Kyoto’s Specialty Coffee: 11 Must-Visit Spots for Coffee Lovers

About the author

Hello, coffee aficionados! I’m Amiroh, a Coffee Journey Guide hailing from Japan.
Leveraging my experience as a barista overseas, I’m on a continuous quest to explore the wonders of specialty coffee.

I have a particular passion for light roasts and have visited over 100 cafes across Japan and abroad.
Today, I’m excited to share my insights and guide you through Kyoto’s remarkable specialty coffee scene.

Who Will Benefit from This Guide?

When ordering at Kyoto coffee shops, pointing at the menu or using gestures can be helpful if there’s a language barrier.
For more complex questions, translation apps are your best friend.

You’ll be ordering like a local in no time!

Let’s dive into Kyoto’s vibrant coffee scene!

List of cafes

	The nearest station	Opening Hours	The roasting level	To GO	Seating
KURASU Kyoto Stand	Kyoto St 6mins	7:30-18:00※	Light to Dark roast	〇	Standing
COYOTE the ordinary shop	Kyoto St 4mins	9:00-18:00	Light to Dark roast	〇	Yes
WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI	Karasuma St 6mins	9:00-18:00	Light to Dark roast	〇	Only bench seats
Goodman Roaster Kyoto	Shijyo St 4mins	8:00-19:00※	Light to Dark roast	〇	Yes
Here cafe	Karasuma Oike St 7mins	8:00-19:00※	Light to Dark roast	〇	Yes
blend kyoto	Marutamachi St 5mins	11:00-18:00 (Sat-Sun only)	Light to Dark roast	〇	Only bench seats
common	Marutamachi St 8mins	9:00-18:00	Light to Dark roast	〇	Only bench seats
Nijokoya	Nijo-jo mae St 2mins	8:00-18:00	Light to Dark roast	〇	Counter
Kaze to COFFEE Kissa Kazeko	Kitanohakubaicho St 11mins	11:00-19:00	Light to Dark roast	〇	Yes
Manaia Coffee&Things	Kuramaguchi St 2mins	8:00-17:00※	Light to Dark roast	〇	Yes
coffee.roast.yui	Kuramaguchi St 4mins	11:00-18:00	Light to Dark roast	〇	No

Cafes Near Kyoto Station

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Gateway to Kyoto – your adventure starts here!
• Futuristic architecture meets ancient city vibes
• One-stop-shop for souvenirs, food, and travel info
• Easy connections to famous temples and shrines

1. KURASU Kyoto Stand

Whenever I have business at Kyoto Station, I always make a point to visit this cafe, and I’ve been coming here for over four years now. You can choose from various coffee beans from different countries and select a cup that suits your mood that day.

The baristas are all friendly, making it easy to ask questions about coffee and enjoy casual conversations. They also offer Kyoto-style matcha and hojicha menus, as well as hot chocolate and chai, making it accessible for those who may not be fond of coffee. It’s also a unique place where you can try Cascara Coffee Cherry Tea (Cascara is dried coffee cherry husk), so if you love coffee, be sure to give it a try.

As the name suggests, there are no tables inside; instead, there are a counter and about three chairs. The flow of people is smooth, and the aroma of coffee spreading inside the store creates a very relaxing atmosphere.

2. COYOTE the ordinary shop

A cafe that opened in July 2021 with excellent access from Kyoto Station.
What surprised me was that they exclusively offer coffee from El Salvador, and even more surprising was that they source the beans directly from local farms.

The buyer lived in El Salvador for a year and a half, establishing direct relationships with the farms from which they now procure. The concept of the cafe is ‘between you and producers.
Typically, coffee bean procurement involves intermediaries, so the direct interaction between the cafe and the farms is something I had never heard of before.

The barista shared their experiences and impressions from the farms, and the coffee enjoyed afterward was truly special, offering a unique and intimate connection with the origin.

The cafe has both counter and table seating, providing a spacious environment suitable for relaxing with friends or on a date.

There are outlets at the counter, making it a good place for a bit of work with a cup of coffee in hand (avoid during busy times).

Cafes Near Sijyo/Karasuma/Karasuma Oike Station

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Kyoto’s buzzing downtown – shop till you drop!
• Feast on local delicacies in trendy restaurants
• Explore hidden alleyways full of charm
• Perfect blend of old and new Kyoto

3. WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI

If you ever find yourself in Kyoto, this is a cafe I almost always visit due to my fondness for it. Despite being tucked away at the back of a parking lot and not easily spotted just by walking, it often has lines…

Set in a renovated machiya (traditional townhouse), the coffee enjoyed in this unique Kyoto space carries a special charm. It attracts not only Japanese patrons but also many visitors from overseas.

With numerous varieties of coffee beans that are frequently changed, you might discover a new coffee experience every time.

This place, packed with the essence of Kyoto in a small space, allows you to experience the city with fantastic coffee. After taking your photos, take a moment to put away your smartphone or camera and relax.

4. Goodman Roaster Kyoto

A cafe located in an area with many hotels and good access from Shijo and Karasuma stations. It is situated in front of a large machiya (traditional townhouse), providing a glimpse of Kyoto’s charm.

This cafe, with branches in Taiwan as well, offers the rare experience of enjoying Taiwanese coffee, specifically Ali Shan coffee, in Japan.

It’s a welcoming place for couples, friends, and local families.

5. Here cafe

About a 7-minute walk west from Karasuma Oike subway station.

Even just passing by, you can feel the modern atmosphere emanating from this shop. Famous for their canelés and coffee, they also roast their own beans.

They also sell their house-roasted beans.
The stylish interior with ample space makes waiting not feel like a chore at all.

The latte made with naturally processed Guatemalan beans was exceptionally well-balanced, a taste you can enjoy to the last drop. The open interior made for a very comfortable coffee-drinking experience.

There’s a time limit for using laptops or tablets, so it’s not a place for extended work sessions. However, the availability of charging points is a very welcome feature!

For tourists, it’s especially helpful to be able to stop by for a break, enjoy delicious coffee, and charge your devices at the same time.

6. blend kyoto

A Kyoto Machiya cafe found while strolling along a quiet street. The concept is “Your Own Cup,” and they blend the coffee on the spot according to your preferences.

Despite its location a bit away from the central area, customers were continuously arriving. The interior and takeout were bustling, catering to a diverse clientele, including tourists, locals, and international residents in Kyoto.

Note that the cafe is open only on weekends, so be mindful not to visit on weekdays.

The shop, renovated from a Kyoto Machiya house over 100 years old, exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. The friendly and experienced baristas brew coffee with your own custom blend, making it a special experience.

Cafes Near Marutamachi/Nijo Station

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Home to the grand Nijo Castle – step back in time!
• Peaceful streets for a relaxing stroll
• Glimpse local life in traditional wooden houses
• Taste authentic Kyoto flavors in cozy cafes

7. common

You can find this place by heading west from Marutamachi Station and entering a residential area.

Having opened in 2021, it’s still a relatively new shop.

The owner has impressive experience: 4 years in New Zealand and 3 years at Kurasu.
What an incredible background…

They seem to source coffee beans from Kurasu and Koyote (both in Kyoto).
As I like both, it was a tough choice!

Being my first visit, I opted for a cafe latte made with Common’s exclusive roast (sourced from Kurasu).

The temperature and balance were perfect, simply blissful (laughs).

Considering it’s a café offering specialty coffee, the prices are average. They also have light snacks and desserts, perfect to accompany your coffee. The baked goods are from “Rainy Day”, a wholesale-only bakery without a physical shop. It seems these are exclusively offered here and at Coyote, which I introduced previously.

The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for a quick break.

8. Nijokoya

The shop is located at the back of a parking area. It might be difficult to find if you go without researching first.

It’s about a 2-minute walk from Nijo-jo Mae subway station, so access is excellent! It’s in a great location to visit along with Nijo Castle!

Surrounded by greenery, it’s situated at the back of a parking lot.
The “little hut” style is really nice, isn’t it?
I should ask the owner next time how much of it they built themselves.

Actually, I’ve been here a few times before, and this time I ordered the iced latte that had impressed me before.
They complete it by dripping coffee directly onto the milk. And they make it right in front of you.
Because of the ice and milk, they use more beans and extract a stronger brew.
The iced latte is made right before your eyes…!

Watching the coffee gradually settle on top of the milk is captivating.
There’s a sense of anticipation that you don’t often experience in other cafés (laughs).

First, I take a sip of just the concentrated part at the top, then mix it with the milk to enjoy.
The perfect balance of subtle bitterness and milk is addictive.
Finished! The balance between the slight bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the milk becomes habit-forming.

Cafes Near Other stations

What’s is this neighborhood like?

• Spot elegant geishas in the historic Kamishichiken district
• Sip coffee in atmospheric Kissaten(Retro style Cafe)
• Enjoy breathtaking views of surrounding mountains
• Experience Kyoto’s spiritual side at beautiful shrines

9. Kaze to COFFEE Kissa Kazeko

Located about a 10-minute walk from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station, this shop is situated in a quiet residential area. A retro exterior welcomes you, giving the impression of a traditional coffee shop.

I personally found the fusion of a traditional coffee shop and MacBooks—a blend of retro and modern—very appealing.

I ordered the Colombian double anaerobic. The berry notes and fruitiness were so intense, it was almost like strawberry syrup had been added. As expected from a double anaerobic process!

From the first sip, I was amazed by the strawberry flavor. It was so fruity that I wondered if it was flavored coffee, and I couldn’t help but share my impressions with the barista. They were delighted by my positive reaction.

The relaxed atmosphere of the café allowed me to enjoy my coffee in complete comfort. I noticed that the cups were larger than in typical modern cafés, which made me wonder if this was characteristic of the traditional coffee shop style.

10. Manaia Coffee & Things

A cafe located in the residential area near Kuramaguchi, opened in April 2021. It is run by a couple with living experience in New Zealand and Australia, creating a very cozy atmosphere inside.

A diverse range of customers, including couples, individuals reading, and moms enjoying conversations with baby strollers, were present. In addition to coffee, they offer chai lattes, herbal teas, and seasonal limited drinks, making it enjoyable even for those who aren’t fond of coffee.

It turned out to be the best Flat White I’ve ever had, with a flat and velvety foam, delivering an exquisite taste of milk.

・Location
2-minute walk from Kuramaguchi Station
Hours：8:00-17:00 (Mon-Fri), 9:00-17:00 (Sat-Sun, Holidays)
Nearby attractions: Goryo Shrine, Birthplace of the Onin War
Official HP：https://linktr.ee/manaiacoffeeandthings
Official instagram：https://www.instagram.com/manaia_coffeeandthings/

11. coffee.roast.yui

A cafe facing Shimei-dori that opened in August 2020. What makes this place remarkable is that they custom roast and sell coffee beans.

They offer a variety of beans, and each month, they source limited quantities of rare beans. Additionally, the incredible part is that you can place orders via LINE, allowing you to pick up your coffee without waiting if you order in advance. This is an irresistible service for those who enjoy being a home barista.

They frequently update information about the beans they source on their social media.

Coffee Etiquette in Japan

In Japanese specialty coffee shops, hand-dripped coffee often takes center stage over espresso.
Keep in mind that non-fat or non-dairy milk options might not always be available.
Remember these etiquette tips when visiting the best cafes in Japan

Conclusion

Kyoto’s specialty coffee scene is booming, offering coffee enthusiasts a perfect blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern coffee craftsmanship. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets near Kyoto Station or venturing into quieter residential areas, you’re sure to find a cafe that suits your taste.

Remember that the operating hours provided are subject to change. Always check the official websites or social media accounts of each cafe for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

I hope this guide helps you discover the perfect cup during your Kyoto adventure. Enjoy your coffee journey through this beautiful, historic city!