Mar. 25, 2022 UPDATE

5 of the Most Picturesque & Relaxing Cafes in Kyoto

Our picks for some of the most picturesque and chilled-out cafes in Kyoto!
cafe

Everyone has different things they look for in a café. While some people look for great coffee and tasty sweets, others just want a nice place to sit back and relax.

But then there are the people like us, who think life isn’t about settling for either-or.


That’s why we compiled a list of our top five favorite cafes with breathtaking views of Kyoto, relaxed, laid-back vibes and delicious food and drinks.


Just because you’ve come to Kyoto, doesn’t mean you need to trade your beloved coffee for scenic views. Check out the cafes below and you’ll be able to enjoy both!


Slow Jet Coffee Kodai-ji [ Closed ]


※This cafe closed on January 3, 2021.


As the name suggests, Slow Jet Coffee Kodai-ji is located right by the magnificent Kodai-ji Temple.


Grab one of the window seats, and regardless of whether you’re inside or out, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Yasaka pagoda.

We recommend coming to Slow Jet Coffee Kodai-ji in the evening, just before sunset. As the sun begins to fall behind the mountains, you’ll be treated to a magnificent view of the Yasaka pagoda as it stands against the orange tint of the darkening sky.

Also, in winter Slow Jet Coffee provides a kotatsu for customers. A kotatsu is a coffee table-like low table covered in a thick wooly blanket with a heater underneath.

If you happen to be in Kyoto during winter, then definitely check out Slow Jet Coffee Kodai-ji and warm your bones under their wonderfully Japanese kotatsu.




murmur coffee Kyoto

murmur coffee KyotoMurmur coffee Kyoto is a café situated on the bank of the Takasegawa River about a 10-minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station.


Murmur coffee offers delicious sweets and original blend coffee, all in the relaxing setting of a murmuring stream lined with adbundant river-side greenery.

You’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the Takasegawa River both inside or outside; however, if you want to feel the cool breeze of the river on your skin, then we highly suggest planting yourself in one of the outside seats.


As murmur coffee is located in such a beautiful river-side location, it’s surrounded by a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere year-round. However, springtime is really when the quality of this café’s location shines. Thanks to the rows of river-side cherry blossoms, spring brings a beautiful blinding blizzard of pink petals – which are best taken in with a nice coffee and something sweet to eat.


Address Eng: 103 Hachiojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8139 Jpn: 京都市下京区正面通高瀬角
Open Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.



Mar café

Mar caféMar café is a conveniently located downtown café a short walk from both the Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station and Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojō Station.


During the day, the massive windows welcome in sunlight and create a cozy environment that makes their delicious specialty hamburger steaks and lunch plates all that much better. While at night, the café’s highrise location lends itself to views of the downtown Kyoto city lights – which are best taken in while nursing a drink and enjoying a bite to eat.


Additionally, outside there is terrace seating that gives you views of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama area. These liberating seats give you a complete view of the city, so if it’s a clear day, we highly recommend checking out Mar café for dinner or even just some drinks.


Address 8th floor of Kyoei Chuo Building, 762 Nishihashizume-cho Teramachidori Gojo Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Open Hours 11:30 a.m.-12 midnight (Last orders at 11:30 p.m.)



Vermillion café

Vermillion caféVermillion café is tucked away in a quiet area right around the corner from the fervidly busy Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.


Out on the tree-covered terrace, you can sit back, relax and bask in the tranquil atmosphere.

Also, digging into this café’s special brunch set, or their fabulous coffee, under the gentle rays of light that poke through the trees is the definition of wonderful.


Vermillion – café’s terrace is best enjoyed with the morning sun, so we suggest getting there as early as possible to snag yourself one of the lovely outdoor seats.


Next time you’re headed for the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine area, set your alarm a bit earlier and drop by Vermillion – café for a relaxing early morning coffee.


Address 85 Onmae-cho Inari Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Open Hours 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ※The open hours was changed. 10:00-17:00



ZenKashoin Kyoto Muromachi Store - 然花抄院 京都室町本店 -

ZenKashoinZenKashoin is a Japanese/Western-style sweets shop that centers around the popular Portuguese sponge cake known as castella.


In ZenKashoin's "Zen Cafe," you can enjoy the store's signature castella cakes and beautiful matcha while gazing out at the traditional Japanese garden through the impressive ceiling to floor windows.


If the café’s delicious sweets weren’t enough, then we’re sure the tranquil ambiance will have you wanting to curl up and stay there forever.


Also, during spring, Zenkashoin offers special cherry blossom themed menu items and, the magnificent weeping cherry blossom in the Japanese garden blossoms.

If you're a lover of anything and everything cherry blossom, then we highly recommend Zenkashoin.


Yumemi[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ]
These are some of our favorite picturesque and genuinely good Kyoto cafes. If you’re someone who takes location into mind when picking a café, then all these places will be exactly what you’re looking for!
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Cafes cafe blog All Kyoto Area
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