Hayashi Coffee Shop

When you want to ease into the day early, a traditional neighborhood kissaten serving freshly brewed coffee alongside warm toast is a comforting sight. Situated in the Katsura Kinoshitacho area of Kyoto's Nishikyo Ward, Hayashi Coffee Shop opens its doors at 6:30, drawing morning visitors for unpretentious breakfast sets featuring jam toast accompanied by a boiled egg and salad. The toast selection extends well beyond the basics; along with classic butter, marmalade, and cinnamon, the kitchen turns out loaded special toasts topped with egg, ham, cheese, or pizza-style toppings, making it easy to tailor your order to the morning's mood.

Fragrant Fried Rice and the House-Special Plum Yakimeshi

The kitchen does not stop at bread. Come lunchtime, it serves up a solid repertoire of classic Japanese coffeehouse fare. Particularly distinctive is the house-special plum yakimeshi tossed with dried young sardines (chirimenjako), as well as a fragrant fried rice cooked with a generous heap of local Kujo scallions. Other hearty, nostalgic options round out the menu, including a Japanese-style omelette rice and substantial sandwiches.

Fitted with worn wood flooring and well-loved furnishings, the interior has a calm, settled rhythm that invites you to linger over a cup of flannel-dripped blend coffee or an iced coffee. The shop operates daily until 14:00, and payment is strictly cash only. With seating that accommodates smokers, it serves as a handy place to pause during a stroll through the neighborhood or to sit quietly by yourself on an unhurried afternoon.