Japanese cafes
January 23, 2023
A list of traditional Japanese kyomachiya, kominka, nagaya, sentou renovated into cafes.
Located in the center of a bustling Kyoto city, on a walking distance from Nijo Castle or Kyoto Imperial Gardens is ‘SICOU‘, a tiny special café and antique shop with a lovely rustic style interior.
Before we continue, please read the following carefully. The photos in this article have been taken and published with special explicit permission of the owner. The owner does not allow photos being taken inside the café, so please respect the owner’s decision.
SICOU which stands for (思考 – thought or consideration, 至高 – supreme or 嗜好 – taste, preference) is a special café as in that the owner who treasures peace and tranquility, only allows a limited amount of customers in at a time to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. This is the general concept of the café.
It’s simple. You come in. You order your coffee and sweets (cookie or cake). You enjoy your coffee in peace and take in the calm atmosphere of the lovely rustic interior. And when you are finished, you leave. Back to the bustling Kyoto city life.
The interior of SICOU is narrow and consists only of 2 benches with canvas cushioning, 2 rattan stools with stylish slender metal floorlamp-tables, a large antique wardrobe, a stylish antique birdcage and a peculiar stone pendant light.
The paned glass window next to the entrance let’s in sunlight that adds to the café’s warm and cozy atmosphere.
The menu is simple with only a small selection of coffees and a choice between cookies or cake.
SICOU is a little bit of zen, a quiet atmosphere in the middle of a crowded Kyoto, it’s a special place that requires a careful approach and some consideration.
After having a friendly conversation with the owner, he was not really into the idea of a special article and heavy promotion of the café as he is not interested in a large crowd. He appreciates visitors but his main priority is to keep the atmosphere peaceful. However since this is just a small blog we received special permission for this publication.
*Once again, the owner does not allow photography inside the café. The photos in this article have been taken and published with special explicit permission of the owner.
Hours: 11:00 ~ 18:00
Closed*: Thursdays, Fridays
Nearest Stations & Exit:
Tozai Line – Nijojo Castle-mae Station See map below
Bus Stop: Nijojo-Mae (bus no. 12, 50, 67, 9) See map below
Tozai Line – Nijojo Castle-mae Station See map below
Bus Stop: Nijojo-Mae (bus no. 12, 50, 67, 9) See map below
A list of traditional Japanese kyomachiya, kominka, nagaya, sentou renovated into cafes.
‘Blend Kyoto’ is a new stylish coffee-specialty shop with an interesting concept and owner near Kyoto Gyoen National Park.
A stylish new cafe, hotel and Japanese high quality goods shop located in East Kyoto.
When the weather is good one of the more pleasurable things in life is to enjoy a nice drink or a delicious lunch outside in the open, on a terrace.