The Best Coffee Shops in Kyoto, Japan: 11 Cafes I Keep Going Back To

When it comes to coffee shops in Kyoto, I can tell you after four separate trips, the options are some of the best in Japan. I could write an entire itinerary on cafe-hopping in Kyoto because there are just that many. Instead, I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite coffee shops in Kyoto for you to choose from when you visit.

From tucked away coffee shops in machiya, to quick sidewalk stands, the coffee shops in Kyoto each have their very own personality. With incredible design like Le Labo’s new machiya cafe and the iconic %Arabica Arashiyama, for me a big draw is the aethetic and feeling of the space. Of course that combined with an incredible craft of coffee, it’s one of the best parts of Japan to deep dive into the cafe scene.

And while Tokyo embraces a fast-paced and worldly lifestyle, Kyoto is grounded in century-old customs and craft. You can see this reflected in a cup of coffee with intentional ingredients, attention to detail, and seasonality. Each drink is brewed with precision and served with excellent customer service which for me is a big part of the experience.

If you’re headed to Kyoto, this is my list of the best coffee shops in the city. With several favorites across multiple neighborhoods, know you’ll always have somewhere to hop in for a matcha, coffee, or tea.

Planning a Trip to Kyoto? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Kyoto:

Hotels

1. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto ($$$$), for the best downtown Kyoto hotel
2. The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West ($$), for the best central Kyoto hotel
3. Four Seasons Kyoto ($$$$), for the best Southern Higashiyama hotel
4. Ryokan Inn Yoshida-sanso ($$$$), for the best Northern Higashiyama hotel
5. Hotel Kanra ($$), for the best Kyoto Station hotel
6. Suiran ($$$$), for the best Arashiyama hotel

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Machiya with Private Garden Hot Tub, for the best downtown stay
2. 2 Bedroom Machiya in Gion with Stone Bath, for the best Southern Higashiyama stay
3. 2 Bedroom Machiya Near the Imperial Palace, for the best central stay

Things to Do

1. Join A Food Tour Through Nishiki Market
2. Join in with a Local Tea Ceremony
3. Take a Kintsugi Workshop with Wabunka

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, don’t miss my Kyoto travel guide, Kyoto itinerary, and guides to the best things to do, hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops!

For more of Japan, I also have everything you need for Tokyo (city guide, itinerary, where to stay, and coffee guide), Osaka (city guide, itinerary, where to stay), and Kanazawa (city guide, where to stay). If you only have time for one other city, my Kyoto vs Osaka guide will help you decide where to stay. Lastly, see my two-week Japan itinerary, transportation guide to Japan, and top tips for visiting Japan for everything you need to know to organize a trip and get around.

Travel Tip: Having mobile data is a must when traveling to Japan. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.

The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto Coffee Shops

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What to Expect at Cafes in Kyoto

Hours of Operation

Japanese coffee shops traditionally open later than their Western counterparts. I’ve found many mornings most didn’t open until 9 am. That said, this has been changing in recent years and more shops are opening earlier in tourist areas. Be sure to check the shop hours against your travel plans so you aren’t disappointed.

Food and Beverages (Takeaway or Dine-In Options)

While Japanese typically do not walk and eat/drink, takeaway options have become more common in recent years. Most coffee shops now offer takeaway cups, but the greater challenge is finding a trash bin! Consider drinking there, and be mindful if you plan to take it away. One other thing I noticed is that many of the smaller coffee shops require a one drink per person minimum if you plan to dine in.

Payments Accepted (Cash and Card)

Most places accept both cash and cards. However, Kyoto is more traditional, so there are definitely more cash-only spots than in Tokyo. I would recommend carrying both on hand when exploring the city.

Cafe Etiquette

Japanese coffee shops are traditionally self-service. Clean your space and deposit items in the clearly marked bussing area. If there is no dedicated space, you can always pass your items to the staff. 

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The Best Kyoto Coffee Shops

%Arabica Arashiyama

Location alone is a reason to visit this coffee stand. %Arabica Arashiyama brews their world-class coffee to perfection in this open-air location overlooking the Katsura River in Arashiyama. If I had to pick one coffee shop to make part of a morning itinerary, it would be this. It’s a small space, so you order and then take it away. I’d recommend going for a walk over the Togetsukyo Bridge and then continue on to exploring more of Arashiyama.

Address: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8385, Japan

Le Labo Kyoto Machiya

On my most recent trip, Le Labo Kyoto Machiya was a favorite find. You will find this hidden cafe tucked off the courtyard in the back of the store. It’s set in a historic original machiya that the brand Le Labo opened up their fragrance store in. The baristas serve up coffee and matcha lattes with milk alternatives which is nice if you want either matcha or coffee. And don’t let the line deter you, it is likely for the store — I asked the staff and they let me in to go to the café to the right which was much faster.

Address:２-206, Shimokorikicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8016, Japan

Wife & Husband

This adorable mom-and-pop cafe in an earthened space serves expertly brewed drip coffee and thick Japanese toast. I went here on my first trip to Japan and adored the very wabi-sabi aesthetic in this cozy small cafe. It’s just a few minutes from the Kamo River, and you can reserve in advance picnic baskets full of coffee and toast with a blanket, to take down to the river. I do recommend making a reservation through their website since indoor seating is limited.

Address: 106-6 Koyama Shimouchigawara, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8132, Japan

Walden Woods

Walden Woods is probably one of the most recognizable cafes in Kyoto, known for its all-white interior and being close to Kyoto Station. This coffee shop has house-roasted blends, and you can get everything from pour-overs to seasonal drinks. While takeaway coffee is available, don’t miss the chance to sip your drink and contemplate life (or transcendentalism) in the monochromatic “Walden Woods” upstairs.

Address: 508-1 Sakaecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8194, Japan

Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

The local-favorite Cafe Bibliotic Hello! has been around for over 20 years and is one of the best cafes in Kyoto. I love its dimly-lit, library vibes with cozy nooks, greenery and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. It’s one of my favorites for an americano in the city.

Address: 650 Seimei-cho, Higashi-iru, Nijo Yanagibaba, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-0951, Japan

DRIP & DROP Coffee Supply

Drip & DROP Coffee Supply in the Nakagyo Ward is one of the better classic coffee shops in the city. For drip coffee lovers, they offer pour-over, Aeropress, or French press. This specialty shop and its neighboring craft beer counter allow the space to transition from morning coffee to evening beer or coffee-infused cocktails.

Address: 99-1 Enokicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-0931, Japan

Kurasu Ebisugawa

Kyoto-based roaster Kurasu serves specialty coffee in a clean, minimalist setting. Come here for their single origin pour-overs, but stay for their matcha + espresso (aka dirty matcha latte) which was one of my favorite drinks this last trip. They also have a smaller shop near Kyoto Station. I think their beans were in the top three for me on the last two trips.

Address: 551 Yamanakacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-0815, Japan

Stumptown Coffee Roasters at the Ace

The Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters opened its first international location in Kyoto at the Kenjo Kuma-designed Ace Hotel. For those who love Stumptown, this is a fun one to get a cup of coffee at.

Address: 1st Floor, Ace Hotel, 245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8185, Japan 

Ichikawaya Coffee

Ichikawaya Coffee is set in a converted traditional Japanese house near Kiyomizu-dera. The cafe roasts their own coffee beans to serve along with a larger food menu including fruit or savory sandwiches, toast, and rice omelets. It’s really popular so the lines can get long, but worth trying to get in.

Address: 396-2 Kaneicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0875, Japan

here Kyoto 

If you’re near Nishiki Market, here Kyoto is a lovely and quiet coffee shop set in an industrial space. One of their most popular drinks is their roasted nut mocha which is arguably one of Kyoto’s best lattes.

Address: 524 Anenishinotoincho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8273, Japan

common.

Located between Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace, common. is an ideal stopping point if you’re up in the Marutamachi area. The barista serves excellent coffee, and they have toast in a really serene setting. Being a one-person operation, the café closes midday for lunch, so be sure to double-check hours.

Address: 340-5 Kamikajicho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-8033, Japan

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