14 Best Places for Breakfast and Brunch in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and spiritual heart, is a stunning city of temples, shrines, geisha, and historic neighborhoods. It’s also a foodie hotspot renowned for elegant wagashi and refined kaiseki meals. What's less well-known is that it's also a great place for breakfast.

Kyoto Station Morning Sets – Convenient, filling, and perfect before sightseeing. There are many fantastic cafes in Kyoto that serve both traditional Japanese breakfast and modern, Western-inspired options. Vegans and vegetarians will also find plenty of choices for a plant-based brunch. Whether you're after a quick bite before sightseeing or a more leisurely meal, the city has you covered. Our top tip is to try Kyoto pancakes — they're a real treat you won't want to miss!

Many Kyoto hotels and ryokan offer fantastic breakfasts with selected plans. You can choose from over 400 accommodations in Japan's cultural capital on JAPANiCAN, from traditional inns to trendy hotels with a Japanese flair.

Here is a list of 14 places where you can enjoy great brunches and breakfasts:

1. Shiawase no Pancake
2. Veg Out
3. Smart Coffee
4. Roji Usagi
5. Hyotei
6. Kyosaimi Nomura
7. Shinshindo
8. OGAWA COFFEE
9. CAFFE CIAO PRESSO
10. M & Maison Kyoto
11. Inoda Coffee
12. Vermillion
13. Weekenders Coffee
14. Astrea Coffee

You might also want to check out our definitive article on Japanese breakfast.

Before diving deeper into the details of the best places for breakfast in Kyoto, let's introduce the best breakfasts in Kyoto.

Early morning spots can be a little harder to find, so to make things easier, we've tracked down the best breakfasts Kyoto has to offer. Whether you’re craving something comforting, traditional, or modern, here are some of the morning dishes Kyoto does best.

• Kyoto Pancakes – Thick, fluffy, and often infused with matcha

• Traditional Japanese Breakfast – Grilled fish, rice, miso soup, pickles

• Vegan & Vegetarian Brunch – Plant-based cafés using local, organic produce

• Classic Kissaten Fare – Hotcakes, French toast, and rich kissaten-style coffee

This restaurant’s name translates to "A Happy Pancake," and eating here will indeed put a smile on your face. Shiawase no Pancake uses top-quality manuka honey from New Zealand and butter from Hokkaido to make delicious, thick, and fluffy pancakes.

You can enjoy them with a wide range of toppings, from chocolate and granola to tiramisu, fresh fruit, and cream. There are also seasonal specialties that change throughout the year.

To try true Kyoto pancakes, go for ones made with matcha green tea from the nearby town of Uji. It's the perfect Kyoto brunch!

In this 3-hour Kyoto matcha tour, you’ll learn about the production and preparation of Kyoto matcha, enjoy matcha ice cream and wagashi, visit the historic Byodoin Temple, and sit down to a delicious Japanese lunch. Afterward, you’ll stroll the charming streets of Uji and browse the local shops for souvenirs.

Vegans and vegetarians looking for breakfast or brunch in Kyoto should definitely give Veg Out a try. This light and airy cafe offers an entirely plant-based menu showcasing organic local vegetables, homemade muffins, and freshly made paninis.

They also have an excellent coffee selection, including soy lattes and mochas, if you’re in the mood for a caffeine boost!

Located just across the Kamo River from Shichijo Station, the cafe’s large windows offer fantastic views over the water, making it a lovely spot to linger in the morning.

Check out our list of the best vegan restaurants in Kyoto for more vegan-friendly recs.

Many Kyoto coffee shops are modern big-name brands. But if you want to experience an old-school Japanese kissaten, Smart Coffee is perfect. With its dark wooden paneling and soft classical music, the retro atmosphere is a big part of its appeal.

The coffee is rich, dark, and delicious, and the food menu features fluffy French toast, thick hotcakes, and pudding. They also serve a variety of sandwiches on cushion-soft bread, including egg, ham, and vegetable options.

There may be a line when you arrive, but it's well worth the wait for one of the best Kyoto breakfasts.

Roji Usagi is located inside a historic machiya townhouse that has been beautifully refurbished and oozes character and charm.

Open from 8 a.m., they serve a traditional Japanese breakfast of grilled fish, a rolled omelet, miso soup, rice and pickles, and other small dishes.

Another option is the Japanese curry breakfast. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a healthy yet filling meal to start your day. You can also enjoy eating in a tatami-mat room with views overlooking the beautiful garden.

For a rather more luxurious breakfast in Kyoto, you can't beat Hyotei. This Michelin-starred restaurant with a 400+ year history serves simple and flavorful kaiseki cuisine.

Available from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., their multi-course breakfast includes a signature boiled egg dish and an aromatic rice porridge made with gently-flavored seasonal broth.

With refined, traditional decor and stunning garden views, this is guaranteed to be an unforgettable culinary experience, and a strong contender for the best breakfast in Kyoto.

This modern and spacious restaurant sits right in the center of Kyoto, giving you a great place to enjoy breakfast near Nishiki Market.

Kyosaimi Nomura opens bright and early at 7 a.m., and serves a traditional obanzai-style breakfast at an affordable price.

You can choose either four or six side dishes from a frequently changing selection of 10 healthy, vegetable-based bowls bursting with Kyoto flavors. Both sets also come with free refills of rice, plus miso soup and coffee.

Don’t miss their specialty yubadon rice bowl, made with bean curd skin.

In this 3-hour walking tour of Nishiki Market, you’ll visit local, family-owned shops and stalls to sample all kinds of seasonal and street food. You’ll enjoy bite-sized tofu, skewered meat,s and wagashi Japanese sweets, all. While your guide explains each ingredient and its role in Kyoto cuisine. 

Since the tour runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., it can also double as a unique Kyoto breakfast experience!

If you're looking to grab a quick breakfast near Kyoto Station, Shinshindo is a fantastic option.

The JR Kyoto branch is conveniently located just north of the station’s central exit, inside the bus ticket center, making it ideal for popping in before catching a train or starting your sightseeing. It offers both takeaway items and a small seating area for those who prefer to eat in.

There is a wide variety of freshly-made breads and baked goods to choose from, including sandwiches, pastries, scones, and sweet treats. There's coffee, too, of course!

Curious about the traditional Japanese breakfast? Learn all about it here.

Another reliable breakfast spot in Kyoto Station is OGAWA COFFEE, specifically the Kyoto Station Central Gate Branch, located just west of  Kyoto Tower. 

Offering their morning menu from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with an English-language menu.

Made with Japan’s famous shokupan, the toast is fluffy, buttery, and satisfying.

Each set comes with a choice of drink, including their Original Blend coffee,  espresso, black tea, orange juice, and more. If you’re eyeing a flavored coffee or seasonal specialty, you can upgrade for a small additional cost.

If CAFFE CIAO PRESSO is more your kind of Kyoto breakfast cafe, you’ll find two convenient locations right by the Station: the Kyoto Station and Kyoto Miyakomichi branches, the latter being near the station's Hachijo Gate.

CAFFE CIAO PRESSO offers morning sets from 7 to 11 a.m., with hot sandwiches being the most popular choices:

1. Ham, Cheese, and Egg

2. Matcha T (for tuna!) and Bamboo Charcoal Egg

However, it’s the Maiko Cappuccinos that draw the crowds, featuring charming maiko (trainee geisha) on top of the whipped foam.

Find out more: The Culture of Japanese Geisha

For a more traditional Japanese breakfast near Kyoto Station, M & Maison Kyoto (formerly Lorimer Kyoto) is an excellent choice. It’s a 10-minute walk from the station, and its setting inside a refurbished Kyoto home naturally preserves so much of the charm that draws so many travelers to the region.

M & Maison specializes in a unique option: Fish Breakfast Sets. These include everything you might expect from a traditional Japanese breakfast —rice, miso soup and either three or five side dishes — but with a more innovative take on the grilled fish component.

The menu changes frequently, with fish selected by season and even by what looks best at the morning fish market. One standout example is the Kyoto-style miso-grilled sea bream with curry flavors, sure to start your day with a memorable twist.  

For those looking for a vegetarian or vegan breakfast in Kyoto, M & Maison also offers sets featuring dishes such as roast potatoes with lemon dressing and steamed-n-salted sake beets topped with sesame sauce.

A true Kyoto classic, Inoda Coffee is one of the city’s most iconic kissaten — and a perfect spot for a nostalgic Kyoto breakfast. Opened in 1947, the café still embraces its old-fashioned charm, complete with polished wood interiors, warm lighting, and impeccably attentive service.

Their breakfast sets are generous and comforting, typically featuring thick-cut toast, eggs, ham, salad, and their signature “Arabian Pearl” coffee, known for its smooth, mellow flavor.

If you’re looking to experience a retro Kyoto morning just like the locals did decades ago, Inoda Coffee is an unmissable stop.

But don’t limit yourself to Kyoto. Here are our recommended breakfast places in Tokyo, as well as specific recommendations for Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Tucked near Fushimi Inari Shrine, Vermillion is a stylish, laid-back café ideal for anyone who wants great coffee and a calm start to the day. It opens early, which is perfect if you’re planning to beat the crowds to the famous torii gates.

The menu features high-quality espresso drinks, pastries, and simple breakfast plates, all served in a bright, welcoming space with warm wooden accents and large windows.

Whether you’re grabbing a latte to-go or lingering over a light breakfast, Vermilion offers one of the most relaxing café experiences in Kyoto.

Weekenders Coffee, in Tominokoji, is a hidden gem beloved by coffee enthusiasts. Located behind a parking lot in a peaceful Kyoto neighborhood, it’s a minimalist, small-batch roastery known for serving some of the city’s best specialty coffee.

While the food menu is simple — pastries and baked goods — the star here is the meticulously brewed coffee, made from beans roasted in-house.

If you prefer a quiet, early-morning stop where the focus is entirely on quality coffee, Weekenders is an essential addition to your Kyoto itinerary.

Astrea Coffee is a cozy neighborhood café perfect for a slow, easy morning. It opens early and serves freshly brewed coffee alongside a thoughtful selection of light breakfast items, including hot sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods.

The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with soft natural light and a relaxed vibe that makes it a great place to unwind before a busy day of sightseeing.

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot with excellent coffee and simple breakfast choices, Astrea Coffee is well worth the stop.

So whether you're searching for a traditional Japanese breakfast to start your day or a modern brunch hangout, these eateries are just a few of the best breakfast spots in Kyoto. Each is perfect for fueling up or grabbing a caffeine boost before a day of sightseeing in this beautiful city.

Need help planning out your Kyoto itinerary? Explore our popular Kyoto food tours, go in search of wagyu beef, or reserve a Bib Gourmand feast!

A typical Japanese breakfast often consists of plain, steamed rice, grilled fish, miso soup, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), seaweed, natto (fermented soybeans), and a selection of other small dishes involving tofu, vegetables, and salad.

However, it’s also common for people to enjoy something a bit quicker, like cereal or toast.

Find out more: Traditional Japanese Breakfast: What to Expect & Where to Try It