Lower East Nine le9

Just south of Kyoto Station, a one-minute walk from Kujo Station on the Karasuma Line, the stylish café The Lower East Nine sits on the corner of Karasuma-dori and Kujo-dori.

Squeezed between older buildings, Lower East Nine stands out with its white façade and dark window and door frames. The windows of the café area are sliding doors that open up completely on fine days, and through the large glass front the lovely interior catches your eye as you walk past.

Lower East Nine used to be a hostel and café, but because of covid the hostel part has been turned into office space.

Interior

As you walk in, the order counter and kitchen are straight to your left, set against a handsome red-brick wall. On the right, a large shelf with counter seating separates the order counter from the café and seating area.

The seating area is spacious and furnished in a mix of styles. In front is a large wooden table surrounded by vintage Toledo swivel chairs. In the back corner sits an authentic Chesterfield sofa with a matching Chesterfield wingback chair. The rest of the room has small wooden tables with comfortable Karimoku K60 chairs in suede and leather.

The café area has a beautiful solid-wood herringbone floor.

The menu at The Lower East Nine is simple. For coffee there’s coffee, espresso and mocha; for tea, matcha latte, Earl Grey and English Breakfast. Soft drinks include cola, ginger ale, Appletiser and Grapetiser (fruit juice blended with sparkling water), and they also serve beer and wine.

For food there are three plates: a brunch plate (bread with a fried egg, sausage, bacon and salad), a ham & cheese toast, and an egg & cheese toast sandwich. Any of them makes a good-looking, tasty breakfast or lunch. The menu changes often, so check their website or Instagram.

The Lower East Nine is easy to reach and a relaxing café, furnished with lovely, authentic pieces. Highly recommended for breakfast or lunch, or as a stop on the way to nearby Tofuku-ji temple.