Songbird Design Store, located just a 5 minute walk from Nijojo-mae subway station in central Kyoto, is a hybrid space combining a designer’s showroom with a stylish second-floor café. The store opened in 2009 under the direction of Masaki Tokuda, who drew on his background in design, and the café was introduced to showcase original furniture in a setting where daily life and good coffee come together. The name “Songbird Design Store” was inspired by a song title from a favorite band and the charm of bird motifs, giving the brand a playful yet refined character that even influences the presentation of the menu.

Housed in a converted residential building, the exterior is understated, featuring clean concrete lines that blend naturally into the Kyoto cityscape. Inside, guests are welcomed into a contemporary and artful interior highlighted by vivid accent furniture, much of it original creations from the owner’s design studio. The concept extends beyond serving coffee, inviting visitors to experience the designer’s aesthetic through every detail, from gallery events on the third floor to curated ambient music and views of the Horikawa River through the café’s large windows.

The food and drink menu centers on carefully chosen comfort fare. Highlights include egg sandwiches and the signature “bird’s nest” chicken curry, a dish arranged with a soft-boiled egg atop a mound of rice and savory curry sauce to evoke the store’s avian theme. Guests can also enjoy French-inspired baked goods, flans, tarts, and sweets perfect for a midday treat, along with a variety of drinks made with coffee beans sourced from local artisan roasters.

Songbird Design Store stands out as a destination where design, food, and lifestyle harmonize, offering a unique space for both locals and visitors to experience Kyoto’s art culture alongside creative comfort food.