Best 6 Kyoto Machiya Cafes: Where Tradition Meets Coffee

Kyoto Machiya cafes Kyoto
2025.03.02

Discover Kyoto’s Unique Café Culture

Kyoto is famous for its beautiful temples, traditional streets, and rich cultural history. But did you know it also has a unique café scene? Many cafes in Kyoto are located inside renovated Machiya—traditional wooden townhouses that are over 100 years old.

A Machiya (町屋) is a traditional Japanese townhouse that combines a home and a shop. It developed in cities like Kyoto and Edo and features wooden structures, lattice windows, and deep, narrow layouts. Many Machiya are now renovated into cafés, inns, and cultural spaces, preserving their historic charm.

1. Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto – Modern Coffee in a Historic House

  • Beautiful Machiya design: A 100-year-old townhouse turned into a stylish café.
  • Perfect for coffee lovers: Serves high-quality, carefully brewed coffee.
  • Great location: Near Nanzenji Temple and Keage Incline.

Recommended Menu: Kyoto-exclusive Matcha Latte – A perfect blend of rich matcha and creamy milk.
Location: Keage Station, 5-minute walk.
Official Website: Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto

2. Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka – A Traditional Starbucks Experience

  • One-of-a-kind Starbucks: Located inside a historic wooden townhouse.
  • Tatami seating: Enjoy coffee in a traditional Japanese room.
  • Popular tourist spot: Located near Kiyomizu Temple and Gion.

Recommended Menu: Kyoto-exclusive Yatsuhashi Frappuccino – A drink inspired by Kyoto’s famous cinnamon rice crackers.
Location: Gion-Shijo Station, 10-minute walk.
Official Website: Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka

3. RUFF – A Bakery Café in a Renovated Townhouse

  • Modern yet traditional: A former private residence transformed into a stylish bakery café.
  • Freshly roasted coffee: Offers high-quality, in-house roasted specialty coffee.
  • Homemade bread: Serves delicious croissants, sourdough, and other freshly baked bread.

Recommended Menu: Fig & Cassis Marinated Ham with Mascarpone (¥880)
Location: 5-minute walk from Shijo Station & Karasuma Station
Official Website: RUFF

4. Cafe1001 – A Book Café in a Meiji-era Townhouse

  • Historic atmosphere: A renovated Machiya that was once a textile factory.
  • Over 2,000 books: A cozy space filled with books for visitors to read.
  • Relaxing environment: A quiet café perfect for unwinding with a book.

Recommended Menu: Chocolate Mint Parfait
Location: 15-minute walk from Imadegawa Station
Official Website: Cafe1001

5. Saryo Hosen – A Traditional Japanese Sweet Café

  • Renovated old house: Preserves the beauty of a traditional Japanese home.
  • Beautiful garden views: Enjoy your sweets while overlooking a peaceful garden.
  • Handmade Wagashi (Japanese sweets): Famous for its freshly made Warabi Mochi.

Recommended Menu: Warabi Mochi (traditional bracken starch jelly)
Location: 10-minute walk from Kitayama Station
Official Website: Saryo Hosen

6. Coffee Base NASHINOKI – Specialty Coffee with Kyoto’s Famous Water

  • Located inside a shrine: A hidden café inside the grounds of Nashinoki Shrine.
  • Brewed with Kyoto’s “Somei Water”: One of Kyoto’s three most famous natural water sources.
  • Peaceful surroundings: A quiet spot surrounded by nature.

Recommended Menu: Specialty Coffee
Location: 15-minute walk from Jingu-Marutamachi Station
Official Website: Coffee Base NASHINOKI

Why You Should Visit a Kyoto Machiya Café

Kyoto’s Machiya cafes offer more than just coffee—they provide a unique cultural experience. You can enjoy:

  • Beautiful traditional Japanese interiors
  • A peaceful and historic atmosphere
  • Locally sourced Kyoto-style desserts and drinks

Whether you are a coffee lover, a history fan, or a traveler looking for a unique Kyoto experience, visiting a Machiya café is a must!

FAQ

What is a Kyoto Machiya cafes?

A Machiya café is a coffee shop inside a renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse. These cafes keep the original wooden design and tatami rooms while serving modern coffee and desserts.

Where can I enjoy a traditional Japanese sweet in a Machiya café?

Saryo Hosen is famous for its freshly made Warabi Mochi, a must-try Kyoto dessert.

Do I need a reservation for these cafés?

Reservations are not required, but these cafés are very popular. Be prepared to wait in line, especially during peak hours.

Can I take photos inside Machiya cafés?

Most cafés allow photography, but some may have restrictions to maintain the atmosphere. It’s best to ask the staff before taking pictures.