You can’t visit Kyoto without trying matcha at one of its tea houses—after all, the city is home to the famous Uji matcha. At Saryo Tsujiri, you’ll find all things matcha from its decadent parfaits made with houjicha and genmaicza to its refreshing matcha shaved ice. If you can’t decide what to get, try the tasting platter where you’ll get to savour a range of its treats, including shiratama tango, warabimochi and more.

Saryo Tsujiri
Address: 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan

If you’re exploring Niko Castle, be sure to stop by this Melbourne-style joint for a coffee break. While there is an extensive drinks menu, the cosy spot specialises in pour-over coffee. You’ll find a range of fair-trade single-origin light roasts—roasted by the owner Chihiro Nakamura herself. When it comes to bakes, find hearty vegan creations like the cheesecake with apricot and yuzu; apple spice cake and and lemon cake. Coffee roasts and desserts change regularly so head to check out its offerings for the day.

Alt.coffee Roasters
Address: 28-4 Shinsenencho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8371, Japan

Take a break at this cafe after spending the day at the Shijo Karasuma shopping district. Founded by Yuuya Takaoka, the cafe offers an assortment of classic and innovative brews, from long black to fruit latte. Pair your drink with a sweet or savoury toast—try its seasonal fruit press sando that sees seasonal fruits and whipped cream sandwiched between velvety slices of bread. Savouries are available too, like cheese toast and pizza toast.

Astrea Coffee Kyoto
Address: Japan, 600-8487 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Tachibanacho

One of the most popular coffee spots for both tourists and locals, Inoda Coffee has been around for over 80 years. Try its signature blend, featuring beans from Columbia, Guatemala, Brazil and Africa. As the blend offers strong aromas, balance its flavours with milk and sugar. Dig into some hearty dishes available here too, such as the light and flavourful French toast, omelette rice with ham pilaf and hayashi rice. The latter is a crowd favourite of fluffy Japanese rice topped with juicy hashed beef.

Inoda Coffee
Address: 140 Doyucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8118, Japan

Hidden between Kyoto’s traditional temples and buildings is this sleek minimalist space inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s book, Walden. Grab a cup of single-origin coffee or a handmade chai filled with aromatic spices. Try its Walden blend: a fragrant mix of Colombian and Ethiopian beans, offering notes of chocolate and berries. Matcha lovers will want to try its matcha soft serve and matcha canele too.

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

Don’t disregard the simple menu at this quaint cafe founded by husband and wife duo Ikumi and Kyoichi Yoshida. Here, you’ll find pour-over coffee made from beans roasted by the owners themselves. Complement your cup with its thick and fluffy toast, topped with honey and cheese. While there’s indoor seating available, take advantage of the cafe’s picnic equipment and head down to the river bank for a relaxing picnic.

Wife & Husband
Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan

A mouth-watering selection of artisanal donuts await at Koe Donuts. Classic and unique flavours are available, ranging from white chocolate and green tea to red shiso and sesame. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, go for the donut melt strawberry, a creation that presents rich strawberry and peach mascarpone cream between a soft donut. It’s dotted with picked cherry blossoms and finished with peach cream and milk syrup.

Koe Donuts
Address: Japan, 604-8042 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakanocho, +81 75-748-1162

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Owned by world latte art champion Junichi Yamaguchi, Here is a quaint café serving up delicate brews and tantalising sweet creations. Pair your aromatic brews with its canelés. On top of the classic canelé, look out for innovative flavours like the mint choco dip cream that sees a crisp yet fluffy canelé topped with refreshing mint-infused dark chocolate. Other bakes are available too, like the soft dorayaki that comes piped with matcha cream and adzuki red beans.

Here Kyoto Café
Address: 524 Anenishinotoincho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8273, Japan, +81 75-254-8260

A short walk from Kyoto’s main downtown area is Café Bibliotic Hello, a quaint cafe perfect for coffee and book lovers. Here, get to peruse the owner’s expansive collection of architecture books on display while sipping on your piping hot cup of coffee. Complement the cuppa with its savoury creations, such as the peach and pistachio tart, rich cheesecake, and mont blanc.

Café Bibliotic Hello
Address: 650 Seimeicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0951, Japan, +81 75-231-8625

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Coffee afficionados can revel in Weekenders’s selection of aromatic brews. Hidden behind a parking lot, this speciality coffee concept by Masahiro Kaneko offers a wide selection of beans, all roasted in-house. An array of beans are also available to choose from, including the floral and citrusy Rwanda; fruity Kenya; and creamy Colombia.

Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji
Address: Japan, 604-8064 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Honeyanocho, +81 75-746-2206

If you’re visiting Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, don’t forget to stop by this café on the way there. Located right next to the world-renowned shrine, this espresso bar and cafe is the perfect spot for a meal after a day of exploring. Enjoy a refreshing cup of espresso with its signature Vermillion plate, a lavish platter of sausages, bacon, beans and poached eggs. Look out for its delectable dessert selection too, with creations like the matcha ganache, featuring gluten free matcha and white chocolate terrine topped with whipped cream.

Vermillion Cafe
Address: 5-31 Fukakusa Kaidoguchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0805, Japan, +81 75-644-7989

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