Old-world charm at this machiya coffee stand

Situated in Shimabara, once a thriving geisha district, this century-old machiya townhouse has been lovingly restored. “The former passageway now serves as a rental gallery, showcasing the work of students and emerging artists,” explains Takuma Nishiyama, owner of the café and design studio. The pride of the house is the drip coffee (¥550), with a range of five roasts from light to dark, allowing customers to choose their favorite beans. The signature Kamo-negi sandwich (¥935) embodies the culinary essence of Kyoto and complements Shimabara’s ambience perfectly. Local shokupan houses market-fresh Kujo scallions, Tamba shimeji mushrooms and tender duck meat, all enveloped in a homemade white miso sauce. This harmonious blend of savoury duck, vegetable flavors, and sweet white miso has been a menu staple since the cafe’s debut in 2015, captivating taste buds with its quintessential Kyoto flavors.