1
Kawama Shokudo

Opens at 8 AM. Enjoy a relaxing morning while gazing at the Kamo River.

Located south of Gojo Bridge, a little away from the bustling city center. This is a shop with a double river view, sandwiched between the Kamo River and the Takase River. In front of the entrance, the Takase River flows gently, and beyond the large windows facing east, the peaceful scenery of the Kamo River spreads out.

The shop opens at 8:00 AM, which is rare in the neighborhood. The signature menu consists of two main pillars: "Rice Burgers" with Japanese-style arrangements like "Omelet & Green Onion Miso," and "Baguette Sandwiches" filled with hearty ingredients like mustard chicken and chili con carne. Fruit sandwiches that can be enjoyed like a dessert are also popular.

Also take note of the artistic interior that recreates the Higashiyama mountain range.

The interior, based on white and blue, is also stylish. The painting on the wall was apparently traced by all the staff from a photo of Higashiyama taken from the second floor of the shop. It has a modern feel, almost like contemporary art.

The drink menu is also extensive, featuring Kyoto-grown gyokuro, Japanese black tea, and green tea-herb blend teas. Furthermore, wine and Kyoto-made craft beer are also available. It is also nice to indulge in a leisurely daytime drink.

Michikusa Expert

Although it only opened in 2020, it already has many regulars. The area is where the mansion of the person thought to be the model for the protagonist of "The Tale of Genji" once stood. Further south is a former red-light district with retro buildings. Be sure to enjoy a stroll around the area.

Kawama Shokudo

• 141-2 Toshi-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto MAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan Main Line
• 8:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:30); Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:00–18:00 (L.O. 17:30)
• Thursdays
• 075-344-0917
• None

2
WIFE&HUSBAND

On sunny days, take your coffee to the Kamo River. Have the picnic you've always dreamed of on the grass.

Near the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, there is a riverside area of the Kamo River with a spacious field. Located a 1-minute walk from here is "WIFE&HUSBAND," which rents out picnic sets. It is a roastery cafe like a small treasure box, packed with the dedication of the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Yoshida.

The picnic basket contains items such as a thermos filled with house-roasted coffee and baked goods. You can also rent the antique chairs and tables lined up under the shop's eaves. On breezy days, enjoy your time on the lawn, or in the shade of the trees on a summer afternoon. You can spend a peaceful moment with a cup of coffee in hand.

The clear-tasting roast "DAUGHTER" is the ideal flavor the couple aimed for.

Enjoying a cup of coffee inside the shop, furnished with antique furniture and tools collected by the couple—such as enamel lampshades, armchairs, birdcages, and sheet music—is truly exceptional.
The roasting is handled by the husband, Kyoichi. He describes their signature blend, "DAUGHTER," by saying, "We expressed our ideal taste." Although it is a dark roast, it has a clean, transparent quality and a rich aroma. It is a flavor you will want to drink every day. It pairs perfectly with the homemade cakes made by his wife, Ikumi, such as the rum-scented pound cake and the smooth, terrine-like steamed cheesecake.

Michikusa Expert

It is a shop with a warm atmosphere that reflects the owners' love for coffee. Near Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, there is a sister store, a roastery and antique shop called "DAUGHTER/SON" in a renovated retro building.

WIFE&HUSBAND

• 106-6 Koyama Shimonai-kawara-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City MAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from Kitaoji Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway
• 10:00–17:00 (Picnic L.O. 15:00 / Cafe L.O. 16:30)
• As business hours vary, please check the business calendar.
• 075-201-7324
• None

3
Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

A roastery cafe that uses the great nature of Arashiyama as borrowed scenery.

Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge. If you step away from the crowds heading toward the tourist attractions and travel upstream along the Katsura River, you will see a small house with an impressive tiled roof and glass facade.

This is the second branch of "Arabica Kyoto," a coffee roaster known for its "%" logo. Although it is for takeout only, the magnificent flow of the Katsura River lies right in front of you. Once you sit on the bench in front of the shop or on the riverbank embankment, your open-air cafe experience begins. The scenery that spreads out across the counter while you wait for your order is also breathtaking. It is as if you are watching a barista's performance in a glass tea room.

Take a break while cooling off in the river breeze. The adorable latte art is also soothing.

The appeal of Arabica Kyoto lies in its coffee with wonderful flavor, roasted from green beans purchased directly from "transparent" producers around the world. The most popular item is the "Caffe Latte." The depth and richness created by the chocolatey original blend espresso and high-fat foam milk are exquisite.

In addition, the Uji Matcha Latte and homemade lemonade are also recommended. There is a small roaster inside the shop, and you can also have green beans roasted to your preference for home use.

Michikusa Expert

The outdoor terrace is available for private reservations. It has a roof, so it also provides shade from the sun. It is sure to be a special experience.

Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

• 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City MAP
• Approx. 3-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Line, approx. 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line, and approx. 12-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line
• Weekdays 9:00–17:00, Weekends and holidays 9:00–18:00
• Irregular holidays
• 075-748-0057
• None

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BABBI GELATERIA KYOTO

A summer-only treat. Enjoy Italian gelato on the Kamo River's noryo-yuka (cooling floor).

When it comes to summer traditions in Kyoto, nothing beats the "noryo-yuka" (cooling floor). It is a culture of enjoying a meal while staying cool on a platform set up along the riverbank or over a clear stream. While it may have a high-end image, casual "yuka" operated by cafes have also been appearing recently.

One such place is the gelato specialty shop by "BABBI," an Italian-born wafer manufacturer. Founded in 1952 as a cone factory for gelato, BABBI is also said to have an established reputation for making gelato. Taking a break with a chilled sweet while gazing at the panoramic view is a truly luxurious time.

Beautiful from the blue sky to the sunset and the moonlit night. The indoor terrace seating is also comfortable.

The gelato that catches your eye comes in 18 varieties, including seasonal flavors. From their specialty fragrant pistachio to rich Alphonso mango and Okinawa brown sugar syrup kinako, each is handmade in the shop every day based on recipes passed down by the Babbi family that "bring out the best in the ingredients."

When you try the popular Amaou strawberry, the condensed sweetness and aroma of the strawberry spread throughout your mouth. Yet, the texture is smooth and refreshing. This lightness is the greatest charm of gelato. You can easily finish a double scoop.

Michikusa Expert

The parfaits featuring several types of gelato and the summer-only gelato shaved ice are exquisite. You can also enjoy a cocktail affogato with the night view. While regular shops charge a seating fee for the deck, it is free here. Please be considerate of others when it is crowded.

BABBI GELATERIA KYOTO

• 134 Saito-cho, Kiyamachi-dori Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi MAP
• Approx. 4-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
• 11:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
• Irregular holidays
• 075-585-5200
• None
• The 2021 Noryo-yuka (riverside dining) is available from May to October. It can be used at any time during business hours.
  *Usually held from May to September (from 17:00 between June and August)

5
murmur coffee Kyoto

Discover a healing pocket of air along the banks of the Takase River.

The Takase River flows gently along Kiyamachi-dori. In fact, this river is a shallow canal that was excavated during the Edo period. In spring, the entire area is dyed pink with rows of cherry trees, and in summer, the lush green leaves are a refreshing sight for the eyes.

A cafe where you can admire this beautiful scenery to your heart's content is "murmur coffee Kyoto." It is located near Kawaramachi Shichijo. When you open the door, the shop is filled with the fragrant aroma of coffee, which is roasted every morning. It is a space where you can feel strangely relaxed even on your first visit.

Try our thick-cut toast with a crispy, fluffy texture, as well as our pastry chef's sweets.

There are three types of house blends: the mild and approachable "Murmur Blend," as well as dark roast and fruity medium-dark roast options. The coffee cups are a collaboration with students from a nearby art university. Local scenery of the four seasons, such as the bridge over the Takase River and the dry landscape garden of a scenic spot, are expressed with a sense of playfulness.

The thick-cut toast, made with bread from a bakery with 40 years of history, has a crispy yet fluffy texture. The fruit tarts and mini cupcakes handmade by the pastry chef are also delicious.

Michikusa Expert

The owner runs a building materials company with a 135-year history in this area. They opened the shop with the desire to "convey the charm of the region." The elegant and warm service from the staff is inherited from the wonderful owner. It is also loved by the regulars.

murmur coffee kyoto

• Takase-kado, Shomen-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 5-minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line
• 9:00–17:00
• Sundays, irregular holidays
• 075-708-6264
• Free (1 space)

6
Salon de Royal Kyoto

A luxurious tearoom found deep in an alleyway.

The Kami-Kiyamachi area exudes a particularly calm atmosphere along the Kamo River. Here, during the summer, you will find Salon de Royal Kyoto, which sets up an open-air noryo-yuka (cooling floor). It is a shop and tea salon run by a long-established chocolatier with over 85 years of history in Osaka.

Turn off Kiyamachi-dori into a narrow alley and head deep inside... Beyond it lies a stylish and bright interior where plenty of sunlight pours in through windows facing the Kamo River. Inside the glass cases, colorful bonbon chocolates, macarons, and beautiful cakes are gently lined up like jewels.

The sophisticated chocolate cake has a light aftertaste.

There are about eight types of cakes. From the classic "Chocolat Vanille" to the "Chocolat Royal," which features a chocolate tart accented with pecan nut cream and exotic fruit gelée, each one is crafted to bring out the diverse textures and flavors of chocolate, showcasing the sensibilities of the young pastry chefs.

If you visit between May and September, be sure to head to the wooden deck noryo-yuka. The scenery, filled with greenery and the sparkling surface of the Kamo River, is so pleasant it makes you want to take a deep breath. Of course, the view from the seats inside, furnished with high-quality tablecloths and leather chairs, is also outstanding. It has a much more elegant atmosphere.

Michikusa Expert

Live piano and violin performances are held in the store every Saturday and Sunday from 14:30. You can also order wine and sparkling wine, and we recommend pairing sweets with alcohol.

Salon de Royal Kyoto

• 502 Kamikoyaki-cho, Kiyamachi-dori Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi MAP
• Approx. 1-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
• 11:00–19:00 (L.O. 18:30)
• Open every day (except January 1st–3rd)
• 075-211-4121
• None
• Noryo-yuka (riverside dining) hours: May/September 11:00–19:00, June–August 16:00–19:00
  *In 2021, open from May to October. Available all day.