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)
Near To Here:
Kurasu Kyoto is located in Kyoto Station area. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto Station area, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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
- 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