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Japan has a strong coffee culture and you’ll find in every city and small town, there’s always a coffee shop. With these 7 coffee shops not to miss in Kyoto, you’ll have plenty of places to visit. Each one feels special as they range in size — some are tiny stalls tucked in alleys and others are the kind of places where you can hang out for the day.
We often spent mornings exploring the sights and then would meander over to a nearby coffee shop in the neighborhood. We found that most places would not open until 10 or 11 am, which was challenging when looking for a local coffee shop. Even Starbucks does not open until 10! We tried to plan our days so we could hop into these cafes and found they were a great way to rest our feet. Kyoto is a vibrant city and there is plenty to see — you’ll find these small cafes tucked in the most unassuming places. One thing to remember for the cafes in Kyoto is that, even though Japan may be modern, it is still primarily a cash-only destination. Be sure to bring cash for the coffee shops and tipping is not expected.
Planning a Trip to Kyoto? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Kyoto:
- The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, for the best downtown Kyoto hotel
- The Junei Hotel Kyoto Imperial Palace West, for the best central Kyoto hotel
- Four Seasons Kyoto, for the best Southern Higashiyama hotel
- Ryokan Inn Yoshida-sanso, for the best Northern Higashiyama hotel
- Hotel Kanra, for the best Kyoto Station hotel
- Suiran, for the best Arashiyama hotel
👉 Want to see more options or check the latest traveler reviews? Browse all top-rated hotels in Kyoto on TripAdvisor.
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Check out 7 Coffee Shops Not to Miss in Kyoto
1. Weekenders Coffee
Address: 682-7 Ishifudonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8047, Japan
2. %Arabica Arashiyama
Address: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
3. Wife & Husband
Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan
4. Drip & Drop Coffee Supply
Address: 99-1 Enokicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0931, Japan
5. Len Hostel & Cafe
Address: 709-3 Uematsucho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8028, Japan
6. Cafe Bibliotic Hello!
Address: 650 Seimeicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0951, Japan
7. Sentido
Address: Japan, 〒604-8187 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Sasayacho, 445 日宝烏丸ビル 1F
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
1. Book Your Flights
I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
2. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
3. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
4. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access
I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
