
Hygge
Along a quiet street in a residential neighborhood is a lovely kyomachiya turned café called 'Hygge'. It's located on a 10 minute walk from San-In line's Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station or Tambaguchi Station as well as on a 25 minute walk from Kyoto station. Hygge (pronounced Hoo-gah) opened it's doors in April 2012 and is a Danish/Norwegian word for comfort, pleasure, and warmth, soothing things such as a cozy atmosphere or the feeling of friendship while eating or drinking. It's a family owned establishment that is run mainly by the friendly husband/father.
The cafe space is divided over two areas. The room in the front has a spacious but empty interior with minimal decoration and shows the bare sand walls from the original kyomachiya. This area has 3 tables and some seats next to the kitchen. The room in the back is a on a raised platform requiring the customers to take off the shows when entering. This area has a Japanese interior style with the original wood floor, tokonoma and typical Japanese sliding doors. The room is decorated with Japanese ceramics as well as some Japanese clothing. The room has a table surrounded by larger lounge chairs as well as a small table for two persons against the wall. In the back of the cafe is a lovely garden.
The menu is simple with coffee, chai and juice. Food consists mainly of curry, toast and sweets (various cakes) as well as shaved ice depending on the day.
Hygge is a lovely kyomachiya renovated into a stylish café with a friendly owner, a very interesting interior and delicious food and drinks that deserves a visit.