Kyoto Coffee Shops: 16 Cafes With Excellent Desserts, Coffee, Tea, and More!

Kyoto has many types of coffee shops, including trendy cafes, nostalgic tea houses, and tea and dessert cafes that feature Japanese tea and sweets. This time, we introduce 16 popular cafes in Kyoto!

MATCHA's Recommended Coffee Shops in Kyoto

Coffee Shops and Tea Rooms

1. Rokuyosha Basement Shop: Established in 1951
2. Elephant Factory Coffee: Slow Work, Slow Life
3. Nijo Koya: Coffee in a Run-Down House
4. Kurasu: Australian Style Coffee Shop near Kyoto Station
5. % ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama Store: Popular Coffee Shop from Hong Kong

Japanese Dessert Cafes

6. D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO: A Temple-Inspired Cafe
7. Umezono Sanjo Teramachi Store: Exquisite Dessert Platter
8. Inome: Soft Outer Shell Dorayaki
9. Kyoto Gion a-n Honten: Japanese and Western Fusion
10. Jumondo: Delicious Dumplings
11. Sasaya Masuen CAFE＆ATELIER: Versatile Warabi Mochi

Matcha Green Tea Cafes

12. Nakamura Tokichi Main Store: Amazing Matcha Jelly Sensation
13. Kitagawa Hanbee: Japanese Tea and Matcha Sweets
14. YUGEN Hand-Drip Japanese Tea for a Stroll in Kyoto
15. Saryo Suishoen Takatsuji Main Store: Rich Matcha Sweets
16. KUMONOCHA: Cute and Soft Cloud Tea Drinks and Sweets

1. Established in 1950 - Rokuyosha Basement Shop

Rokuyosha is one of Kyoto's oldest and traditional coffee shops. Established in 1950 and handed down through three generations, it is a must-visit for a taste of traditional Japanese teahouse style.

The name "Rokuyo" originates from the Chinese yin-yang principle and represents six important days in the Japanese calendar: Sensho, Tomobiki, Senpu, Butsumetsu, Taian, and Shakko.

The basement shop has two levels: the upper floor offers pastries and coffee with a quick-paced service, while the lower floor allows a leisurely coffee experience. Unlike modern Western-style coffee shops, this teahouse prioritizes hospitality.

Baristas engage with customers, providing comfortable seating for friends to chat and enjoy their time. It's definitely a departure from the fast-paced atmosphere of many trendy cafes.

While it's a coffee shop during the day, it transforms into a bar at night and offers a different experience while maintaining a space for customer interactions—true to its hospitable nature. When visiting a traditional coffee shop like this, I always opt for a blended coffee. It's not the acidic type, but a bitter yet honest coffee that signifies Japanese coffee culture.

Rokuyosha Coffee Shop
Address: 40 Daikokucho, Kawaramachi Sanjo Agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
075-221-3820
Opening Hours: 8:30 - 22:30 (Last Order at 22:00) *Closed on Wednesdays
Approximately a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan Station
Approximately a 5-minute walk from Shiyakusho-mae Subway Station

2. Stop Time and Enjoy Slow Living at Elephant Factory Coffee

Elephant Factory Coffee, located near the Shijo-Kawaramachi area, is a renowned coffee shop in Kyoto known for its understated charm. True coffee enthusiasts often find their way here.

The head barista discovered the unique characteristics of coffee years ago in Italy and brought back his favorite flavors to Japan. After exploring various coffee beans domestically, he settled on beans roasted in Bihoro, Hokkaido.

Many young visitors with a unique sense of style frequent the cafe, indicating they are not merely following trends.

Some, like myself, come for a cup of coffee that suits their tastes, while others come to relax and engage in deep conversations with friends. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the daily grind, this space may provide a breath of fresh air and a moment to relax.

3. Coffee Shop in a Run-Down House - Nijo Koya

Leaving Nijo Castle, I opened a map app on my phone to randomly find a coffee shop to rest. Following the map, I arrived at what seemed like a parking lot, where the map indicated the shop was located. It was then that I realized the run-down house in front of me was Nijo Koya.

Upon entering, the dimly lit coffee shop had minimal lighting, relying solely on sunlight filtering through the window. The aroma of coffee greeted me as I pushed open the door. Mr. Nishibun, the owner with a background in the humanities, fell in love with this small house and renovated it into a coffee shop.

The menu consists only of coffee, cakes, and sandwiches. It's the perfect space for introspection, and watching Mr. Nishibun craft coffee is an enjoyable experience in itself. What's unique is that this is a "stand-up coffee shop," meaning you drink your coffee standing up.

4. Australian Style Coffee Shop Near Kyoto Station - Kurasu

Kurasu originated online, founded by the Kyoto-born Mr. Yozo Otsuki, who had lived in North America and worked in finance in Tokyo. After relocating to Sydney in 2013, he established Kurasu.

After moving to Australia, Mr. Otsuki ventured into a new business and discovered the online potential for coffee. He aimed to integrate coffee culture with aesthetics.

This meant starting with a single coffee bean and then moving on to coffee pots, cups, brewing equipment, and more. Each purchase at Kurasu is not just about the product but also about sensory experiences and emotional connections.

KURASU Kyoto Stand

552 Higashiaburanoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8235

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5. Highly Popular Coffee Shop from Hong Kong: % ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama Store

% ARABICA has its flagship store in Discovery Bay, Hong Kong, with the owner, Mr. Kenneth Shoji, originally from Japan. After establishing the shop in Hong Kong, he returned to Kyoto to open another branch.

While the Arashiyama store boasts stunning views and is popular among coffee lovers, the Higashiyama store is more convenient in terms of accessibility. It's in a must-pass location for those visiting or leaving Kiyomizu Temple.

Collaborating with world latte art champion Junichi Yamaguchi, every latte is adorned with beautiful latte art.
The coffee machines are from the Seattle brand Slayer, while the roasting machine is from the Japanese brand Tornado King. The owner has strict standards when it comes to coffee making.

Growing up in Tokyo, studying in the U.S., and then starting the first shop in Hong Kong, he has a well-traveled coffee background. They specialize only in coffee, with a consistent and well-balanced flavor profile. This approach makes their coffee appealing to those who aren't regular coffee drinkers, leading to long queues outside the shop.

6. Temple-Inspired Cafe D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO

Picture courtesy of D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO
Located a short distance southeast of Shijo-Karasuma in Kyoto is Bukkoji Temple, where you'll find D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO.

This cafe is conveniently located about an 8-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line and a 10-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto line, making it easily accessible from the stations. Despite being close to the bustling streets, the cafe is nestled within the temple grounds, providing a serene environment.

Picture courtesy of D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO
They offer traditional Japanese meals and desserts made with Kyoto ingredients. A recommended item is the Ice Cream Anmitsu (price including tax starting from 880 yen).

Anmitsu is a traditional Japanese sweet topped with agar jelly and syrup. D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO prepares this dish using carefully selected ingredients like Tamba Sasayama black beans, special agar jelly, Hokkaido cream ice cream, and Kyoto-produced wheat gluten cake, providing a diverse range of Japanese flavors in one serving.

7. Exquisite Dessert Platter - Umezono Sanjo Teramachi Store

Picture courtesy of Umezono Sanjo Teramachi Store
Umezono is a longstanding traditional sweet shop (Japanese dessert cafe) with 6 stores in Kyoto. The Umezono Sanjo Teramachi Store is characterized by its nostalgic building and is located at the intersection of Sanjo Street and Teramachi Street, known for its bustling shopping area.

Picture courtesy of Umezono Sanjo Teramachi Store
The signature dessert at Umezono is the "Mitarashi Dango," a square-shaped dango skewered and drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce. At the Sanjo Teramachi store, you can get this as a takeout option.

You can also enjoy the Hanagashi dessert platter exclusive to the Sanjo Teramachi store (price including tax 950 yen). This platter includes the signature Mitarashi Dango, the "Anno Hanataba" with a soft and chewy outer layer filled with red bean paste, and you can also sample two types of warabi mochi, one with soybean powder and the other with matcha.

3. Soft and Tender Dorayaki at Dorayaki Inome

Picture courtesy of Dorayaki Inome
Located a short distance west of the famous plum and autumn foliage spot Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and the renowned flower district of Kamishichiken, you will find a quietly standing shop called Dorayaki Inome.

This dorayaki shop has become a hot topic among locals. Known for its fluffy. delicate outer layer and moderately sweet red bean paste filling, this dorayaki shop attracts many visitors returning from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine to buy souvenirs.

Picture courtesy of Dorayaki Inome
In the dining area inside the shop, the owner bakes and prepares the dorayaki on order, allowing customers to enjoy them freshly baked. A recommended choice is the Dorayaki Set exclusive for dining in (price including tax 880 yen).

This set includes a regular-sized dorayaki and a drink, with the dorayaki layered with cheese and cream.

Dorayaki Inome

1038-22 Kamiyagawa-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 602-8384

9. Harmonious Fusion of East and West at Kyoto Gion a-n Main Store

Picture courtesy of Kyoto Gion a-n Main Store
Kyoto Gion a-n Main Store is located near the bustling streets and traditional charm of Gion in Kyoto. It's just a 4-minute walk from the nearest Keihan Main Line Gion-Shijo Station, making it a prime location.

The store is housed in a Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse) that has been preserved since ancient times, blending seamlessly with the historical Gion streets. The interior decor is based on wood, creating an atmosphere that is a mix of traditional and modern Japanese style.

Picture courtesy of Kyoto Gion a-n Main Store
The signature dessert is the modern red bean paste dessert "Anpoone" (price excluding tax 600 yen), which pairs red bean paste and mascarpone cheese. It is fragrant and chewy with a creamy red bean paste core encased in a special cream made from mascarpone cheese.

Kyoto Gion a-n Main Store

368-2 Kiyomoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0084

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10. Delicious Small Rice Cakes at Jumondo

Picture courtesy of Jumondo
Jumondo is a renowned shop near the Kiyomizu-michi bus stop in Kyoto. Surrounded by landmarks like the Gion Tower and the winding streets of Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, it offers a true taste of Kyoto's ambiance.

The interior exudes a relaxing Japanese atmosphere. At Jumondo, you can enjoy a small rice cake with a diameter of 12 millimeters.

Picture courtesy of Jumondo
This shop's specialty dessert is Tango (price including tax 715 yen). It offers five types of rice cakes: one with sweet bean paste, one with soy sauce and nori (seaweed) known as Isobeyaki, a sweet-savory Mitarashi flavored with soy sauce, a black sesame soy sauce, and Kyoto-style white miso. Enjoy a variety of flavors packed into these small rice cakes.

Jumondo

76 Tamamizu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0851

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11. Varied Texture Warabi Mochi at Sasaya Masanen CAFE & ATELIER

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Sasaya Masanen CAFE & ATELIER is a cafe established by the Kyoto confectionery store Sasaya Masanen that has been in business since the Taisho era in 1918.

Located amidst numerous notable Zen temples, such as Myoshinji Temple, Ryoanji Temple, Ninnaji Temple, and Ryoanji Temple, visitors can enjoy a moment of tea time here while touring these sacred sites.

Picture courtesy of PR times
The specialty dessert at Sasaya Masanen CAFE & ATELIER is the Hon Warabi Mochi, made with the highest quality domestic warabi (bracken) powder and crafted using skilled traditional techniques.

During the eating experience, you'll enjoy the delicate changes in texture, which can be enjoyed with black honey or soybean powder.

If you love matcha green tea, you can try the Matcha Warabi Mochi, specially made with the highest quality matcha Kicho produced in Uji Tawara. It retains the chewy texture of warabi mochi while infusing the slight bitterness and tea aroma of Uji matcha.

Sasaya Masanen CAFE & ATELIER
Location: 2 Taniguchi Encho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

12. Surprising Texture of Matcha Jelly at Nakamura Tokichi Honpo Store

Picture courtesy of Nakamura Tokichi Honpo Store Uji Main Store
Nakamura Tokichi Honpo Store Uji Main Store is a tea specialty shop located about a minute's walk from JR Uji Station. In addition to purchasing selected green teas and matcha, this store offers desserts made with matcha.

The building of this Nakamura Tokichi Honpo Store Uji Main Store, dating back to the Meiji era, has been designated as an important cultural landscape in Japan. Its appearance alone exudes a sense of history.

Picture courtesy of Nakamura Tokichi Honpo Store Uji Main Store
The popular dessert is the Fresh Tea Jelly Matcha (tax-inclusive price of 990 yen). Some visitors specifically come for this jelly, which can be considered a signature item. The silky and translucent matcha jelly paired with the chilled and flavorful matcha iced drink is truly an exquisite combination.

Accompanied by sticky rice balls and red beans as garnishes, the flavors evolve with every bite, allowing one to savor every moment. The Uji Main Store presents the jelly elegantly in a bamboo container, adding a touch of beauty to its presentation.

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store Uji Main Store

10 Uji Ichiban, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021

13. Japanese Tea and Matcha Delights at Kitagawa Hanbee

Kitagawa Hanbee, with its dedicated tea plantation and tea processing factory, has been preserving the traditional culture of Japanese tea since its establishment. Focusing on meticulous procedures and strict quality control of tea leaves, they strive to provide the finest quality tea.

In 2018, Kitagawa Hanbee decided to share the deliciousness of Japanese tea with more people in Gion. They selected a century-old merchant house in Gion and integrated tea elements into its decoration. Despite its small size, the entire shop is filled with stories in its detailed spatial arrangements.

The most popular tea set is the "Chayomi," which consists of five small servings of tea made from five different Japanese tea leaves along with five bite-sized tea treats. Each tea is carefully paired with a treat based on taste evaluations to enhance the tea's flavor.

Whenever a more suitable pairing is found to complement the tea, the treats are updated, making the assortment of treats not permanent. The temperature of the tea and the pairing of tea treats are also adjusted accordingly (2800 yen).

Gion Kitagawa Hanbee

570-188, South Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074, Kyoto Prefec...

14. YUGEN Hand-Drip Japanese Tea for a Stroll in Kyoto

There are many popular cafes for takeout in Kyoto. Nestled in the alleys around the bustling district of Kawaramachi, there's a discreet Japanese tea specialty shop called YUGEN that provides freshly brewed Japanese tea for takeout, adding an authentic Japanese flavor to your Kyoto walking tour.

YUGEN's matcha latte uses the shop's selected matcha brewed freshly and features a higher amount of matcha compared to typical cafes, resulting in a more fragrant and rich matcha taste. Additionally, the sweetness can be adjusted according to personal preference (Matcha Latte 550 yen).

YUGEN

146 Kameya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 604-0865

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15. Various Rich Matcha Desserts at Saryo Suisen Takatsuji Main Store

Picture courtesy of ＠Press
Saryo Suisen is just a 5-minute walk from Shijo Station, slightly away from the bustling main streets, making it a nice choice for matcha enthusiasts looking to quietly enjoy afternoon tea.

Upon stepping into the understated and serene space, one immediately feels relaxed. You can enjoy the seasonal beauty while overlooking the garden outside.

Picture courtesy of ＠Press
The store uses high-quality Uji matcha or the finest grade tea from Kyoto, including matcha desserts. Items like the Suisen Hyakumatsuri look not only delicious but also feature matcha ice cream that balances the sweetness and brings happiness to every matcha enthusiast.

There's also the 3D matcha latte that elicits excitement as it arrives at the table, with a 3D bear leaning against the edge of the cup. It's so cute that you won't want to drink it.

Picture courtesy of ＠Press
Apart from the mentioned dishes, they also offer a variety of items like warabi mochi, matcha cheesecake, Kyoto yuba tofu bowl, Hojicha, warabi mochi milk, and more! The menu offers afternoon tea desserts and savory meals to satisfy every palate.

Saryo Suisen Takatsuji Main Store
Address: 1F Kyoto Takatsu Building, 521 Inaricho, Higashidoin-dori, Takatsuji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Website: https://saryo-suisen.com/

16. Adorable and Gentle Cloud Tea and Desserts at KUMONOCHA

Picture courtesy of PR times
KUMONOCHA currently has 6 stores in Kyoto, including the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka store, Arashiyama store, and Shijo Kawaramachi store. All of them are located near tourist attractions, making it convenient for travelers.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Located near the popular tourist spot Kiyomizu Temple in Sannen-zaka, the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka store was renovated and reopened in March 2022. The simple and gentle space is brimming with Kyoto charm, making the experience of enjoying matcha drinks and desserts even more delightful.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
The store sells premium Uji matcha and matcha lattes from the renowned Uji tea shop Horii Shichimeien in Kyoto. The matcha latte, with its vivid green color, features a dense milk foam shaped like clouds. Additionally, they offer a cloud mousse, matcha pound cake, and various flavored teas.

KUMONOCHA
Address: 317 Sannen-317 Bancho, Kiyomizu, Sanneizaka, Matsubara-agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City

Enjoy Your Coffee Break in Kyoto

Although there are many coffee shops in Kyoto, the 16 listed above are all recommended by coffee-loving editors. These shops all maintain a high standard, with strict requirements for beverages and desserts.