Located just minutes from Kyoto Station, Kurasu Kyoto is a stylish cafe that serves excellent coffee. As a bonus, they’re very English-friendly too.
Kurasu Kyoto – image © Chris Rowthorn
Compared to downtown Kyoto, the Kyoto Station area has far fewer independent cafes in the vicinity. Venture just a few minutes away from the station, however, and you’ll encounter Kurasu Kyoto, or Kurasu for short. Skip the big chain coffee shops at the station – this stylish cafe is where you can have a proper cup of coffee after a long train journey.
Cookies and light snacks sold here, but the emphasis really is on the coffee. You’ll get espresso-based drinks, as well as several kinds of brewed coffee. Non-coffee drinkers are catered for too – choose from drinks like chai, matcha lattes, and lemonade.
Kurasu’s baristas have all trained overseas, and their English is pretty good as a consequence. You won’t have any issues communicating here. Plus, they’re usually happy to have a chat with you about anything coffee-related. The shop also stocks a range of coffee-related goods – the perfect gifts for the coffee fanatic in your life.
Beyond its brick-and-mortar operations, Kurasu sells Japanese coffee equipment and brewing accessories online, and offers a monthly coffee subscription service aimed at showcasing lesser-known domestic roasters.
For more Kyoto cafe choices, see our Best Cafes in Kyoto page.
Name in English:
Kurasu Kyoto
Name in Japanese:
クラス キョウト
English address:
552 Higashi-aburanokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku
Japanese address:
下京区東油小路町552
Opening hours:
8am-6pm
Price:
Non-smoking area: Completely Non-Smoking
Nearest Transport:
7min walk from JR Kyoto station Karasuma central gate
Reservations:
No Reservations
Telephone: 744-0804
Website:
Official site (English)
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 and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
