Heath

Opened in December 2023 is “Heath” instagram.com/heath_jp , a lovely coffee stand with a narrow interior and an intimate ambiance that sits between Hankyu Kyoto Line – Omiya Station and Tozai Line – Nijojo-mae Station.

The coffee stand is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, situated along a narrow road running parallel to Horikawa Street, merely 20 meters from the Sanjo Shopping street. Housed in a small building formerly occupied by a barber shop and small goods store, the owner instantly fell in love with it upon first sight and promptly moved in.

The cafe’s name ‘Heath’ originates from the female owner, Erika, nicknamed Elly, whose Japanese name, エリカ, means ‘heath.’ For those unfamiliar, heath is a type of evergreen shrub adorned with clusters of tiny flowers, also present as decorations within the cafe. Erika, formerly a barista at Saturdays NYC and Stumptown Coffee Roasters , leveraged her expertise to open her own cafe.

While small in comparison to the surrounding buildings, the café stands out with its aluminum-colored exterior. Inside you will find a narrow interior with a stylish wood curved L-shaped counter in the back surrounded by standing space for the customers. The only seating, a small wooden bench, can be found near the entrance on the right. Above the standing area near the entrance is also a small atrium. The interior has an intimate atmosphere with a lovely vinyl player providing the background music.

The menu consists of coffee including espresso, cortado, americano, cappuccino, cafe latte (650 yen) and orange juice or beer. Besides delicious coffee the highlight of heath are their amazing sugar coated donuts. Freshly baked and fluffy, the donuts are one of the best in Kyoto and go extremely well paired with a cafe latte.

Heath is a charming coffee stand with a cozy ambiance offering delicious coffee and donuts that is a must visit.