Kyoto is famous for its tea, but coffee lovers won’t struggle here. The city is packed with kissaten—old-school Japanese cafés that serve strong coffee, thick toast, and quiet charm. If you’re starting your day early, these places do more than just caffeine. Their morning-only breakfast sets, known as morning service, are a quiet ritual for locals and a hidden gem for travelers.
Here’s a look at seven standout café chains in Kyoto—each with their own style, signature blends, and breakfast-only perks.
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Why You Shouldn’t Skip
Coffee shops here aren’t just fuel stops. They’re quiet corners of local life. They give you a front-row seat to how the city moves in the morning: regulars reading the paper, toast served with exact precision.
It’s part of what makes Kyoto feel lived-in, not just visited. Whether you’re starting your day, waiting out the rain, or just need a break from sightseeing, a good café here does more than serve coffee. It offers space—mental space, time space, and cultural space.
Plus, that toast-and-egg morning deal? You won’t find that just anywhere.
7 Coffee Chains in Kyoto
Inoda Coffee – Kyoto’s Own Classic
Founded in 1940, Inoda Coffee is a true local institution. With its vintage interior and white-jacketed staff, it feels like stepping into another era. But the coffee is bold, and the breakfast is timeless.
Signature: Arabian Pearl blend—smooth, rich, and served with milk and sugar by default (unless you say otherwise).
Morning Set: The Kyoto Morning includes toast, salad, ham, and a soft-boiled egg. For a bit more, go for the French-style Morning with croissants, jam, and yogurt.
Maeda Coffee – Kyoto’s Retro Roast Hub
Family-run since 1971, Maeda Coffee is Kyoto through and through. With its nostalgic interiors—brick walls, wooden beams, jazz playing softly—it brings a real kissaten vibe, but with a local heart.
Signature: Maeda Blend—a rich, balanced roast that’s smooth but with a slight kick. Pair it with one of their handmade cakes for the full experience.
Morning Set: Order any drink before 11 a.m. and you’ll get toast, a soft-boiled egg, and a small salad. Some locations offer sandwich sets or French toast for an extra charge.
Ogawa Coffee – Kyoto’s Refined Roast Legacy
Founded in 1952, Ogawa Coffee is a Kyoto-born roastery that blends tradition with modern design. Their cafés range from sleek, contemporary spaces to renovated machiya townhouses, offering a serene atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts.
Signature: Flannel drip coffee—brewed with precision using ethically sourced beans, delivering a smooth and rich flavor.
Morning Set: Available before 11 a.m., includes toast, a soft-boiled egg, and a side salad. Some locations offer variations like French toast or sandwiches.
Ueshima Coffee – Kissaten Meets Business Class
A modern twist on the classic Japanese coffeehouse, Ueshima Coffee balances retro charm with sleek efficiency. With its dark leather seats, polished wood tables, and soft jazz soundtrack, it feels refined but accessible.
Signature: Kiwami Blend—a deep, mellow roast brewed with precision. Add the signature “Nel drip” for a smoother, richer flavor.
Morning Set: Before 11 a.m., any drink comes with free thick-cut toast and a boiled egg. For a little more, upgrade to ham toast or a mini salad combo.
Komeda’s Coffee – The King of Comfort
Originally from Nagoya, Komeda’s Coffee is now everywhere—but it keeps its warm, wood-paneled interiors and relaxed pace. Settle into a soft booth, and you’ll notice: people aren’t rushing. Komeda is for slow mornings.
Signature: The Shiro Noir—a warm, flaky Danish topped with soft serve ice cream. Sweet but balanced. One thing you need to note is that all the foods in Komeda are HUGE, literally.
Morning Set: Order any drink before 11 a.m. and get free thick toast plus one side: egg, egg paste, or red bean paste. Yes, that’s standard.
Hoshino Coffee – Hand-Drip and Fluffy Pancakes
Hoshino feels like a modern take on the kissaten. Think dim lighting, jazz music, and a slightly upscale design. But the roots are classic, and the coffee is all hand-dripped.
Signature: Soufflé pancakes—thick, fluffy, and made to order. Takes time, but worth the wait.
Morning Set: Order coffee before 11 a.m. and get toast and a boiled egg for free. You can upgrade to add sausage, salad, or a mini pancake.
Takagi Coffee – Kyoto’s Cozy Secret
Less known to tourists, Takagi Coffee is a local favorite with serious kissaten energy. Dark wood, deep seats, and that lingering aroma of fresh beans—it’s a place where time moves slower.
Signature: Their house blend is full-bodied with a slightly smoky finish. They also do a great Vienna coffee topped with whipped cream.
Morning Set: Again, any drink before 11 a.m. comes with free toast and egg, but they rotate in extras like jam, salad, or small desserts depending on the branch.
Final Thoughts
Kyoto mornings aren’t always about matcha and temple bells. Sometimes, they start with a strong cup of coffee, thick-cut toast, and the soft clatter of saucers. Whether you’re drawn to Komeda’s comfort, Inoda’s elegance, Hoshino’s fluff, or Takagi’s calm, each of these cafés offers more than a caffeine fix—they give you a reason to slow down.
And if you time it right, breakfast is basically free.
Speaking of kinda free, join our walking tour and get the most out of your Kyoto journey with our knowledgeable local guides!
FAQ Section
Q1. What is “morning service”?
Morning service is a beloved tradition at many Japanese cafés. If you order a drink before 11 a.m., you often get a small breakfast set for free—or for a very low additional cost. The typical set includes thick-cut toast and a boiled or soft-cooked egg, but depending on the café, it may also come with salad, jam, red bean paste, or even yogurt. It’s a quiet, budget-friendly way to start the day—especially popular with locals.
Q2. Can I just go in for coffee?
Yes, you’re absolutely welcome to go in just for a coffee. These cafés—especially Komeda’s, Inoda, and Ogawa—are built around the coffee experience. That said, the morning sets offer great value, so many visitors opt for the full breakfast deal even if they weren’t planning to eat. No pressure, just options.
Q3. Do these cafés have Wi-Fi?
Some of them do, especially the larger or newer branches like Hoshino Coffee or certain Ogawa Coffee locations. However, traditional kissaten culture isn’t geared toward digital workspaces. You’ll see more people reading the newspaper or having a slow chat than typing away on laptops. If Wi-Fi is a priority, it’s best to check the branch details online before visiting.
Q4. Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, quite a few. Most morning sets include items like toast, jam, butter, salad, and eggs. While not vegan, these are usually vegetarian-friendly. If you’re unsure, menu photos or asking the staff (even by pointing) can help clarify what’s included. Cafés like Maeda and Komeda tend to be the most flexible.
Q5. Can I sit solo for a long time?
Absolutely. These cafés are very solo-friendly, and many customers come alone to read, plan their day, or just relax. There’s no rush to leave, especially in places like Takagi or Ogawa where the pace is slow by design. It’s part of the charm—quiet time is respected here.
Q6. Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes, that’s totally fine. While staff may speak limited English, most cafés use ticket machines or have menus with photos and some English. Pointing politely is perfectly acceptable. Learning a few basics like “Morning set, please” or “Thank you” goes a long way, but you’ll manage just fine without being fluent.
Q7. Can I find these cafés near tourist spots?
Yes. You’ll spot locations near major landmarks like Kyoto Station, Gion, Nishiki Market, and Shijo-Karasuma. Big names like Komeda’s, Inoda, and Ogawa have central branches that are easy to access. A short walk from any major subway or shopping street usually leads you to one.
Q8. Are there long lines in the morning?
It depends on the branch and the day. Weekend mornings can get busy, especially at iconic places like Inoda’s main branch. But on weekdays, you’ll often find plenty of open seats, especially right when they open. Going early (around 8 a.m.) is the best bet if you want a quiet spot and full morning service options.
