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10 Retro Cafes Around Higashiyama-eki (Higashiyama Station)! Popular Spots

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10 Retro Cafes Around Higashiyama-eki (Higashiyama Station)! Popular Spots

Higashiyama (eastern Kyoto) is one of Kyoto’s most historic areas, a neighborhood that continues to charm visitors with its stone paved alleys and atmospheric buildings. Blending naturally into this tasteful streetscape, you will find cafes full of timeless warmth here and there. This time, we have rounded up retro cafes around Higashiyama Station with great atmosphere where you can enjoy a luxurious moment.

Last updated: July 24, 2026 (Created: July 21, 2026)

This article is based on2,546Tabelog reviews.

Dessert Cafe Chorakukan

This retro cafe is located inside Chorakukan, a Western-style building built in the Meiji era, and offers an elegant atmosphere with a sense of history.

Depending on whether you visit for afternoon tea, cafe time, or a meal, they guide you to a room with a different atmosphere. For an additional charge, you can also use a Private room.

They offer a lineup of seasonal desserts Homemade by their pastry chef, perfect for cafe time.

The "shortcake" ordered on this day was said to feature lightly sweetened whipped cream and moist sponge cake, making it a classic yet elegant dessert.

You can enjoy traditional British afternoon tea in the Geihin no Ma (Guest Reception Room), a Rococo-style room that was once used as a drawing room.

In addition to sweets, scones, and finger foods, the set also comes with refillable coffee or tea.

ぐるてん☺︎

From the moment I stepped into the retro building, I was excited. The atmosphere was really nice, and it felt like there was not a bad seat anywhere. The Mont Blanc was not only beautiful to look at, but also very delicious. Next time, I would like to visit for afternoon tea.

Source:ぐるてん☺︎'s review

fineosaka

Coffee: Each cup is carefully brewed with a cloth drip, giving it a deep yet mild taste with no harsh notes. The time spent enjoying it in beautiful Okura Touen (Okura China) cups and saucers feels extra special. Atmosphere: The room I was shown to had high ceilings, heavy curtains, and a well-kept garden outside the window. It is an elegant space that feels like stepping back in time.

Source:fineosaka's review

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Kisshokaryo Gion Honten

A retro cafe in a renovated kominka (traditional Japanese house) in Gion, Kyoto, where you can enjoy both Japanese and Western sweets with a focus on kinako (roasted soybean flour) desserts.

Located right in front of the old gate that serves as the entrance to Chion-in, on the 1st floor they sell kinako and warabi-mochi (bracken starch dumplings), while on the 2nd floor you can enjoy desserts mainly made by a patissier.

Drinks include matcha and hand-dripped coffee.

If you want to enjoy a menu item unique to this shop, they recommend the “Fukami Baisen Kinako Latte,” made with kinako (roasted soybean flour) from Miyagi Shirome Soybeans. Its gentle flavor is appealing, with the toasty aroma of kinako softly spreading through each sip.

The popular Kogashi Kinako Parfait (Roasted Soybean Flour Parfait), which gets lots of positive reviews, comes in an elegant style with the glass packed full of ingredients.

Between the kinako and vanilla ice cream, there is said to be soy milk blancmange and hojicha (roasted green tea) jelly. With the black sugar syrup served on the side, you can also enjoy changes in flavor.

yum_yum_yuno (ヤムヤムゆの)

The interior has a calm atmosphere, making it perfect for casually stopping by during a break from sightseeing or a stroll. Spending time in this space, renovated from a kominka (traditional Japanese house), makes it feel like a slightly luxurious cafe break.

Source:yum_yum_yuno (ヤムヤムゆの)'s review

ykh110389

This time, I had the Fukami Baisen Kinako Latte. The kinako latte stood out for the fragrant aroma of deeply roasted kinako (roasted soybean flour) made with shirome daizu (white soybeans) from Miyagi Prefecture, and it was a smooth, comforting cup. The staff's polite service also left an impression, and I was able to spend a relaxing time in the calm space. Overall, it was a lovely shop◎

Source:ykh110389's review

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Kissa Gabor

Within walking distance of Higashiyama Station, this shop offers a wide range of classic kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee shop) menu items, including sandwiches, Pancakes, and parfaits.

The calm, hideaway-like interior is decorated with furnishings that give a sense of history, creating an irresistible atmosphere for fans of retro cafes.

"Korona no Tamago Sandwichi Moto-aji," which is said to carry on the recipe from a historic kissaten (Japanese coffee shop) in Kyoto, is popular for its great volume.

A thick omelet is tucked inside soft, fluffy bread, and the sharp mustard sauce adds a nice accent, according to reviews.

The "Jikasei Kasutado Purin (house-made custard pudding)" has a classic look, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

The pudding has a firm texture and offers simple, good flavor. The "Classic Purin a la Mode," which comes with fruit and vanilla ice cream along with the pudding, is also popular.

グルメゆうちゃん

The many furnishings, with their retro modern feel, are a pleasure to look at as well. This time, they ordered the Wonka, a classic chocolate parfait topped with banana and cherry, built around a chocolate brownie and chocolate ice cream. They also have a delightful purin à la mode with assorted fruits, and a wide selection of coffee drinks.

Source:グルメゆうちゃん's review

ユウタロウ0105

This time, I ordered the "Berry Soda Float." In the clear soda, the bright tartness and sweetness of the berries blend in, and the ice cream floating on top gives it an irresistibly cute look. When I tilted the glass, the fizzy carbonation and fruity berry aroma spread across my mouth, and I was surprised by how refreshing it was beyond what its appearance suggested.

Source:ユウタロウ0105's review

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Gion Hitsuji Cafe

If you're looking for a retro cafe in the Higashiyama-ku Gioncho area, this is one place to add to your list. You can enjoy a wide range of drinks, meals, and sweets.

Inside the machiya (traditional townhouse)-style cafe, jazz plays in a calm and relaxing space. You can spend an elegant moment while looking out over the charming inner garden.

The dessert menu is extensive and looks easy to enjoy casually. The chocolate parfait gets good reviews for its mix of textures, including jelly and cream puffs.

You can choose the type of ice cream used in the parfait, and they also seem to offer Kyoto-style flavors like hojicha (roasted green tea) and matcha (powdered green tea).

The signature "sakusaku wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar) cream puff" made by the dedicated pastry chef is also popular.

It is baked with cookie dough made generously with wasanbon placed on top of the choux pastry. The cream, which is filled after you order, can be chosen from custard or a seasonal limited cream option.

akari.fah2222

A cafe that stands quietly on a narrow lane in Gion (Kyoto’s geisha district). In an area where many places close early, this is a rare spot where you can take your time enjoying sweets even at night. The inside feels like it has captured the full charm of Gion, and the calm setting is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the afterglow of sightseeing. Wrapped in soft lighting, it was a space that naturally put even your mind at ease.

Source:akari.fah2222's review

dmm9283

The premium coffee turned into a clean cup with a nice bitterness when poured after waiting for the hourglass. The wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar) cream puffs were light, mildly sweet, and bite-sized, so I felt like I could eat several. It was a cold day with light snow in the air, but the staff worked hard and made this a heartwarming cafe.

Source:dmm9283's review

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Yamamoto Kissa

A cafe about a 5-minute walk from Higashiyama Station and Gion-Shijo Station, where you can enjoy coffee and light meals.

It is popular as a retro cafe with a cute atmosphere. People also say it is a warm and cozy place loved by locals.

They offer a wide range of food items, including curry, pasta, and sandwiches, and the "Yaki Tamago Sando (grilled egg sandwich)" seems to be especially popular.

People say both the bread and egg are soft and tasty. In the morning, many customers also order it as part of a Breakfast set menu.

The pudding served in a silver dish has a charming old-school look and is definitely worth ordering.

The pudding itself has a nice eggy flavor and a light sweetness, with the slight bitterness of the caramel standing out. It is said to be irresistible for pudding lovers.

かほたんたんめん

The thick cut tamago (Japanese omelet) was so fluffy and very tasty. Most tamago sandwiches I usually have are filled with chopped boiled egg, so this felt fresh and different. It was also satisfying to eat. The simple brown ribbon design on the coffee cup looked stylish, and the coffee had a clean taste that was easy to drink. This is a lovely kissa (Japanese coffee shop) with a calm atmosphere where retro and modern styles blend beautifully.

Source:かほたんたんめん's review

satomooooomin

A retro kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop)♡ I fell in love at first sight with the look of the cream soda, so I went♡ The cream soda glass is cute too, and the cherry on top of the ice cream is adorable!!! The pudding is slightly bitter, firm, and so good♡ Retro cafes are the best

Source:satomooooomin's review

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Kissa me

This is a jun-kissa (classic Japanese coffee shop) where you can enjoy classic cafe menu items like Omurice, Napolitan, and sweets. It is a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station.

Inside the calm shop, pop songs from decades ago play, and many people seem to be charmed by the nostalgic atmosphere.

The brightly colored floats, with visuals that make you want to take a photo, are popular. You can choose the soda in either a single color or two colors.

There seem to be many flavor options, so you are sure to find a favorite taste or color. The ice cream with vanilla beans mixed in is also said to be good.

Among the food menu, Ginza Omurice stands out with lots of positive reviews. It comes in a style with the egg placed on top of the rice.

The soft, jiggly egg is rich, and the well-seasoned ketchup rice is said to have a satisfying flavor. There is also a set menu with a drink.

lxxp4

The shop has two floors, and the system is that you order and pay on the first floor before going up to the second. With classic Omurice, pasta, and even retro-cute soda floats and ice cream, it was a place retro fans would love. The interior was also filled with nostalgic music and furniture, and while the seating was limited, it was a very cozy kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop).

Source:lxxp4's review

食べ盛りのおひとり様

This Omurice is seriously top tier. It is the kind of Omurice that splits open, with soft fluffy egg, and the gentle milky richness of the cheese works amazingly well with the egg. The chicken rice also has a mild flavor that goes very well with it. The chicken has a nice presence too. It is really worth eating no matter how long the line is.

Source:食べ盛りのおひとり様's review

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COFFEE Cattleya

This coffee shop is popular for its aromatic coffee, with each cup brewed carefully one by one. Some say it is a place where you can relax and lose track of time.

Located within walking distance of Higashiyama Station and right next to Yasaka Jinja (Yasaka Shrine), the interior is said to have the feel of a retro cafe with a sense of history.

Many people seem to spend a happy moment here with coffee that shows a strong sense of care and attention. It looks like they also offer tea and juice on the menu.

The "caffè latte" stands out for its beautiful latte art. It is said to be a cup where the coffee's acidity and bitterness come together with the rich taste of milk.

They also offer toast, cake, and other menu items that are perfect for cafe time.

The cake set comes recommended, and some reviews say the cake’s refined sweetness brings out the rich flavor of the coffee even more.

椎名G4

Drawn in by the retro exterior, I was welcomed by the kind owner and took my seat. Since it was hot, I had an iced cafe latte and a black tea cake. Even though it was a cafe latte, you could really tell they care about the beans, with a great balance of aroma and flavor, and it was very good. The cake also had a clear black tea flavor.

Source:椎名G4's review

ゆうた1996

I had a single macchiato. This time they used Ethiopian beans, and it was good with a nice level of bitterness and aroma, and I was able to relax and take my time while looking at the latte art.

Source:ゆうた1996's review

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Gion Ishi Kissashitsu

Located on the second floor of a building with a modern feel, this coffee shop is popular for its wide variety of tasty sweets.

The interior is said to have a space with a certain charm, making it a good pick for those looking for a retro cafe. Comfortable looking sofa seats line the room.

The "Lemon Jelly," made by squeezing the juice of 2 lemons, is said to be one of the restaurant's signature items.

The jelly has a firm lemon tang, which is said to balance perfectly with the sweet whipped cream. Some say it is just right when you want something refreshing.

They also seem to have a wide selection of sweets made with matcha unique to Kyoto, such as “matcha cream anmitsu (sweet agar dessert with red bean paste)” and “Kyofu matcha parfait (Kyoto-style matcha parfait).”

The photo shows the “Uji matcha cheesecake set.” It is said to have an elegant flavor, with moist cheesecake and plenty of rich Uji matcha blended in.

イマジンドラゴンズ

The interior had a Showa retro atmosphere and felt very comfortable. This time, I ordered the matcha Mont Blanc set. For my drink, I chose an iced café au lait. The Mont Blanc had a great balance of chestnut sweetness and matcha sweetness, and I finished it in no time. Please give it a try!

Source:イマジンドラゴンズ's review

ローズマリー0225

The lemon jelly had a strong tartness and a clean finish, and this cream brought out that tartness just the right amount, working very well together. The coffee was also good, and if you get tired of the crowds, this was the perfect place to take a break, relax, and unwind at a slow pace.

Source:ローズマリー0225's review

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Kiridoshi Shinshindo

This cafe has a full lineup of light meals like toast and sandwiches that are easy to enjoy whenever you feel a little hungry.

Inside, the calm space is filled with nice jazz and retro cafe style touches like red leather sofas.

Some say you can enjoy photogenic sandwiches here, and among the many menu items, the "Jo Wiener Toast" seems to be especially popular.

This simple item features crispy toasted bread with sausage and cucumber tucked inside, and the saltiness of the cucumber is said to really bring it together.

Many people seem to enjoy the jelly sold in the display case at the restaurant not only as takeout but also inside.

The jelly comes in several colors, such as green and red, and its bright look is part of the appeal. Inside the jiggly jelly, there are fruits such as strawberries and mandarins.

ゴンボゴンボ

I ordered the tamago sando (egg sandwich) and coffee. They arrived before long. When I tried it, the thick omelet had a nicely toasted, classic flavor, and it was delicious. The coffee also had a solid bitterness, which was nice. The staff were kind too, and everything was good.

Source:ゴンボゴンボ's review

キ ミ ド リ

・Premium Wiener Toast
This is a simple and unusual sandwich made with carefully trimmed toast, filled with old-school red wieners and pickled cucumber, and it is really good, so I highly recommend it. I finish it in no time and always end up wondering if I should order another one.

Source:キ ミ ド リ's review

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Kororado Gion Ten

This popular spot has a cozy retro cafe feel, where you can relax and enjoy a meal or sweets.

It is easy to get to from Higashiyama Station and Gion-Shijo Station, and its great location right by Yasaka Jinja (Yasaka Shrine) is part of the appeal.

They offer several meal options, including curry and sandwiches, and you can enjoy them as a set with a drink of your choice.

The "beef tendon curry rice" is packed with chunks of beef tendon that are so tender they seem to melt in your mouth, and the curry is said to have sweetness and richness along with a nice spicy kick.

They also recommend the house-made "o-matcha purin (matcha pudding)," which is just right for dessert after a meal.

The matcha pudding is known for its perfectly soft, springy texture and a rich, slightly bitter flavor with a more grown-up taste. The kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) and fresh cream seem to add a nice accent.

まるこ32632

The sandwich was delicious again. It had vegetables and tuna inside, and I was happy that it was more generously filled than I expected. It was full of flavor and very tasty. It was the kind of good sandwich you hope for at a classic kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop). The staff were friendly, and the relaxed atmosphere inside made it a very comfortable place to spend time. I’ll be back.

Source:まるこ32632's review

RURU ISLAND

The staff are polite and friendly, which makes the place feel very comfortable. I ordered the curry, and its fragrant spices and deep flavor were really delicious, warming both body and soul.

Source:RURU ISLAND's review

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