Even if it didn’t have this marvelously quirky name, I’d still love this uber-hip Kyoto café. It’s built into an machiya and the owner has some wickedly good design sense.
A street or two north of the main downtown area, this café is worth the trip if you find yourself in the middle of the city. As the name suggests, it’s sort of like a café built into a library – the owner’s large collection of interesting design books are on display and you can peruse them all. There are light meals and all the usual café drinks. This is one of my favorite places in Downtown Kyoto to while away the hours with a book. Looks for the banana plants out front.
For more Kyoto cafe choices, see our Best Cafes in Kyoto page.
Name in English:
Café Bibliotic Hello!
Name in Japanese:
カフェ ビブリオティック ハロー！
English address:
650 Seimei-cho, Yanaginobanba-higashi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区二条通柳馬場東入ル晴明町650
Opening hours:
11:30am-12pm (last order 11pm)
Closed Monday
Price: Mid-range
Non-smoking area: No
Nearest Transport:
8min walk from Karasuma Oike Station Exit 1, Tozai & Karasuma subway lines
Telephone: 231-8625
Website:
Official site (Japanese)
More Restaurant Suggestions: See my list of Kyoto’s Best Restaurants for more eating inspiration. The list covers all cuisines and price ranges.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Best Kyoto Restaurant Recommendations
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- Best Ramen in Kyoto
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- Best Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
- Best Shokudo (All Round Restaurants) in Kyoto
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Icoca card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- Get travel insurance for Japan - World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
