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 – 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 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
