Cafe Seberg
Cafe Serberg receives high praise on Tabelog, especially for its morning menu and homemade bread. The cafe is also known for being tourist-friendly, thanks to its English menu. The movie ticket discount is a unique feature that makes it a great spot to visit after a film.
Movie Ticket Discount: Show a movie ticket stub and receive a ¥100 discount. The ticket does not have to be from the same day; as long as it’s within the past two months and from a partnered cinema, it’s valid.
CLAMP COFFEE SARASA
Located near Nijo Station, this hidden gem is operated by the Kyoto-based cafe chain “Sarasa,” though it definitely doesn’t feel like a chain. The cafe features large glass windows adorned with plants, creating a natural and relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy coffee and cakes, I love the carrot cake, in a calm, inviting setting.
Tyrol
Kissa Tyrol is a long-established cafe in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, founded in 1968. The retro atmosphere inside exudes the charm of Japan’s Showa-era kissaten culture, creating a warm and nostalgic space. The cafe is entirely non-smoking and operates from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last order at 3:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
One of the cafe’s signature dishes is the katsu curry, featuring a crispy pork cutlet paired with a rich and flavorful curry sauce. Another popular choice is the curry spaghetti, which has a unique taste that keeps customers coming back. For breakfast or a light meal, the egg sandwich is highly recommended—soft, fluffy bread generously filled with egg, making for a simple yet satisfying dish. To complement the meal or simply enjoy a relaxing coffee break, the house blend coffee offers a fragrant and well-balanced taste.
Nijo Koya
This charming little cafe occupies a renovated 80-year-old traditional house. It’s a good place to chill if you enjoy 1950s–60s jazz off vinyls. The coffee is hand-picked and the pour over is the most Kyoto way to enjoy it.
⭐In Kyoto Ogawa Shoyaku Cafe
This natural-style cafe offers pairings of high-quality herbal teas and traditional Japanese sweets. Guests can enjoy health-conscious teas, such as ginger green tea and burdock root tea, carefully prepared for easy drinking and perfectly matched with complementary sweets.
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.
IMAYA Kyoto &COFFEE
This is a great place to get breakfast early in the morning. It’s a Napoli style cafe. Their espresso drinks and sandwiches are the way to go!
⭐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. Guests can enjoy specialty coffee and house-made canelés.
Conclusion
The Nijo Castle area offers a calm yet central atmosphere, with cafes that blend Kyoto’s tradition and modern comfort. While there are several great options nearby, one standout is Ogawa Seiyaku Cafe, where you can enjoy herbal teas and light sweets made with natural ingredients. If you’re looking for a quiet, health-conscious break just steps from history, this spot is well worth your time.
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