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Best Coffee Shops in Kyoto
Papillon
This was such an unexpected find, a hole in the wall. I walked past this coffee shop a few times and never noticed it. I am so glad eventually did! The interior has a Korean minimalistic style, perfect to capture a few pictures while you are there. The space is not very big: ground floor to order, another floor is open for reservation and one more floor with seating area. At least this coffee shop in Kyoto doesn’t seem to be so popular yet so you shouldn’t have to wait in line and have a space to stay inside. As for my order, I chose the Elderflower Soda with a Houjicha Basque Cheesecake, which were both really good!
Where: 505-41 Zaimokucho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8146, Japan (Google Maps)
Instagram: @papillon_kyoto
Good Time Coffee
Good Time Coffee is located in a lovely old Japanese style building. The interior blends the traditional look with a modern touch. I loved to sit by the window looking at their inner garden, which is a very common part of traditional houses in Kyoto. This was a relaxing coffee shop to visit, however it is not in the central area of Kyoto so I would suggest visiting this place is you are staying for a few days or are staying near Kyoto Station.
Where: 357 Tsukinuke 2chome, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8364, Japan (Google Maps)
Instagram: @goodtime.coffee
Walden Woods Kyoto
Walden Woods was such a beautiful place to visit. Every corner was just so aesthetically pleasing. The ground floor is where you order and there’s a second floor with a big open space to sit around. There’s no tables however so I wouldn’t recommend this place to get any work done, but it is quite nice to sip your coffee and chat with a friend.
Where: 508-1 Sakaecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8194, Japan (Google Maps)
Instagram: @waldenwoodskyoto
Starbucks Kyoto BAL
This is a one of a kind Starbucks that you should definitely visit in Kyoto! It is located on the 3rd floor of BAL, an upscale shopping mall, and it incorporates over 80 artworks of young Japanese artists into the space. There’s a futuristic feel to the space, with metallic pipes over your head, mismatch of tables and chairs as well.
Where: Japan, 〒604-8032 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Yamazakicho, 251 京都BAL 3F (Google Maps)
Instagram: @kyoto_bal
Mar Cafe
Mar Cafe is a really good coffee shop/restaurant to have a nice view of the city. I found it difficult to find good spots with a nice view in Kyoto so this was definitely worth visiting. It is located on the 8th floor, it has windows all around and even an outdoor terrace. They offer a variety of drinks and food as well.
Where: Japan, 〒600-8029 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Nishihashizumecho, 762 京栄中央ビル 8F (Google Maps)
Instagram: @marcafe0213
% ARABICA Arashiyama
% ARABICA in Arashiyama has a great location by the river. This location is quite popular so you will probably have to wait in line, but the service is very quick so I wouldn’t worry about it. The shop is also a little bit small so there’s no place to sit inside. There is a room you can reserve for a fee it seems like. I would simply grab a cup of coffee and sit by the river that’s right in front, that would be perfect!
Where: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan (Google Maps)
Instagram: @arabica.journal
School Bus Coffee Bakers
School Bus Coffee Baker is a really aesthetically pleasing coffee shop with lots of space to sit, good pastries and food selection, and of course coffee. It gave me a modern but old school Brooklyn vibe. Also, I was surprised by their layout of pastries, everything looked so tasty! This place is very versatile, you can feel comfortable coming on your own and maybe work on your laptop or spend some time with friends and share lunch together.
Where: Japan, 〒604-0862 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shoshoicho, 240 Hyatt Place Kyoto 1F (Google Maps)
Instagram: @schoolbus_coffeestop