A popular Tokyo fruit sandwich café has officially made its way to Kyoto. Kindan Kajitsu Ginkaku-ji, the newest location of the specialty café known for fruit sandwiches and apple pie, opened on March 5, 2026, bringing its signature apple-focused sweets to one of Kyoto’s most scenic neighborhoods.

The shop sits just a short walk, about three minutes, from the Ginkaku-ji-michi city bus stop, making it an easy stop for anyone wandering around the famous Ginkaku-ji area. Whether you’re sightseeing or simply exploring the neighborhood streets, the café is conveniently placed along a route many visitors already pass through.

The name Kindan Kajitsu literally translates to “Forbidden Fruit,” and just like the original shop in Nakameguro, the concept centers around the iconic apple. That theme shows up everywhere, from the café’s famous apple pie to a variety of menu items built around the fruit.

From the outside, the shop stands out as a charming old Kyoto townhouse fitted with a bright red-and-white striped awning, giving it the feel of a classic retro café tucked into a historic neighborhood street.

The interior of Kindan Kajitsu Ginkaku-ji is bright and lively, centered around a bold red design theme. A long open counter clad in glossy red tiles runs along the kitchen, where guests can see staff preparing food and drinks, while red ceiling beams, warm pendant lights, and black track lighting add depth overhead. Small café tables dressed in red-and-white gingham tablecloths and light wood chairs with woven cane backs give the space a relaxed, slightly retro café feel. Because the front and side walls are lined with large windows, plenty of natural light pours into the room, reflecting off the red tiles and white walls and keeping the space airy and welcoming.

Of course, the real draw is the food. The menu at Kindan Kajitsu Ginkaku-ji focuses on simple café drinks and hearty grilled sandwiches. Coffee options include Today’s Coffee, Americano, and Caffè Latte, with the option to switch to oat milk, while tea drinkers can choose a Matcha Latte served hot or iced. Soft drinks such as cola, ginger ale, apple juice, and orange juice are available with free refills, and there is also a Heartland beer for those wanting something alcoholic. For food, the café offers grilled sandwiches like a classic grilled cheese made with red cheddar, Monterey Jack, and gouda, as well as the house “Kindankajitsu” sandwich that pairs apple with pork ribs, onion, and cheese, reflecting the café’s signature apple theme.

Kindan Kajitsu Ginkaku-ji blends a popular Tokyo café concept with Kyoto’s quieter, scenic surroundings. With its apple-themed sweets, relaxed atmosphere, and prime location near one of the city’s most famous temples, it’s easy to imagine the café becoming a regular stop for both travelers and locals alike as they wander through the Ginkaku-ji area.