kyocafe chacha — Restaurant in Kyoto

Warm cosy cafe with delicious food. Perfect place to warm up after an early morning explore. Coffee was okay, but the waffles were fun. You can also get more flavours of waffles to take away including strawberry and white choc, matcha and caramel with nuts. Lofi music, warm lighting and blankets make for a great atmosphere. My advice would be to either get there for 8 when they open, or reserve a table. We arrived at 8 on Tuesday (2 people) and got a seat, but by 8:20 it was full, and by 9 there was a queue of at least three groups waiting. You don’t feel rushed when you’re inside, but there were only two people managing both food and customer service so was on the slow side (a warning to those waiting outside that turn around is slow!). Makes for a relaxed experience when you’re inside though. They have toilets and there’s a large children’s play area at the back of the cafe. I personally would reduce the size of the children’s area to accommodate more tables, and there would still be heaps of room to play...

Kyocafe Chacha is tucked quietly off the main path, away from the crowds — a little retreat where waffles and soft morning light meet.

The space is warm and playful, filled with vintage charm and gentle energy. Staff are kind, the kind of kind that doesn’t ask much but makes you feel welcome.

The waffles — crisp on the edge, soft inside — carry just enough sweetness to feel like comfort, not excess. Paired with bacon, cheese, chocolate, or matcha, each one feels like a small, crafted offering.

Even the corn soup surprised me — smooth and soothing, the kind of detail you remember after the plate is empty.

Opens early, which feels rare and perfect. If you’re wandering Arashiyama before the rush, this is a good place to begin. A quiet seat, something warm in hand — that’s enough.

When I come back to Arashiyama, I’ll return. Not just for the waffles, but...

Let me tell you. You are looking to explore around the neighborhood early, like seeing the monkeys, but they won't be open till later on. Kyocafe Chacha opens by 0800. You order their breakfast plate, waffle, or bread plate. It comes with a drink of your choice. If you pick the waffle plate, you can pick a flavor out of their many different flavors. The plate comes with sausage, ham, scramble egg, a small cup of granola, soup, water, bread with butter inside of it (waffle plate), salad (waffle plate), slice of bread with jam/butter (bread plate), croissant with maybe flavor chocolate (bread plate)(I didn't get the bread plate😅). They are all small sizes, but enough to fill you up and not over stuff you. I love it! ❤️ 🤌🫰

Highly recommend you to...