Sheltering Cafe

In Kyoto’s Katsura City, a cafe named “ Sheltering Cafe ” can be found just a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Line – Katsura Station. It’s situated in a residential area, on the ground floor of a small apartment building along a busy street. The origin of the name and concept of Sheltering Cafe is a cafe where you can casually enjoy coffee made from carefully selected fresh beans from around the world, while talking with the friendly owner as if you were taking shelter from the rain. The store’s logo is designed to look like 7 types of coffee beans falling like rain, representing the store taking shelter from the rain until it stops. The name is a play on the word “SHELTER,” which means “shelter from the rain,” “shelter,” and “hut,” with the idea of a gentle place where one can take shelter from the rain, wind, and danger.

The cafe’s sits recessed under a concrete canopy of the building and its exterior features large glass in wood sliding doors that are opened completely, making it easy for customers to look inside and enter the café. With the flat floor both outside and inside makes it even accessible for people in wheelchairs. The café is small with the entire interior consisting of undressed concrete, combined with the wood furniture and the white tiled kitchen area giving it a casual urban vibe.

Seating is limited, with two small tables for two and a retro sofa in one corner. There are also child seats and children’s books available, making it a family-friendly spot.

The menu offers a variety of drinks like coffee, orange juice, honeymilk, and craft cola and more. For food, they have morning sets (08:00 – 11:30) with toast, boiled egg, and salad, lunch sets (11:30 – 14:00) with options like egg sandwiches, Croque monsieur, or Neapolitan pasta, and a la carte dishes. Sets come with coffee, either the house blend or the daily special. They also have sweets like pudding, ice cream, French toast, and cookies.

Sheltering Cafe opens early, making it a great place to start your day simply and warmly.