4 coolest coffee chains in Kyoto

Kyoto City’s coffee consumption is the biggest in Japan (according to nikkei.com). It’s the war zone for coffee chains. Here are the four best cafes/coffee chains considered exceptional by locals. A list of all coffee chains in Kyoto is at the end.

HUMAN MADE 1928 CAFE by Blue Bottle Coffee

Yes, it’s a Blue Bottle Coffee.

But it’s the world’s first Blue Bottle Coffee that collaborates with a fashion brand.

The fashion brand, HUMAN MADE 1928, was founded by a Japanese designer, Nigo. The cafe, HUMAN MADE 1928 CAFE, is located in 1928 Building that is the Registered Tangible Cultural Property (登録有形文化財) of Kyoto.

HUMAN MADE 1928 CAFE is the only Blue Bottle Coffee where you can get Kyoto’s premium wagashi treats by the local legend Kagizen Yoshifusa (鍵善良房).

Why not have a coffee and wagashi at an Art Deco building in Kyoto?

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HUMAN MADE 1928 CAFE by Blue Bottle Coffee | Address: 56 Benkeiishicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 〒604-8082, Japan

Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto Cafe

Kyoto is heaven for Blue Bottle Coffee lovers.

5 out of all 8 Blue Bottle Coffee locations in the Kansai region are in Kyoto (2 in Kobe, 1 in Osaka). Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto Cafe is the first location in the Kansai region.

After sightseeing at nearby Nanzen-ji Temple (南禅寺), why not have a coffee break at this 100+ year-old Kyo-machiya (京町家) Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto Cafe?

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Blue Bottle Coffee Kyoto Cafe | Address: 64 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 〒606-8437, Japan

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters’ first location in Japan opened in Ace Hotel Kyoto in 2020. Cheers to good coffee and the iconic Kengo Kuma (隈研吾) building.

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Stumptown Coffee Roasters | Address: 245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 〒604-8185, Japan