Specialty Coffee in Kyoto
Kyoto Coffee Culture
Yes, Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan. Yes, Kyoto has a seemingly limitless supply of temples to visit. Yes, Kyoto’s historic landmarks are so numerous and tourists so plentiful that you can easily be overwhelmed by the constant rush of people all around. And Kyoto is practically a required visit all the same for any first trip to Japan. Now, let me peel you away from all of the above and give you a new focus for your visit: specialty coffee in Kyoto. What’s not to love? You can do all of those things and still find time to lounge away in a neighborhood coffee shop to get away from the churn of people all over town. The best part about Kyoto’s coffee culture is that everyone is so welcoming, and each pour over coffee shop is at least a few paces if not more away from the main drags and not overwhelmingly crowded. And nothing beats the feeling of walking into a neighborhood and just following your nose to the source of the roasting coffee smell wafting through the air. It’s a sentiment that just can’t be beaten in my opinion.
Best Pour Over Coffee Shops in Kyoto
Goodman Roaster Kyoto
A warm greeting welcomes every customer that passes through the door, coffee roasting behind a window and baristas waiting to provide you with the warm embrace that is a pour over coffee made just for you. Each bean on offer comes served up with a different style of carafe or kettle and mug. It is just the right type of variety that makes you feel right at home. And clearly the local population agrees, considering how busy it can be even late on a Sunday afternoon. Join them and see what all the fuss is about!
Address: Japan, 〒600-8442 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Yadacho, 115-2 ベアフルートイイノ 一階
Kurasu Kyoto Stand
Kurasu has another specialty coffee shop closer to the Gion neighborhood that attracts plenty of tourism, yet it’s their original Kurasu Kyoto Stand a few long blocks west of Kyoto Station that packs in more charm in my opinion. Tucked into a one-way alley with a shrine nearby and offering just enough seating and bar space to take your time if you want to stick around, this pour over coffee shop in Kyoto is a great place to visit before or after traveling by train. And don’t forget to stock up on some well-designed coffee-related home goods while you’re here.
Address: 552 Higashiaburanokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8235, Japan
COYOTE Roastery
Every once in a while, you’ll come across a specialty coffee shop that goes beyond the concept of serving single origin coffee beans within a cup rather than blends, and takes it further, serving coffee from only a single country of origin. In COYOTE’s case, the origin country is El Salvador. This commitment to the producers and farms of El Salvador provides them with a unique perspective within Japan and special ability to bring out the best in the beans that they source. This dedication shines through in every cup of pour over coffee, and I urge you to try them while in Kyoto.
Address: Japan, 〒606-8204 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Tanaka Shimoyanagicho, 3 東側
WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI
Weekenders has the feel of a hidden gem that has been revealed to the world for all to see, and the world is all the better for knowing about it. Tucked away into a parking lot with apartment windows looking down at it, Weekenders Coffee in Kyoto is thriving and for good reason. As you approach, you’ll spot the cozy building in the corner and a swath of people from around the world waiting for their specialty cup of coffee at all times of day and you’ll know you’re in the right place. The baristas are happy to make a recommendation and they excel at making the most of their confined space.
Address: Japan, 〒604-8064 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Honeyanocho, 560 離れ
What to Experience with Coffee in Kyoto
More Specialty Coffee Episodes
South America
Africa
COMING SOON
Oceania
COMING SOON