We ended up in Rokuyosha coffee by accident on our first afternoon in Kyoto, killing time before we could check into our ryokan. I had a good feeling about the place based on the vintage-looking storefront.
It feels like the 1950s inside, with wood paneling, low leather banquettes, and green earthenware ashtrays (yes, smoking is allowed). The menu is hand-drawn – I was particularly taken with the little illustrations of breakfast sets that include coffee, toast, a hard-boiled egg, and a glass of juice.
I had coffee (with the cutest thimble-sized pitcher of milk) and D had hot chocolate, and we shared a donut – apparently Rokuyosha is known for them. It was a bit dry, but perfect for dipping in my coffee!
Tips on finding it: Google Maps has the correct location, just off Sanjo Dori on the other side of the river from the Sanjo train station. It’s a small storefront that says “Coffee”. When I was reading about our accidental discovery, I learned that Rokuyosha has two levels – there’s another coffee bar in the basement! The entrances are side by side on the street. I’m not sure what the differences are, though I read that one is run by the son and the other by the father.
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