Kyoto Coffee Guide
Traditional kissaten and modern third wave, often in stunning machiya townhouses. Coffee with atmosphere.
Best Coffee Shops
% Arabica
Third WaveHigashiyama/Arashiyama
Minimal design, perfect locations
Tip: Higashiyama location has views of Yasaka Pagoda. Arashiyama faces the river.
Weekenders Coffee
Third WaveTominokoji
Serious coffee, knowledgeable staff
Tip: One of Kyoto's best. Small space, worth seeking out.
Vermillion - espresso bar
Third WaveFushimi Inari
Machiya converted into coffee bar near famous shrine
Tip: Perfect before or after Fushimi Inari. The building is beautiful.
Inoda Coffee
KissatenDowntown
Classic Kyoto kissaten since 1940
Tip: The quintessential Kyoto coffee experience. Try the lemon coffee.
Kaikado Cafe
ModernDowntown
Run by 100-year-old tea canister company, stunning renovation
Tip: The building alone is worth visiting. Incredible attention to detail.
Kurasu
Third WaveFushimi
Coffee equipment company's cafe, serious roastery
Tip: They supply many top shops. Great place to buy equipment.
Machiya Cafes
Kissa Zou
Hidden gem in traditional townhouse. Quiet, atmospheric.
Sarasa Nishijin
Former bathhouse converted to cafe. Stunning tiles.
Efish
Riverside machiya with excellent lunch and coffee.
Coffee Tips
Machiya experience
Many cafes occupy renovated traditional townhouses. It's coffee + architecture tourism.
Morning sets
Traditional kissaten serve 'morning' sets (toast, egg, coffee) until 11am. Great value breakfast.
Temple hopping fuel
Strategically time coffee breaks between temple visits. You'll need them.