sanjouten
Inoda Coffee is a historic cafe known for its rich, European-style coffee and breakfast sets. The interior combines retro elements with a touch of sophistication. Long-time customers value the nostalgic atmosphere and signature coffee blends. They have multiple locations, and the original location and the Sanjo location are almost right next to each other. I prefer the vibe of the Sanjo, which is a little more updated and interesting, with a big round counter area that surrounds the area where the coffee is brewed, giving a unique look at the process. They actually use a neru technique, which uses a cloth (“flannel”) filter that allows more oils to slip through, while keeping coffee particles out. It’s a unique flavor that is said to be one of the first ways to brew coffee.
For that reason, I highly recommend trying their coffee, with both the Sanjo blend, recommended black, and the Cafe au lait being delicious. They also have French toast as well as a big variety of cakes, such as the lemon meringue I got and enjoyed for its large, fluffy meringue.
Do you wanna see more cafes in this area? Check out this blog!
Ginkakuji Temple and Philosophers Path Area
The Ginkaku-ji and Philosopher’s Path area is one of Kyoto’s most serene and picturesque spots, perfect for a leisurely stroll through history and nature. Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), a Zen temple known for its understated elegance and stunning moss gardens, marks the northern end of the famous Philosopher’s Path, a tranquil stone walkway lined with cherry trees, small shrines, and charming traditional houses. Along this scenic route, you’ll find a variety of hidden cafes and sweet shops where you can relax with a cup of matcha or a handmade Kyoto dessert. With so many inviting spots to choose from, we have carefully selected some of the best cafes near Ginkaku-ji and along the Philosopher’s Path, offering the perfect places to unwind and soak in the beauty of Kyoto.
⭐Pomme
Pomme is a cute shop run by a husband and wife duo. The most popular items include the homemade cakes, so we tried the orange cake, which was like a dense but soft pound cafe with orange zest. So good. It paired perfectly with a hot coffee.
This is my favorite place to stop along Philosopher’s Path, as its the perfect simple stop with very friendly staff and a nice view.
⭐World Coffee Shirakawa Main Store
Established in 1961, World Coffee Shirakawa Main Store is a long-standing coffee shop located in Kyoto’s Kitashirakawa area. The bright, glass-walled interior features luxurious chandeliers imported from abroad, creating a retro yet elegant atmosphere. The first floor sells coffee beans, brewing equipment, and snacks that pair well with coffee.
They have awesome morning sets, with a variety of different breakfast options that will get you going to enjoy your walk on Philosopher’s Path. It’s clearly loved by locals, as everyone here was either meeting up with friends, having a business chat, or just enjoying a coffee with a newspaper.
We loved their omurice with demi glace, which had ketchup chicken rice inside. The egg was smooth and cooked well, the demi glace was rich and tasted like a proper demi glace, where you could actually tell they added wine and not just sugar. The pear tarte was very pleasant, and paired well with a simple cup of coffee. The service and food is exactly what I want from a 60s-style Japanese cafe.
Do you wanna see more cafes in this area? Check out this blog!
Nijo Castle Area
The Nijo Castle area is a fascinating blend of Kyoto’s historic grandeur and modern city life. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle is renowned for its ornate interiors, beautifully preserved samurai-era architecture, and tranquil gardens, making it a must-visit destination for history lovers. Surrounding the castle, you’ll find a mix of traditional Kyoto charm and contemporary urban culture, with stylish cafes, tea houses, and dessert spots offering everything from classic matcha treats to artisanal coffee. With so many cafes to choose from, we have carefully selected some of the best cafes near Nijo Castle, perfect for taking a break and enjoying Kyoto’s rich flavors in a peaceful setting.
⭐In Kyoto Ogawa Shoyaku Cafe
This natural-style cafe offers pairings of high-quality herbal teas and traditional Japanese sweets, and I went into it expecting to be wholly unimpressed. They advertise their health-conscious teas, such as ginger green tea and burdock root tea, which didn’t exactly inspire a sense of excitement in my heart. However, this place was an absolute home-run.
I loved the four teas set, which we got with warabi mochi you could dip in a variety of different tea powders. The green tea ice cream was unique as it used a more medicinal herbal green tea. I’m not even a huge tea fan, but being able to enjoy a variety of teas allowed me to taste the unique features of each, and honestly, I enjoyed it even more.
⭐Here Kyoto
This cafe is run by Junichi Yamaguchi, a world champion in latte art. Situated along Nishinotoin Street, about a 7-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, it features large glass doors that create an open and inviting space. Here you can enjoy specialty coffee and house-made canelés in a space much larger and more comfortable than their Kiyomizu Temple location. I swear by their lattes, which are delectably smooth and creamy, with rich espresso. Don’t forget to dip your canelé into your latte!
Do you wanna see more cafes in this area? Check out this blog!
Kinkakuji Temple Area
The Kinkaku-ji area is home to one of Kyoto’s most breathtaking landmarks, the Golden Pavilion. With its shimmering gold-leaf exterior reflecting on the surrounding pond, Kinkaku-ji is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking Kyoto’s most iconic scenery.
⭐Coffee Kobo
This is a very classic kissaten with a sweet older couple working there. It feels like a cafe that has been running for years, owned by your grandparents themselves. Its a local joint, but some foreign tourists were enjoying it as well, and the staff were happy to try to communicate with them in English. The pizza toast was fabulous, well-made but still with a home-cooked flavor. Although a bit cheesy, the latte with gold leaf was a nice reminder of where I was and makes for a cute photo op.
This is a cafe that has nailed the chill and comfortable kissaten vibe, with no feeling of pretentiousness or being in a hurry, something I encountered at many other cafes.
Do you wanna see more cafes in this area? Check out this blog!
Kyoto Station Area (outside)
The Kyoto Station area is the city’s main transportation hub, where modern architecture meets Kyoto’s deep cultural roots. With its futuristic glass-and-steel design, Kyoto Station is not only a gateway to the city but also a bustling district filled with shopping centers, department stores, and a diverse range of cafes and restaurants. Whether you’re waiting for a train, exploring nearby attractions like To-ji Temple or Higashi Hongan-ji, or just looking for a great place to relax, there are plenty of cafe options to choose from. We have carefully selected some of the best cafes near Kyoto Station, offering everything from specialty coffee and matcha sweets to stylish modern spaces perfect for a break in the midst of your travels.
⭐COYOTE the ordinary shop
This is a cafe located on the first floor of Campus Plaza Kyoto, just a 4-minute walk from Kyoto Station. The bright interior, illuminated by natural light from large glass windows, features wooden tables and lush greenery, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The cafe is known for its specialty hand-drip coffee and espresso drinks made from El Salvadoran coffee beans. Their special blend, crafted from honey-processed Pacamara beans, is particularly popular for its rich flavor and lingering aroma.
COYOTE also offers a variety of plant-based food options, including vegan toast and banana bread, options even non-vegans would enjoy. The oat milk latte is especially recommended, which I loved for its smooth texture and rich taste. I’ve dropped by here a few more times since filming, and I’m glad to skip my usual nearby big chain cafe for this wonderful local spot.
Do you wanna see more cafes in this area? Check out this blog!
Arashiyama Area
The Arashiyama area is one of Kyoto’s most scenic and tranquil destinations, famous for its bamboo groves, historic temples, and breathtaking river views. As you stroll through this charming district, you’ll encounter picturesque bridges, traditional ryotei restaurants, and hidden tea houses nestled among the trees. Whether you’re exploring Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, or the iconic bamboo forest, Arashiyama offers plenty of cafes and sweet shops where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. With so many inviting spots, we have carefully selected some of the best cafes in Arashiyama, offering everything from matcha desserts and traditional wagashi to specialty coffee and riverside tea experiences—perfect for unwinding and taking in the natural beauty of Kyoto.
⭐Coffee Shop Yamamoto
Cafe Yamamoto in Arashiyama instantly pulled me in with its nostalgic charm. The retro vibe, with its polished wooden interiors and soft lighting, felt like stepping back in time—in the best way possible. I ordered their signature blend coffee, and it was clear from the first sip that they take their brewing seriously. It had a deep, balanced flavor with just the right amount of bitterness. Paired with one of their homemade desserts (I went for the chocolate cake), it made for a perfect mid-afternoon break after walking through the bamboo grove.
What I appreciated most was the atmosphere—quiet, warm, and welcoming. There’s no rush here, and the staff treats you with the kind of gentle hospitality that makes you want to linger. It’s not a flashy cafe, but it doesn’t need to be. Cafe Yamamoto delivers on simplicity, quality, and comfort.
⭐eX Cafe
eX Cafe in Arashiyama was one of the most memorable stops on my Arashiyama trip. Tucked inside a beautifully renovated traditional building, the cafe offers a surprisingly spacious interior that feels calm and inviting—even when it’s busy. What sets this place apart is the Hokuhoku Dango Set, where you get to roast your own dango over a small charcoal brazier right at your table. It’s fun, hands-on, and makes the experience feel personal and relaxed.
Beyond the novelty, the quality holds up. The dango cooked perfectly (no doubt due to my skilled technique) and pairing them with the sweet sauces provided was genuinely satisfying. The cafe strikes a great balance between old and new, serving traditional sweets with modern style in a serene, stylish space. If you’re exploring Arashiyama and want more than just a quick coffee break, eX Cafe is definitely worth carving out time for.
⭐Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden
Combining a bakery and cafe set within a traditional Japanese garden, here I got to enjoy freshly baked bread and aromatic espresso while taking in the serene garden views. Their French toast, made from their signature bread, is particularly popular among visitors, but I went for the matcha tiramisu and espresso cheesecake. The latter of which honestly…changed my life a little bit. It was incredibly rich, with a sweetness that wasn’t overwhelming, and a dense creamy texture.
It’s hyped up, but it deserves it. I truly loved the two kotatsus outside, where I was excited to be able to sit, but would definitely try the indoor tatami area upon a definite eventual return. You’ll have to wait, but you can get a number with a QR code that you can scan with your phone to see your place in line, so you can wander around elsewhere til it’s close to your turn. They also run a bakery right next door if you just want some sweets, but I highly recommend checking the cafe itself out. (Or enjoy sweets at both, like we did.)
Do you wanna see more cafes in this area? Check out this blog!
Final Thoughts
These places are ingrained in the rather large, coffee-and-tea area of my mind. Every time I find myself hankering for a latte, I can’t avoid thinking about how wonderful these spots were. I know that not every cafe can be for everybody, but I have a strong feeling that you all will enjoy these just as much as I did.
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