[Opens Friday 31 October]
Tucked away near Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station in the Gosho-minami area, 'Sunny George' (instagram.com/sunnygeorgecoffee) is a newly opened café redefining the local coffee scene. Launched in the autumn of 2025, the café introduces a “craft coffee and kitchen” concept that seamlessly blends modern design with a calm, community-focused atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, a cozy hideaway inviting guests to savor the moment with a cup of finely crafted coffee and delicious food.

At the heart of Sunny George are its founders, a husband-and-wife team who have poured their creativity and warmth into every detail. Christopher, originally from the United States, is a product designer whose touch is evident throughout the space. He designed the café’s eye-catching yellow coffee machine, a bright focal point that adds a playful accent to the otherwise serene interior. Much of the café’s design and construction were DIY efforts led by Christopher himself, resulting in a space that feels deeply personal and handcrafted. The lighting, washi paper lanterns and hinoki wood fixtures above the counter, casts a soft, natural glow that enhances the relaxed, modern aesthetic.

The minimalist yet inviting interior reflects Kyoto’s growing appreciation for nature-friendly, contemporary cafés. Visitors can unwind here for hours, sipping carefully brewed coffee from ceramics made by Donoma Studio or enjoying health-conscious dishes that complement the café’s calm ethos. Meanwhile, the pastry menu, prepared by Christopher’s wife, adds a touch of homemade comfort, featuring freshly baked cinnamon rolls, focaccia, and other irresistible treats that fill the air with warmth and sweetness.

In every detail, from its thoughtfully designed space to its handcrafted flavors, Sunny George embodies the spirit of connection, between people, design, and the simple joy of a good cup of coffee.