Nijō-koya — Restaurant in Kyoto

This is a humble hole-in-the-wall run by a single owner/operator. It’s tucked away in a quiet alleyway near Nijo-Jo. The menu is simple, focusing on pour-overs and a few hot simple meals. Each person needs to order a drink (you can’t just order food). No espresso. No nonsense. The owner doesn’t talk much, but the store has a charming vibe. He put on a vinyl record while we were looking at the menu.

My husband and friend had a cafe au lait, an apple juice, a hot potato salad sandwich. I asked for omakase and the owner asked how light-dark I wanted my coffee. I went with dark. He blended the beans fresh. I had it straight, with no milk or sugar, and it was delicious. Not a hint of bitterness. He knows what he’s doing.

I imagine this place would be popular with backpackers, coffee enthusiasts, and those who could use a brief break from the hustle and bustle of...

This is the kind of place I could discover by chance but never forget. The exterior—a tiny, weathered wooden hut draped in greenery—immediately invited curiosity. Step inside, and I was transported into a warm, nostalgic cocoon where time slows down. Their coffee, served in a vintage cup with retro stripes, fitted perfectly into the space’s thoughtful aesthetic. It arrived steaming, with a rich, dark hue and no frills—just black coffee, presented with quiet confidence. The aroma was earthy and deep, and the first sip revealed a bold yet smooth profile. The ambiance, enhanced by warm filament bulbs and rustic wooden shelves lined with mismatched mugs and saucers, contributes to the overall...

At first I was hesitant to go in. How small it was, the location, I just wasn’t sure it was what I wanted. But going in and watching the owner do his work… it’s clear this man takes his coffee—and his record player—very seriously. Freshly ground coffee, an intense stare as he pours the coffee in front of you with perfect timing… couple that with the absolute single best cup of coffee I’ve had in Japan after a week so far and I’m glad I came in. This is what you hope for when it comes to the Japanese devotion to a craft. It’s a crime that this place didn’t have a line...