In The Coffee Kyoto

In The coffee (instagram.com/inthecoffeekyoto) in Karasuma, Kyoto, is the latest branch of Lilo Coffee Roasters that opened its doors on September 9, 2025. Located in Shimogyo-ku, it sits just a short walk, less than 10 minutes, from Karasuma Station, making it easily accessible for visitors seeking quality specialty coffee. The café is focused on blending into daily life, aligning with Lilo’s motto of “LIFE with COFFEE,”.

In The Coffee occupies the front section of a renovated kyomachiya, sharing the building with Biblioteca, a knitwear manufacturer from Nara located just behind the café. At the very back sits Gallery Gobangura, a historically significant kura-style warehouse built in the mid-Meiji period as part of a wealthy merchant estate active since the Edo era. The name ‘Gobangura’—literally the ‘fifth kura’—reflects its place within the estate, whose legacy is closely tied to Kyoto’s textile and cotton trade. Today, the building has been preserved as a contemporary gallery, blending traditional architecture with modern use.

The cafe features a contemporary facade that thoughtfully reinterprets traditional Kyoto machiya architecture, featuring the classic two-story proportions and signature elements of historic townhouses. The lower level showcases dark vertical wooden slats that provide privacy while maintaining visual appeal, while warm bamboo roll-up blinds on the upper floor soften the building’s lines and filter light.

Passing through the noren-draped entrance the café appears immediately to the left on a slightly elevated floor. Inside, a round table greets you with Lilo’s well-known coffee blends available for purchase, while the order counter with welcoming staff stands to the right.

Seating options include cozy green fabric sofas by the window and another sofa tucked behind the kitchen, but the main seating area is located upstairs on the second floor.

The primary attraction is its direct connection to Lilo’s extensive range of specialty coffees, brought to Kyoto from the roaster’s celebrated Osaka flagship. The food and drink menu at this branch centers around meticulously prepared coffee beverages, showcasing beans directly sourced and roasted by Lilo. Expect a high-quality pour-over and espresso-based menu, featuring seasonal single-origin options and curated blends, reflecting Lilo’s reputation for variety and quality. Besides coffee, the menu also offers 12 types of mocktails, wine flavored coffee as well as matcha drinks. Accompanying the beverage offerings are light bites and pastry selections designed to complement the coffee experience.

In The coffee provides a modern, comfortable environment for coffee connoisseurs and everyday café-goers alike, emphasizing expertly crafted drinks and an aesthetically coherent space. As a new addition to Kyoto’s vibrant café scene, it delivers the signature Lilo Coffee Roasters experience in a convenient Karasuma location, appealing to visitors seeking specialty coffee in the heart of the city.