Kyoto Cafes You Need To Visit Before They Blow Up

SUNNY GEORGE - Neighborhood cafe that is suddenly on everyone’s list

SUNNY GEORGE is the kind of compact, light-filled neighborhood cafe that feels like it should have a waiting list already. With a 4.8 rating and a sharp spike in recent reviews, it is clearly in discovery mode rather than fully blown up.

Expect carefully pulled espresso, simple but well-plated sweets, and a relaxed playlist that makes lingering feel natural. The interior leans clean and minimal with warm touches, so it works for both solo laptop time and quiet catch-ups.

Why it is trending now: It is a new opening with a strong early review score and a noticeable month-on-month review jump. Locals are sharing it on social media as a “please don’t ruin this place” kind of spot, which usually means it is about to become very popular.

Best for: Slow mornings, journaling, and people who like to claim a regular seat at a cafe before it becomes mainstream.

With.You - A cafe that feels like your stylish friend’s living room

With.You is a new cafe with a 4.8 rating and almost 100 reviews already, which is impressive for a recent arrival. It feels like a hybrid between a design studio, living room, and cafe, with soft lighting and thoughtful decor.

Here you will find specialty coffee, seasonal drinks, and desserts that look very ready for Instagram. The staff lean into the “with you” concept, making first-time visitors feel like regulars. Seating is a mix of counter and small tables, so it never feels like a loud group hangout.

Why it is trending now: Its review growth is solid, and it is gaining momentum as a date spot and a post-sightseeing wind-down cafe. Kyoto locals are calling it a “comfort cafe,” and that word of mouth is drawing in more visitors each week.

Best for: Couples, small friend groups, and anyone wanting a cozy but modern Kyoto cafe experience.

Kyoto Charcoal Eel Suisen Gion Yasaka - Unexpected cafe comfort in Gion

Kyoto Charcoal Eel Suisen Gion Yasaka is best known for its charcoal-grilled eel, but it is also drawing attention from cafe hunters who want something more unique than another latte spot. With a 4.8 rating and a huge volume of reviews, it is already established, yet its cafe-like appeal is trending among food-focused travelers.

The setting near Yasaka Shrine makes it easy to combine with a Gion stroll. Inside, you get a warm, traditional Kyoto atmosphere with attentive service and carefully presented dishes. While not a cafe in the strict sense, it delivers the same slow, satisfying experience you might seek from a great cafe, just with exceptional eel and tea rather than only coffee.

Why it is trending now: Travelers on social platforms are tagging it as a “must-stop in Gion” and highlighting it as a relaxed alternative to crowded coffee chains nearby. Its steady review growth shows it continues to convert first-time visitors into vocal fans.

Best for: Food travelers who think of “cafe time” as a full sit-down meal and want a classic Kyoto vibe near Yasaka Shrine.

Sclaundry - Creative cafe-laundry hybrid with a cult following

Sclaundry is one of Kyoto’s most interesting new multi-use spaces. As the name hints, it combines a cafe with laundry facilities, turning a basic chore into an excuse to sip good coffee and hang out. It holds a 4.8 rating and, while review volume is still modest, the people who find it tend to rave.

Inside, the design is clean and functional with playful touches. You will see locals working on laptops, travelers catching up on laundry between temple visits, and neighbors dropping in just for a drink or snack. The vibe is unpretentious and quietly creative.

Why it is trending now: It is new, niche, and highly shareable. People love posting the “I did my laundry at a cool Kyoto cafe” story, and that social buzz is slowly building a dedicated fan base.

Best for: Digital nomads, long-stay travelers, and anyone who loves hybrid spaces that feel very local and very now.

% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama - Iconic riverside coffee with a fresh wave of interest

% ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama is already famous, but it is still trending thanks to its riverside views and highly recognizable branding. With over 5,000 reviews and a solid 4.2 rating, it is no secret, yet recent review growth shows it remains a must-stop for first-time Kyoto visitors.

Located near the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, it is perfectly placed for a coffee break before or after bamboo grove walks. Expect a line, especially in peak hours, but the reward is a well-made espresso drink in a photogenic cup that frames the river and mountains in the background.

Why it is trending now: Short-form video platforms keep rediscovering this spot, pushing new waves of visitors its way. It is especially popular with travelers who plan their Arashiyama day around “view plus coffee” moments.

Best for: First-time Kyoto visitors, coffee brand fans, and anyone planning sunrise or sunset photos in Arashiyama.

How to explore Kyoto’s trending cafe scene

• Go early or off-peak: The most buzzed-about spots can get crowded by late morning. Aim for opening time or late afternoon.
• Mix new with established: Pair a new discovery like SUNNY GEORGE or Sclaundry with a classic like % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama for a balanced day.
• Use neighborhoods as a guide: Gion, Arashiyama, and quieter residential pockets each offer a different cafe mood, from traditional to ultra-modern.

Kyoto’s cafe culture is evolving quickly, and the most interesting places are often the ones that have just started to trend. MapsBuddy helps you spot these rising stars early so you can enjoy them while they still feel personal and local.