9 Cafes Open Early in the Morning in Kyoto

KeFU Stand

5:30 a.m. or 7:00 a.m., Kiyomizu-dera

Located in the historicHigashiyama district, just a few minutes’ walk from Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, KeFU Stand is the perfect spot for a coffee break before or after exploring the main attractions in Eastern Kyoto. This small coffee stand with a minimalist design is known for its carefully prepared coffee—whether espresso or pour-over—as well as its lattes and artisanal pastries. It opens at 5:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Additional Information

• Address: 370 Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0827
• Hours: Monday and Wednesday: 5:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; Tuesday, Thursday–Sunday: 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; Friday: 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Tasuku Coffee

6 a.m., Kinkaku-ji

Located in a residential neighborhood north of Kyoto, near the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, Tasuku Coffee is a hidden gem much loved by locals. It offers an excellent selection of coffees, served with breakfast. Its friendly atmosphere, far from the tourist trails, offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Kyoto residents.

Additional Information

• Address: 114 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8132
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; closed Mondays.

Hive Coffee

6 a.m., Kyoto Imperial Palace

Locatednear the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, Hive Coffee is a modern spot known for its coffee and all-day brunch. 

Additional Information

• Address: 228 Tsukiyamakitahancho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0038
• Hours: Monday: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays.

The Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama is best visited early to avoid the crowds! Located in the heart of the neighborhood, just a short walk from Togetsukyō Bridge, Tenryū-ji Temple, the bamboo forest, and Iwatayama Monkey Park, Coffee Stand ReUnion is the perfect spot to take a break before or after a morning of sightseeing. They serve coffee, as well as lattes, iced drinks, and snacks to go. Its laid-back atmosphere and prime location make it a favorite spot for early risers.

Additional Information

• Address: 3-25 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8385
• Hours: Daily: 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Pico Organic Coffee & Smoothies

7:00 a.m., Fushimi Inari

Less than a five-minute walk from the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Pico Organic Coffee & Smoothies is a great spot for a tasty break in the southern part of the city. It showcaseslocal organic products, offering coffee, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and a variety of plant-based beverages. It’s the perfect place to recharge after visiting the shrine!

Additional Information

• Address: 63-2 Fukakusa Inari Nakanocho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0807
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Saturday: 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; closed on Tuesday and Thursday.

Ogawa Coffee Sakaimachi Nishiki

7h, Nishiki

Located less than a two-minute walk from the Nishiki Market, between Karasuma and Kawaramachi, Ogawa Coffee Sakaimachi Nishiki isone of the most beautiful spots in downtown Kyoto. Housed in a fully renovated machiya (traditional townhouse), the café blends contemporary architecture with a Japanese garden. It serves exclusively ethically sourced coffee, prepared as pour-over, espresso, or cappuccino, along with an excellent breakfast menu (sweet or savory). The perfect spot to start a day of sightseeing before the Nishiki Market opens.

Additional Information

• Address: 519-1 Kikuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8127
• Hours: Daily: 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Gion Coffee Nanafuku

7:30 a.m., Gion

Located in the heart of the historic Gion district, just a few meters from Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji Street, and Maruyama Park, Gion Coffee Nanafuku is the perfect spot to take a break between sightseeing stops. The café serves coffee roasted on-site, lattes, sandwiches, Japanese curries, and homemade desserts. More spacious than most cafés in Gion, it offers a warm and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a morning of sightseeing!

Additional Information

• Address: 540-2 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0074
• Hours: Daily: 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

ROOT2 COFFEE Kiyomizu – Specialty Coffee & Roastery

8 a.m., Kiyomizu-dera

Just a few minutes from Kiyomizu-dera and Kōdai-ji Temple, ROOT2 COFFEE is a must-visit spot for coffee lovers! The café roasts some of its own beans and serves espressos, pour-over coffee, breakfast, and pastries in a carefully renovated traditional building. 

Additional Information

• Address: 583-4 Yugyomaecho, 2nd floor, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0864
• Hours: Daily: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Black Cat Coffee, Gion

8 a.m., Gion

Tucked away on a small street in the Gion district, just steps from Hanamikoji, Yasaka Shrine, and Maruyama Park, Black Cat Coffee is a popular spot known for its peaceful atmosphere. They serve coffee, as well as lattes, matcha lattes, and homemade pastries. Its tasteful decor, blending contemporary style with Japanese touches, makes it a prime spot to take a break in the heart of Kyoto’s most iconic district.

Additional Information

• Address: 70-30 Motoyoshicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0087
• Hours: Daily: 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.