Kyoto Cafes You Need To Visit Before Everyone Else Does

Kyoto Cafes You Need To Visit Before Everyone Else Does

5 trending coffee spots in Kyoto where locals and baristas are quietly obsessing right now.

This guide spotlights Kyoto’s rising cafe stars in 2025 - from hidden specialty coffee counters near temples to cozy new community hubs. Each pick is trending for real reasons: fresh openings, review momentum, and word-of-mouth from Kyoto locals.

Cafe Madoi, カフェ 団居 - New neighborhood gem with a perfect rating

Cafe Madoi, カフェ 団居 is the kind of place Kyoto regulars hope tourists never find. It is very new, already holding a perfect 5.0 rating from early visitors, which is rare even in a city this serious about coffee.

Why it is trending:

• Brand new opening with a 5.0 rating across early reviews
• High growth score and steady review trickle show it is gaining momentum, not just getting launch hype
• Locals are talking about its relaxed, homey feel compared to busier central Kyoto cafes

Expect a calm, slow-living atmosphere with careful drinks and simple sweets. It feels more like visiting a friend’s living room than a commercial cafe, which is exactly why it is quietly blowing up among Kyoto residents looking for a low-key third place.

Best for:

• Slow afternoons after temple hopping
• Travelers who prefer intimate, residential spots over big-name chains

MapsBuddy tip: Go in the late morning on weekdays for the most peaceful vibe and a better chance to chat with the barista about beans and brewing.

SUNNY GEORGE - Playful coffee spot with growing hype

SUNNY GEORGE is one of Kyoto’s most cheerful new cafe openings, pulling a 4.9 rating with dozens of reviews already. It strikes a balance between design-forward and genuinely welcoming, which is why it is spreading fast through local social feeds.

Why it is trending:

• New business with a strong 4.9 rating and consistent new reviews in the last month
• Instagram friendly interior that still feels warm, not staged
• Becoming a go to stop for cafe hopping routes in the neighborhood

Inside, you get bright light, clean lines, and coffee that is taken seriously without being intimidating. Expect specialty espresso, seasonal drinks, and light bites that photograph as well as they taste.

Best for:

• Cafe hopping days when you want a photogenic stop
• Travelers who like modern, airy interiors and upbeat music

MapsBuddy tip: If you care about photos, aim for midday when the light is at its best through the windows and the space feels extra sunny, true to its name.

ROOT2 COFFEE (& BAR) Tofukuji - Specialty coffee by day, bar by night

ROOT2 COFFEE (& BAR) Tofukuji sits in a sweet spot near Tofukuji, making it a perfect pre or post temple stop. It doubles as a bar, so the vibe shifts from focused coffee space during the day to a relaxed evening hangout.

Why it is trending:

• Newer opening with a strong 4.7 rating and a rising growth score
• Located near a popular sightseeing area but still feels like a local hideout
• The coffee and bar combo is drawing both daytime remote workers and night owls

Expect carefully pulled espresso, hand drip options, and a compact but thoughtful alcohol menu later in the day. The space is cozy but not cramped, with just enough buzz to feel alive without being chaotic.

Best for:

• Combining Tofukuji sightseeing with a proper coffee break
• Digital nomads who like places that stay open into the evening

MapsBuddy tip: Visit in the late afternoon to watch the transition from cafe to bar. It is an ideal time to grab a final coffee or shift to a cocktail while you plan your next Kyoto stop.

With.You - Community focused cafe with serious coffee

With.You feels like a cafe built for regulars. It is a newer spot with a 4.8 rating and nearly 100 reviews, which signals that it has quickly earned trust with locals and repeat visitors.

Why it is trending:

• Fast growing review count and strong rating show it is more than a passing fad
• Known for friendly service and a welcoming, community first atmosphere
• Becoming a meetup point for friends, students, and remote workers

Inside, you will find a warm, comfortable space that encourages lingering. Drinks are carefully made, with options for both espresso lovers and people who want milder, milk based drinks. Many visitors mention the staff by name in reviews, which is always a good sign.

Best for:

• Long chats, journaling, or laptop time
• Travelers who value hospitality as much as flavor

MapsBuddy tip: If you plan to work, visit outside peak lunch and mid afternoon hours to find a quieter corner and reliable seating.

Söt Coffee Kyoto Shichijo - Established favorite still gaining fans

Söt Coffee Kyoto Shichijo is the most established name on this list, with hundreds of reviews and a 4.8 rating. Despite not being brand new, it is still trending thanks to steady review growth and repeat visits from coffee obsessed travelers.

Why it is trending:

• High review volume plus a strong rating show long term quality
• Located in an easy to reach area, making it a staple for many Kyoto itineraries
• Known on social media but still feels more like a specialty shop than a tourist trap

Expect specialty coffee with attention to beans and brewing methods. The shop tends to attract a mix of locals, digital workers, and visitors who plan their trips around coffee. It is polished but not pretentious.

Best for:

• Coffee purists who want consistently excellent brews
• First time visitors to Kyoto looking for a reliable anchor cafe

MapsBuddy tip: Use Söt Coffee Kyoto Shichijo as your starting point, then build a mini cafe crawl to newer spots like Cafe Madoi, カフェ 団居 or SUNNY GEORGE to compare styles.

How to use this guide in Kyoto

• Pair cafes with temples and walks: ROOT2 COFFEE (& BAR) Tofukuji works with Tofukuji, while Söt Coffee Kyoto Shichijo is ideal before or after exploring central Kyoto.
• Balance new and established: Mix very new spots like Cafe Madoi, カフェ 団居 with proven favorites like Söt Coffee Kyoto Shichijo to feel the full spectrum of Kyoto cafe culture.
• Follow the review momentum: Places with fewer but fast growing reviews are where trends are forming right now.

Conclusion

Kyoto’s cafe scene is shifting quickly, with small, thoughtful spaces popping up in residential streets and around classic sightseeing areas. MapsBuddy tracks ratings, growth, and local buzz so you can find the spots that are trending now, not last year’s headlines. Use this guide as your shortcut to Kyoto’s next favorite cafes before they go fully mainstream.