Kyoto\u2019s Minami Ward stretches out to the south of JR Kyoto Station. While the World Heritage-listed T\u014d-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\u2019s surprisingly little information about cafes and restaurants in Minami Ward outside the immediate vicinity of T\u014d-ji?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, Minami Ward in Kyoto City is home to numerous \u201ctraditional coffee shops\u201d and \u201cretro cafes\u201d 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\u2014who verified all the information firsthand\u2014will introduce 10 retro cafes and coffee shops in Minami Ward that are well worth a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u25a0 What\u2019s the area south of Kyoto Station like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Summary<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Minami Ward in Kyoto City is bordered by Fushimi Ward and Higashiyama Ward to the east across the Kamo River, by Muk\u014d City and Nishiky\u014d Ward to the west, by Uky\u014d Ward and Shimogy\u014d Ward to the north, and by Fushimi Ward to the south. It is also a vibrant neighborhood that blends tourist attractions\u2014such as shrines, temples, and souvenir shops\u2014with residential areas and corporate offices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The eastern part of Minami Ward is close to T\u014dji Temple and Kyoto Station and boasts an extensive rail network, so it\u2019s dotted with modern cafes. On the other hand, the western part is a historic area that once served as the starting point of \u201cSujaku-\u014dji,\u201d the main street of Heian-ky\u014d, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Coffee House YC Kyoto Branch<\/strong>is a coffee shop known for its wide variety of coffee beans and retro atmosphere. The caf\u00e9\u2019s 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\u2019ll be happy to make a recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The food menu is also extensive, with popular items including the omelet sandwich\u2014a Kyoto and Kansai classic filled with thick-style tamagoyaki\u2014and 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\u2014toast, a sandwich, or a hot dog\u2014along with a salad, fruit, and your choice of coffee or tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Coffee House YC Kyoto Branch<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in Shimano-Matsuzume-cho, Kichijoin, Minami WardWest Side<\/strong>It is a long-standing, locally beloved coffee shop known for its traditional Western-style menu. Although it\u2019s a small caf\u00e9, it has a warm atmosphere where you can feel the spirit of Kyoto-style hospitality. The omelet rice\u2014a popular menu item\u2014features a beautifully rolled omelet topped with aromatic demi-glace sauce, offering a classic, timeless flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb West Side<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located just a short distance from Jujo Subway StationYamaguchi Coffee Shop<\/strong>\u3002 In addition to classic caf\u00e9 staples like omurice and sandwiches, the menu features a variety of side dishes\u2014such as oden and ham cutlets\u2014as 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\u2014including \u201cRed Curry,\u201d which is a rare find at coffee shops\u2014are 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Yamaguchi Coffee Shop<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in Kuze-Nakakuze-cho, Minami-kuPansy Caf\u00e9<\/strong>\u3002 <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Pansy Caf\u00e9<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located inside \"Avanti,\" a shopping center on the Hachijo Exit side of Kyoto StationMinami Traditional Coffee Shop<\/strong>\u3002 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u3007Minami Traditional Coffee Shop<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n With its bright, glass-walled interior that makes a lasting impressionIrene Caf\u00e9<\/strong>\u3002 The cakes and muffins are homemade, and the coffee is carefully brewed to offer a comforting flavor. The reasonably priced daily lunch specials\u2014such as the meat cutlet served with a mini salad\u2014are very popular, and the excellent value\u2014with each main dish coming with rice, a salad, and soup\u2014is another reason for the restaurant\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Irene's Caf\u00e9<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to long-established shops in the Kuj\u014d area where you can enjoy delicious, house-roasted coffee,Coffee House Senka<\/strong>\u3002 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Senka Coffee House<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you walk along Omiya-dori from Kintetsu Jujo Station, you'll come across itYamamoto Coffee Shop<\/strong>. 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\u2019ll feel a sense of comfort, as if you\u2019re being welcomed by antique furnishings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend the egg sandwiches. These four sandwiches\u2014featuring fluffy bread stuffed with an abundance of eggs\u2014are more filling than they look and are incredibly satisfying. Be sure to take your time and savor the classic, comforting flavors and atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Yamamoto Coffee Shop<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Caf\u00e9 Crown, Hachijo Branch<\/strong>It's a shop that evokes a sense of nostalgia just from the way it looks. The menu offers a wide variety of options, ranging from sandwiches\u2014such as ham sandwiches\u2014to 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another highlight is that you can enjoy \u201cCupid\u201d\u2014a drink made by mixing Calpis and cola that\u2019s a familiar staple in Kansai coffee shops but is often described as \u201clegendary.\u201d It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cb Crown Coffee Shop, Hachijo Branch<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since its opening in Showa 62 (1987), the space has offered a unique atmosphere, surrounded by antique furnishings\u2014such as chairs and tables that exude the luxury typical of the bubble economy era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. West Side<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Yamaguchi Coffee Shop<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With its historic exterior, the caf\u00e9 exudes the charm of a quintessential Showa-era coffee shop. The furniture\u2014including the counter and chairs\u2014is brimming with retro charm, making you feel as if you\u2019ve slipped back in time several decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address: 1, Higashi-Kujo Kawabe-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-671-6534
Hours: Tuesday\u2013Sunday, 4:00 PM\u20138:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
Website (Tabelog):https:\/\/tabelog.com\/kyoto\/A2601\/A260604\/26010409\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Pansy Coffee Shop<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The sign featuring a flower logo evokes the atmosphere of the good old Showa era. This coffee shop is beloved by locals\u2014known for its friendly owner and delicious food\u2014and has a large following of regulars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address: 2-106-2, Kuze-Nakakuze-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-934-6969
Hours: Monday\u2013Saturday, 12:00 p.m.\u20135:00 p.m.
Closed: Sundays
(We recommend calling to confirm before your visit.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Minami Traditional Coffee Shop<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address: 1st Floor, Avanti Building, 31 Higashikujo Nishisann\u014d-ch\u014d, 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\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Irene's Cafe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The shop, bathed in sunlight, has a reputation for lifting people\u2019s spirits just by stepping inside. Many local customers visit specifically to enjoy a chat with the friendly owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n7. Senka Coffee House<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can enjoy a blissful morning in a classic atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address: 60, Higashi-Kujo Kami-Goryo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-672-6678
Hours: Monday\u2013Sunday and holidays, 11:30 a.m.\u20134:30 p.m. (Hours and closed days are subject to change.)
Website (Tabelog):https:\/\/tabelog.com\/kyoto\/A2601\/A260604\/26012642\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n8. Yamamoto Coffee Shop<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n9. Crown Coffee Shop, Hachijo Branch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The interior is bright, and table-top arcade machines\u2014which are no longer in use\u2014are being used as tables, making it a real treat for fans of retro games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address: 1-2 Nakagawara Nishiyashiki-cho, Kisshoin, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Phone: 075-313-8989
Hours: 8:00 a.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.
Closed: Sundays
Website (Tabelog):https:\/\/tabelog.com\/kyoto\/A2601\/A260604\/26011827\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n10. Caf\u00e9 Bar Maple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n