Itoyufu (instagram.com/itoyufu.kyoto) is a gallery café set inside a renovated former tobacco shop, housed in a traditional Kyoto machiya near Higashi Honganji Temple and Shousei-En Garden. It’s about an 11-minute walk from Kyoto Station, and roughly 6 minutes on foot from Gojo Station. The space is produced by Kyoto-born ceramics brand QUTOTEN. (instagram.com/qutoten.jp), and works as both a café and an art space, with ceramics and artworks displayed throughout the building.

Inside, the renovation leans into the contrast between the old structure and modern design. White walls, warm wood tones, and carefully placed art create a clean, gallery-like atmosphere. The long, narrow layout typical of a machiya naturally leads you past the counter and seating areas toward exhibition-style displays, reinforcing the feeling that this is just as much a place to look at art as it is to grab a coffee. One of the main draws is this mix of café culture and art: you can sit with a drink while surrounded by QUTOTEN. ceramics and other works, many of which you can view up close, handle, or even buy.

The menu is intentionally simple, focusing on drinks and light sweets that fit the calm, curated setting rather than full meals. Coffee and tea are the main offerings, including house-selected blends and Komei-cha (a light, fragrant tea), served in QUTOTEN. vessels. There’s also a small selection of desserts that pair well with tea or reflect seasonal ingredients. Everything is kept minimal and neatly presented, encouraging you to slow down, sip your drink, and take in the space rather than rush through a meal.

Itoyufu feels less like a quick coffee stop and more like a thoughtfully designed place to spend time. It brings together a restored Kyoto machiya, contemporary ceramics, and a restrained café menu into one calm, art-focused environment, ideal for lingering, appreciating local craftsmanship, enjoying their delicious offerings and having a quiet moment near one of the city’s main transport hubs.