Camphora

In the outskirts of Kyoto, in a small town called Kuzuha is a new bakery café called ‘Camphora’. Camphora opened its doors in May of 2022 and it’s name is based on the Camphor tree that is growing in front of the café. Camphor in Japanese is written 樟 which is also the same kanji for Kuzuha 樟葉 the town where Camphora is located. The bakery/café is located on a 10 minute ride by bus [13B] from Keihan Line’s Kuzuha station.

The café sits on the ground floor of an old apartment building. It has a lovely new medium brown wood façade set in a weathered exterior. The interior combines industrial design (undressed walls, floor and open ceiling) with retro antique furniture pieces. The furniture consists of a two seater sofa and table set, one table set and two counter stools near the order counter with a total of 6/7 seats. The sideboard in the back makes the café area feel like a livingroom. The interior and light coming in through the windows give the café a comfortable atmosphere.

Camphora has a small but delicious breakfast menu that consists of a slice of bread with butter and jam, homemade chickenham & camembert cheese sandwich or a vegetarian vegetable and soy herb mayo sandwich. Each option is absolutely delicious. The drink menu consists of coffee (Todays coffee, hand drip coffee, ice coffee) as well as homemade lemonade, teas, kombucha or orange juice. It also sells delicious freshly baked scones, canelé, financier, tart and cake. It is one of only few bakeries that serves sourdough bread in Kyoto.

Camphora is a lovely bakery café run by a friendly English speaking owner that sells absolutely fantastic freshly baked sourdough bread and other delicious sweets. We heavily recommend visiting.