Itoyufu

Itoyufu (instagram.com/itoyufu.kyoto) is a gallery café set inside a renovated former tobacco shop, housed in a traditional Kyoto machiya near Higashi Honganji Temple and Shousei-En Garden . It’s about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station , and roughly 5 minutes on foot from Karasuma Line – Gojo Station . The space is produced by Kyoto-born ceramics and lifestyle brand QUTOTEN. (instagram.com/qutoten.jp) , and works as both a café and an art gallery, with ceramics and artworks displayed throughout the space.

The shop has been beautifully renovated, carefully preserving traditional elements such as sand walls, takekomai (bamboo lattice within the walls), exposed wooden framework, and the classic unagi-no-nedoko (“eel’s bed”) layout, narrow at the front and extending deep inside. The interior design highlights a thoughtful contrast between the historic structure and contemporary design elements. One of the main draws is this mix of café culture and art: you can sit with a drink while surrounded by QUTOTEN. ceramics and other works, many of which you can view up close, handle, or even buy.

The menu is simple, focusing on drinks and light sweets that fit the calm, curated setting rather than full meals. Coffee (Drip, latte and americano) and matcha latte are the main offerings, including house-selected blends, served in QUTOTEN. vessels. There’s also a small selection of desserts (Matcha Tiramisu, Baked Cheesecake or Butter sandwich) that pair well with the drinks. Everything is kept minimal and neatly presented, encouraging you to slow down, sip your drink, and take in the space rather than rush through a meal.

Itoyufu feels less like a quick coffee stop and more like a thoughtfully designed place to spend time. It brings together a restored Kyoto machiya, contemporary ceramics, and a restrained café menu into one calm, art-focused environment, ideal for lingering, appreciating local craftsmanship, enjoying their delicious offerings and having a quiet moment near one of the city’s main transport hubs.