Opened on 14 June 2025, About Us Nijo (instagram.com/about_us_coffee) is just a short walk from Omiya Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, tucked slightly north of the bustling Kyoto Sanjo shopping street and running parallel to Horikawa Dori. This is the second location of About Us, following the flagship café in Fushimi Inari.

Owner Yasunari Sawanoi (instagram.com/noi4689/) was raised in a family that operated a public bathhouse, an upbringing that fostered an early sense of entrepreneurship. After a transformative experience with specialty coffee at LiLo Coffee Roasters in Osaka, he enrolled in culinary school to study barista techniques and roasting. With no prior experience in cafés or roasteries, he launched About Us just before turning 30 and quickly rose to prominence by winning the Coffee Collection World Discover 2022, becoming a leading figure in Japan’s specialty coffee scene.

The name “About Us” is rooted in the Italian word Noi (owners nickname) meaning “us”, reflecting both the people behind each cup and the farmers who grow the beans.

The Nijo branch is housed in a former miso shop, later a gallery, now thoughtfully transformed into a café by the talented team at Transform Inc. The space blends traditional and contemporary elements across two floors. On the ground floor, you'll find a large order counter with counter seating and a bench at the back, while the roastery is tucked further in. The second floor features a stunning red-tiled floor, high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, and original sand walls, creating a rustic yet refined setting. Minimalist furnishings, two long benches (one curving around a small indoor garden), and soft lighting foster a calm, open atmosphere perfect for quiet conversation or solo reflection.

The menu is centered around coffee, with a wide selection of brews and beans available for purchase, alongside options like houjicha latte, chai latte, and other soft drinks. Light sweets and small bites are also offered.

About Us Nijo is a beautifully designed, welcoming café with friendly staff and a serene ambiance, a wonderful addition to the Nijo area. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful place to unwind, it's well worth a visit.