When we were in Kyoto we had to stop by Le Labo’s newest store–a traditional Machiya fully restored to perfection. In Kyoto’s Shimokorikicho, Nakagyo-ku neighbourhood the traditional Japanese Townhouse blends wabi-sabi with the art of slow perfumery. The building, which dates back to 1879 and was once a sake brewery, is an ode to Japanese heritage and craftsmanship.

The are so many stunning elements like Japanese reclaimed wood, traditional notebooks, flowing noren curtains, and stunningly worn walls. Head to the back of the machiya to the onsite café tucked in the house’s original garden and order a matcha. You can sit and sip it in the dreamy, peaceful zen garden. It’s a peaceful retreat with a fountain, statues, and native plants.

Le Labo Kyoto Machiya is at 604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimokorikicho, 2-206. 10am to 7pm.

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While we were in Kyoto I was really looking forward to having a If you want to break away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s streets, head to Wife&Husband. This reservation-only cafe has two options: order inside the cute antique-filled cafe, or enjoy a leisurely picnic along the serene banks of the river. I did both! The picnic was so lovely, you can order all of the items you need for a picnic: stools, a table, a carafe of coffee. Then, you head to the river and enjoy your coffee and the views. Inside, you can order the most delicious honey toast and cheese cake with your coffee. Definitely high on my list of places to go in Kyoto!

Wife & Husband

Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan

The shop is owned by a wife and husband (hence the name) that make all of the coffee themselves together each day. The inside of the cafe is full of gorgeous antiques. It reminded me so much of my grandmas house, and all of the antiques she would collect. Just the cutest little cafe! Check out the tiny piano. Adorable! We ordered the cheesecake and honey toast, and they were both delicious.

Want to have a picnic? Book a reservation here. And be sure to check out the rest of my travel guides here.

xoxo Erika

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Japanese coffee culture is vibrant and diverse. Check out these 8 must-visit coffee spots in Kyoto for your coffee fix in Kyoto. From cozy cafes perfect for a quick caffeine fix to laid-back lounges ideal for spending a leisurely afternoon, each spot offers its own distinct ambiance and flavor.

We often spent our mornings exploring the sights, and then wandered to the coffee shops after. Most places would not open until 10 AM, which was challenging when you’re a “I need coffee now” type of gal in the morning. I’m big on having a coffee before your coffee, so I would stock up on canned coffees at 7-Eleven the night before to sip on while we got ready that morning. We planned our days by neighborhood so that by they time we needed a break we could head into the local neighborhood coffee shop. Kyoto is such a beautiful city and all of these cafes look like cute little oasis’ tucked in unexpected streets. Here are a few favorite coffee shops in Kyoto.

1. Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji

Address: 604-8064 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Honeyanocho, 560 ??

One of the few coffee shops that are open early, this was easily one of my faves. This cute little coffee shop is tucked behind a parking lot with a gorgeous minimalist building. It’s located in a traditional Japanese house, and is stunning and peaceful. I ordered a coffee tonic and we soaked up the tranquility of the space. Soft natural light filtered through traditional Japanese trees, casting a warm glow over the serene surroundings. I was in awe.

2. Wife & Husband

Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan

If you want to break away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s streets, head to Wife&Husband. This reservation-only cafe has two options: order inside the cute antique-filled cafe, or enjoy a leisurely picnic along the serene banks of the river. I did both! The picnic so lovely, you can order all of the items you need for a picnic: stools, a table, a carafe of coffee. Then, you head to the river and enjoy your coffee and the views. Inside, you can order the most delicious honey toast and cheese cake with your coffee. Definitely high on my list of places to go in Kyoto!

3. % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama

Address: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan

If you head out of the main part of the city to the Bamboo Forest, you’ll likely want to stop for coffee beforehand. Tucked away in the northeast side of Kyoto by the popular bamboo forrest there’s an %Arabica coffee shop on the river. There is always a long line here, but it’s worth the wait. You can enjoy your coffee by the flowing river then head to the forest. I love the views you get from the coffee shop! Best views I’ve ever had from a coffee shop.

4. Walden Woods Kyoto

Address: 508-1 Sakaecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8194, Japan

Bathed in whitewash, this cute cafe is tucked away down an unexpected street in Kyoto. You order your food and drinks downstairs, then head upstairs with your coffee in a large tranquil space. With little touches of wood detail and a tree in the center, it nods to Walden’s time spent in the woods, except covered in all white. Don’t forget to order the soft serve, it’s delicious!

5. Kyoto Coffee/Nittodo

Address: 385-5 Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, ??????, ???, Kyoto 605-0827, Japan

In the Gion district everyone was in the massive line for %Arabica, but once we went a bit further up the road the line at Kyoto Coffee was empty. We had the loveliest coffee here, and if you get your coffee “for here” you can go to their secret upstairs spot to drink it in a gorgeous Scandinavian-style gallery space with a secret view of Yasaka Pagoda. We got both of the cheesecakes they had that day (berry and matcha, yum) and ate them upstairs with our coffee. There’s also an adorable shop Nittodo downstairs that I bought so many goodies from. I got a cute notebook, Moonstar shoes, chopstick holders, and a cute Kinto tumbler. There were so many well curated things in the shop!

6. LE LABO KYOTO MACHIYA

Address: Japan, ?604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimokorikicho

Tucked in the back of a dreamy new Le Labo shop, there’s a little coffee shop where you can get a coffee or matcha and enjoy the meticulously preserved Machiya dating back to 1879. I don’t think you can shop with your drink, but you can sit in the garden in the back and enjoy.

7. Goodman Roaster Kyoto

Address:?600-8442 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Yadacho, 115-2

A cute coffee shop that’s open relatively early and has great coffee. A great cozy spot to relax, stay a while and have a coffee.

8. Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the Ace Hotel

Address: Japan, ?604-8185 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kurumayacho, 245-2 ???????? 1?

When we stayed at the Ace Hotel we were so excited to see they had a Stumptown dowstairs that we could pop into in the mornings. They had great pastries, and a cute area to drink your coffee in.

Hope you love these shops on your next trip! For more travel guides, check out my guides here. xoxo Erika

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When booking our hotels for our Japan trip I discovered the Hotel Noum in Osaka and immediately decided to stay there. This boutique hotel is an off the beaten path hotel alongside the Okawa river. I liked the idea of being a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, so this hotel was the perfect choice. You know I’m a sucker for good design and I loved this entire space. The arched door way, the plant-filled lobby, and the limewash walls were all swoon-worthy.

The Breakfast at Hotel Noum

We booked the room with a river view, and loved seeing the views of the riverbank from our balcony. Each morning we had breakfast downstairs at the hotel and it was lovely. We sampled the Western-style breakfast menu each morning, from eggs Benedict’s to delicious Camembert omelettes. The serene ambiance of the hotel’s dining area provided the perfect start to our days, setting the tone for our Osaka adventures.

During our stay, we took advantage of the hotel’s convenient location to explore the surrounding neighborhood. We strolled along the riverside, discovered charming cafes, quaint boutiques, and temples tucked away amongst the bustling cityscape. Each evening after spending the day in the busy city, we returned to the tranquility of the hotel, unwinding in the comfort of our elegant room overlooking the gentle flow of the river.

I loved the cute slippers and robes they leave for you in the room. It was one of my favorite hotels on this trip. Staying at Hotel Noum was the perfect way to ease into being in the city with a blend of luxury, tranquility, and authentic Japanese charm. If you’re seeking a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, the hotel is an oasis of calm amidst the vibrant energy of Japan’s second-largest city.

For more Japan travel guides, check out my Japan posts here.

xoxo Erika

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Just got back from Japan, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of magic and inspiration! From the tranquil beauty of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, I couldn’t stop snapping pics—I’ve got over 3,000 of them! Now, I’m excited to share my top 10 photos with you, hoping they’ll spark that wanderlust and maybe even inspire you to plan your own trip to Japan.

Oh, and heads up: over the next few weeks, I’ll be dishing out some handy guides and tips for anyone thinking about traveling to Japan. If there’s anything specific you wanna know or any topic you’re dying to hear about, just drop a comment below! Your input will totally shape what I cover next, so don’t be shy. Get ready for a whole lot of Japan coming your way!

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For more travel posts, check out my travel section here. xoxo Erika

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