ArtxCafe Otto

Located deep in the rural area of Nantan, North-West of Kyoto in a small town called Shinmachi Yagicho Yaginoshima along the Oi River is the stylish cafe and gallery called “art x cafe Otto” instagram.com/artcafe.otto . Otto opened it’s doors on 23 March 2024 and sits in a former storage building used for farming equipment. The café can be reached by train (San-In Line) but it will still take a good 25 minute walk from Yoshitomo Station, so coming by car is recommended as the cafe offers two parking spots.

While the exterior of the building remains largely unchanged after renovation, retaining its warehouse-like appearance, stepping inside reveals a stylish, spacious interior blending minimal, contemporary, and industrial designs seamlessly. Rustic furniture and antique pieces contribute warmth to the ambiance. Alongside rustic furnishings, the café showcases an array of exquisite ceramic pieces throughout. The café layout comprises a main seating area, a central kitchen with an order counter, and an additional narrow seating area featuring a long bench opposite the kitchen. In the back of the cafe hangs an impressive large Shaguma (A decorative knot), which is a part of the upper section of the most famous hoko (float) called Naginataboko at Gion festival of which the owners family was related to. The cafe spans 3 floors with the main café area on the ground floor, an art space on the second floor and a roof terrace (no barrier so be careful) that offers a panoramic view over the Shinmachi town as well as the nearby Oi River.

The menu at Otto has limited but exquisite choices including coffee, houjicha latte as well as a small variety of baked goods like basque cheesecake, cookies or icecream. But the focus at Otto is mainly on its Matcha flavored drinks and sweets all which are carefully prepared.

artxcafe Otto is a stylish cafe with a lovely interior, friendly staff, that offers delicious drinks and sweets, and even offers a nice view, it is a must visit if you are in the area.