[Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit Side] 10 Retro Coffee Shops & Cafes in the Southern Kyoto Area [Including Hours]

Kyoto’s Minami Ward stretches out to the south of JR Kyoto Station. While the World Heritage-listed Tō-ji Temple attracts large numbers of tourists every day, have you ever noticed that when you do some research in guidebooks or on travel websites, there’s surprisingly little information about cafes and restaurants in Minami Ward outside the immediate vicinity of Tō-ji?

In fact, Minami Ward in Kyoto City is home to numerous “traditional coffee shops” and “retro cafes” that still retain the atmosphere of the Showa era. With easy access from Kyoto Station, this area is perfect for taking a break between sightseeing or enjoying a morning meal. In this article, our Kyoto-based staff—who verified all the information firsthand—will introduce 10 retro cafes and coffee shops in Minami Ward that are well worth a visit.

Table of Contents

■ What’s the area south of Kyoto Station like?

1. Coffee House YC Kyoto Branch
2. West Side
3. Yamaguchi Coffee Shop
4. Pansy Café
5. Minami Traditional Coffee Shop
6. Irene Café
7. Coffee House Senka
8. Yamamoto Coffee Shop
9. Café Crown, Hachijo Branch
10. Café Bar Maple

■ Summary

■What is the south side of Kyoto Station like?

Minami Ward in Kyoto City is bordered by Fushimi Ward and Higashiyama Ward to the east across the Kamo River, by Mukō City and Nishikyō Ward to the west, by Ukyō Ward and Shimogyō Ward to the north, and by Fushimi Ward to the south. It is also a vibrant neighborhood that blends tourist attractions—such as shrines, temples, and souvenir shops—with residential areas and corporate offices.

The eastern part of Minami Ward is close to Tōji Temple and Kyoto Station and boasts an extensive rail network, so it’s dotted with modern cafes. On the other hand, the western part is a historic area that once served as the starting point of “Sujaku-ōji,” the main street of Heian-kyō, and still features old-fashioned coffee shops and small local factories. We recommend taking a short detour during your sightseeing to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood.

Please note that since independently owned coffee shops often change their hours and days off, we recommend checking for the most up-to-date information before visiting.

1. Coffee House YC Kyoto Branch

Coffee House YC Kyoto Branchis a coffee shop known for its wide variety of coffee beans and retro atmosphere.
Since its opening in Showa 62 (1987), the space has offered a unique atmosphere, surrounded by antique furnishings—such as chairs and tables that exude the luxury typical of the bubble economy era.

The café’s signature feature is its extensive coffee selection. In addition to the house blend, you can choose from more than 10 varieties of single-origin beans, such as Blue Mountain and Mocha Mattari. If you let the staff know your preferences for bitterness or acidity, they’ll be happy to make a recommendation.

The food menu is also extensive, with popular items including the omelet sandwich—a Kyoto and Kansai classic filled with thick-style tamagoyaki—and the hearty BLT sandwich, layered with thick-cut bacon. Since the restaurant opens early in the morning, it also offers a breakfast menu, which includes a choice of three items—toast, a sandwich, or a hot dog—along with a salad, fruit, and your choice of coffee or tea.

For dessert, we recommend our homemade pudding topped with cherries, as well as our baked cheesecake made with Maribo cheese, which has a subtly tangy flavor.

○ Coffee House YC Kyoto Branch
Address: 5, Higashi-Kujo Minami-Matsunoki-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-671-3566
Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
Closed: Open year-round
HP:https://yckyoto.wixsite.com/coffeehouseyc

2. West Side

Located in Shimano-Matsuzume-cho, Kichijoin, Minami WardWest SideIt is a long-standing, locally beloved coffee shop known for its traditional Western-style menu.
In addition to tea and coffee, the menu features a wide variety of items, including daily specials, spaghetti, toast, yakiniku rice bowls, curry udon, and yakisoba. The set meals come with soup, salad, and a drink, making them a great choice for a light meal that will still leave you feeling full.

Although it’s a small café, it has a warm atmosphere where you can feel the spirit of Kyoto-style hospitality. The omelet rice—a popular menu item—features a beautifully rolled omelet topped with aromatic demi-glace sauce, offering a classic, timeless flavor.

○ West Side
Address: 42-2 Shimanomazume-cho, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-671-6999
Hours and Closed Days: Sundays and holidays *Please check by phone or on Tabelog before visiting.
Website (Tabelog):https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260604/26033990/

3. Yamaguchi Coffee Shop

Located just a short distance from Jujo Subway StationYamaguchi Coffee Shop。
With its historic exterior, the café exudes the charm of a quintessential Showa-era coffee shop. The furniture—including the counter and chairs—is brimming with retro charm, making you feel as if you’ve slipped back in time several decades.

In addition to classic café staples like omurice and sandwiches, the menu features a variety of side dishes—such as oden and ham cutlets—as well as main dishes like yakisoba, fried rice, and cold noodles, making it a bustling spot during lunchtime for customers of all ages. Three types of curry—including “Red Curry,” which is a rare find at coffee shops—are also popular. Although the combination of curry with miso soup may seem unexpected, the two go well together. Another nice touch is that you can get a refill of the curry sauce.

○ Yamaguchi Coffee Shop
Address: 1, Higashi-Kujo Kawabe-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-671-6534
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
Website (Tabelog):https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260604/26010409/

4. Pansy Coffee Shop

Located in Kuze-Nakakuze-cho, Minami-kuPansy Café。
The sign featuring a flower logo evokes the atmosphere of the good old Showa era. This coffee shop is beloved by locals—known for its friendly owner and delicious food—and has a large following of regulars.

○ Pansy Café
Address: 2-106-2, Kuze-Nakakuze-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-934-6969
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed: Sundays
(We recommend calling to confirm before your visit.)

5. Minami Traditional Coffee Shop

Located inside "Avanti," a shopping center on the Hachijo Exit side of Kyoto StationMinami Traditional Coffee Shop。
As a shop that still strongly evokes the Showa era, it is popular not only with local residents but also with businesspeople on business trips.

In addition to a wide selection of classic iced drinks like coffee, cola, and cream soda, the menu also features light meals such as various types of toast, fried rice, Japanese-style mushroom pasta, and omurice. The most popular item on the menu is the house-made curry rice. It features a light, smooth curry sauce and comes in a variety of options, including large portions, versions with a raw egg, and omelet rice curry. Adding a raw egg allows it to blend well with the sauce and rice, enhancing the richness of the flavor.

〇Minami Traditional Coffee Shop
Address: 1st Floor, Avanti Building, 31 Higashikujo Nishisannō-chō, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-661-3968
Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Closed: Thursdays (please confirm)
Website (Tabelog):https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26035698/

6. Irene's Cafe

With its bright, glass-walled interior that makes a lasting impressionIrene Café。
The shop, bathed in sunlight, has a reputation for lifting people’s spirits just by stepping inside. Many local customers visit specifically to enjoy a chat with the friendly owner.

The cakes and muffins are homemade, and the coffee is carefully brewed to offer a comforting flavor. The reasonably priced daily lunch specials—such as the meat cutlet served with a mini salad—are very popular, and the excellent value—with each main dish coming with rice, a salad, and soup—is another reason for the restaurant’s popularity. The chicken grilled with yuzu pepper, which appears on the menu regularly, is a favorite thanks to its sweet-and-spicy sauce and tender chicken.

○ Irene's Café
Address: 8 Kamitoba Omizo, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-671-1707
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Website (Tabelog):https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260601/26011916/

7. Senka Coffee House

When it comes to long-established shops in the Kujō area where you can enjoy delicious, house-roasted coffee,Coffee House Senka。
You can enjoy a blissful morning in a classic atmosphere.

The brick-style exterior exudes a sense of history, while the interior features an open, airy space with a high ceiling. Stately chandeliers shine down on the neatly arranged tables and chairs. This coffee shop retains the authentic atmosphere of the Showa era, even continuing to use the original cash register from when it first opened.

While the breakfast sandwiches and toast are popular, the classic toast-and-coffee combo is especially delicious. The toast, with the crusts removed and cut into three equal pieces, is toasted to perfection and, paired with a mild coffee, warms you right up from the moment you wake up.

○ Senka Coffee House
Address: 60, Higashi-Kujo Kami-Goryo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-672-6678
Hours: Monday–Sunday and holidays, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Hours and closed days are subject to change.)
Website (Tabelog):https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260604/26012642/

8. Yamamoto Coffee Shop

If you walk along Omiya-dori from Kintetsu Jujo Station, you'll come across itYamamoto Coffee Shop. The retro atmosphere is palpable from the sign and the storefront. As you wipe your hands with a warm towel and look around the interior, you’ll feel a sense of comfort, as if you’re being welcomed by antique furnishings.

We recommend the egg sandwiches. These four sandwiches—featuring fluffy bread stuffed with an abundance of eggs—are more filling than they look and are incredibly satisfying. Be sure to take your time and savor the classic, comforting flavors and atmosphere.

○ Yamamoto Coffee Shop
Address: 106-19 Nishi-Kujo Gokouda-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays

9. Crown Coffee Shop, Hachijo Branch

Café Crown, Hachijo BranchIt's a shop that evokes a sense of nostalgia just from the way it looks.
The interior is bright, and table-top arcade machines—which are no longer in use—are being used as tables, making it a real treat for fans of retro games.

The menu offers a wide variety of options, ranging from sandwiches—such as ham sandwiches—to pancakes, curry spaghetti, pork cutlet curry, and bento boxes. The breakfast special includes toast, coffee, and a hard-boiled egg, providing a satisfying start to your day.

Another highlight is that you can enjoy “Cupid”—a drink made by mixing Calpis and cola that’s a familiar staple in Kansai coffee shops but is often described as “legendary.” It’s a rare spot where you can still savor this nostalgic flavor, beloved by young people in the Showa era, even in the Reiwa era today.

○ Crown Coffee Shop, Hachijo Branch
Address: 1-2 Nakagawara Nishiyashiki-cho, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Phone: 075-313-8989
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Closed: Sundays
Website (Tabelog):https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260604/26011827/

10. Café Bar Maple

With its charming, fairy-tale-like exterior reminiscent of a mountain cabin, it leaves a lasting impressionCafé Bar Maple。
As the name suggests, it operates as a café during the day and a bar at night, and it stays bustling until late at night. Although it’s a café, it has an atmosphere that makes it welcoming to male customers as well.

In addition to classic café menu items like beef curry, toast, and cake, the lunch menu features a wide selection of hearty dishes such as hamburgers and hamburger steaks. Some individual hamburgers and cheeseburgers are also available for takeout. The slightly sweet and creamy rare cheesecake is a popular choice to pair with coffee. If you’re in the mood for a light drink, we also recommend visiting during our evening bar hours.

○ Café Bar Maple
Address: 80-1 Nishiura-cho, Kichijoin Nishinosho, Minami Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-925-5535
Hours of Operation and Closed Days: Please check
Website (Tabelog):https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260604/26032288/

■ Summary

In this article, we’ve introduced 10 retro coffee shops and cafes in Kyoto’s Minami Ward, along with their food menus—including coffee, breakfast sets, and desserts. All of them are located at just the right distance for a stroll starting from Kyoto Station, making them easy to stop by before, after, or in between sightseeing activities. When sightseeing in Minami Ward—visiting places like Tō-ji and Tōfuku-ji—be sure to check out not only the classic tourist spots but also these coffee shops that still retain the atmosphere of the Shōwa era.

Please note that independently owned coffee shops may change their hours or days off, or may close or relocate. We recommend checking the latest operating information on food review sites such as Tabelog or by phone before visiting.