This is a coffee shop I have always admired in Kyoto. Hyakumeiten. It is located in Shijo Kawaramachi. Established in 1934, it is designated as a registered tangible cultural property. Since I visited in the morning, it was not crowded. The interior of the shop is in Italian Baroque style, filled with a classic atmosphere. I ordered the cake set (1350 yen) with "Coffee Black" and "Lemon Tart". The coffee had a strong bitterness and richness that I really enjoyed. The tart had a simple appearance, but the acidity of the lemon juice was surprisingly strong. I sat at a two-person table on the right side upon entering. There is a black telephone near the kitchen. In the back right corner of the entrance, there is a space with beautiful stained glass, like a small room. The female staff in the hall wore black dresses, also classic. Their manner of speaking seemed polite. Kyoto has many unique and wonderful coffee shops, which is truly enjoyable.

Before noon on a national holiday, it was easy to enter the store. There were solo customers, young couples, families with children, and foreign visitors. This long-established coffee shop, registered as a tangible cultural property of the country, has a classic salon-style atmosphere. It is said that famous painters and cultural figures have also visited. The Western atmosphere inside the store, with paintings like the Mona Lisa on the walls and classical music playing, creates an aura of historical and noble elegance, making you feel like you've slipped back in time to the early Showa period. Did artists like Ueno Jyukichi, Kuwabara Takeo, and Fujita Tsuguharu sketch from these seats? Just imagining that is enough to enjoy the space. The custard pudding we had was not too firm, with a gentle sweetness. The coffee was also delicious with a hint of bitterness. The uniforms of the staff also maintain the tone of a traditional coffee shop, which foreign visitors would appreciate. There are various types of traditional coffee shops, but I want to support shops like this that continue to operate with a consistent theme like Fransoa. This is one of the recommended traditional coffee shops to visit in Kyoto.

I had a satisfying meal of standing soba at Matsubara Bridge - the curry soba with two large spare ribs filled me up. After such a lunch, I always feel like having a coffee. I walked to Shijo with a parasol to shield myself from the heat. I used to come to this classic coffee shop in Shijo Kawaramachi often for work when I was younger, but I haven't been here much lately. I was almost out of energy, feeling hot and thirsty. The coffee specialty shop next door had its door open, but the master was asleep. So, I decided to walk to this place. The interior was quite spacious, with rooms in the back. The entrance was crowded with young people, while the back room was calm and quiet. I wanted a hot coffee, but it was too hot and I was sweating a lot, so I opted for an iced coffee. It came with a huge amount of cream, and even without the sweet syrup, the amount of cream made me feel like it needed some sweetness. There was a cake shop next door that tempted me, but I had plenty of snacks at home, so I resisted. I thought maybe next time I'll have the cake set when I come back.

I was originally planning to go to Gioan Tokuya to eat warabi mochi, but unfortunately, it was closed. So, I decided to visit Fransoa Kissaten instead. Although I couldn't go to Tokuya, this cafe has a charming exterior and interior as it is a cultural property. It's a shame about Tokuya, but I'll consider it a good thing that I could come to this cafe. #FransoaKissaten #cafe #cafehopping #Kyoto #Kyotofood #Kyotocafe #Kyotosweets #sweets #Tabelog #TabelogTop100 #TabelogHighRating #Japan

This stylish café, with an exterior reminiscent of a European building and an interior resembling a luxury cruise ship or high-end hotel lobby, is located near Hankyu Railway Kyoto Kawaramachi Station. It stays open until late, with last orders at 9:30 pm, making it a great spot for a post-dinner dessert or sweet treat. The café, designated as a registered tangible cultural property, offers coffee, sandwiches, and sweets in a salon-like space. One of their popular menu items, the rare cheesecake (400 yen), is rich yet not too heavy or sweet, with a moist and smooth texture. It is topped with a blueberry sauce that complements the cheese well, adding a nice touch of sweetness. I would love to go back for this cheesecake and also try their sandwiches during lunchtime.

I had been wanting to visit this place every time I passed by. I waited for about 30 minutes before getting a table. I ordered a pear tart and iced coffee, while my friend had a cheesecake and iced coffee. The iced coffee only comes with the option of having milk or not, and they provided syrup separately. They only accept cash for payment. The atmosphere is nice. Thank you for the meal.

Francois Tea Room in Kyoto, located in Kawaramachi, is a long-established cafe that opened in 1934. It is said to be the first cafe designated as a national tangible cultural property. I ordered the special pudding (800 yen), and they also offer coffee jelly, wine jelly, cake sets, sweet sandwiches, and toast for meals. The pudding comes with whipped cream and dried orange on top, making it visually appealing. The caramel is slightly bitter, but pairs perfectly with the pudding and cream. It was larger than I expected and very delicious. The interior of the cafe is a charming retro style that feels authentic and trendy at the same time. The staff's uniforms are cute, and I wanted to wear one myself. I can't wait to try the rare cheesecake next time. Thank you for the wonderful meal! Location: Francois Tea Room, Kyoto Kawaramachi Access: 3-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station #FrancoisTeaRoom #KyotoKawaramachiCafe #KyotoKawaramachiGourmet #KawaramachiCafe #KawaramachiGourmet #KyotoCafe #KyotoGourmet #KyotoLunch #KyotoPudding #KyotoTeaRoom #PuddingLovers #FirmPudding #AzCafe #DesignatedTangibleCulturalProperty

A retro-style cafe with a cozy atmosphere. It stays open late, so it's great for late-night coffee. I visited after dinner and ordered the custard pudding and pear tart. The pudding had a traditional, simple taste to it. The quality of the staff seems to be declining slightly, which is a bit disappointing, but I still had a relaxing and enjoyable time on this day.

Located in a quiet alley just off the bustling streets of Kiyamachi-dori, "Café Francoeur" is a classical oasis near the intersection of Shijo-Kawaramachi. Stepping inside, you are instantly transported to a different world. Classical music fills the air, along with the pleasant scent of flowers. The baroque-style interior resembles the grand hall of a luxury cruise ship, with a white domed ceiling, dazzling chandeliers, and stained glass windows creating an atmosphere of escapism. The coffee served here is truly special, and as a renowned Kyoto establishment, I hope it continues to offer solace to many for years to come.

This is a café located about 50 meters south of Nishi-kiyamachi on Shijo Street in Kyoto. The name of the café is Francois Tearoom, and I'm not sure about the difference between a tearoom and a café. I visited around 10 am on a weekday. There were 3 groups of 6 customers in the café, so there was plenty of seating available. The chairs were comfortable, reminiscent of old train seats, similar to the seats in a Kintetsu train. The seats were newly upholstered and comfortable to sit on. There were lilies arranged in vases, and paintings of the Mona Lisa on the walls. The ceiling had a dome shape with a chandelier providing unique lighting. I ordered an iced coffee on that day. Even though the temperature was moderate for this time of year, the humidity made it feel sticky and hot. The coffee, whether hot or iced, cost 700 yen. I thought there would be a wide variety of options, but surprisingly there were not many choices, making it easy to decide. The iced coffee had a delicious bitterness that set it apart from pre-made coffee. Although the price was a bit high, considering the taste, ambiance, and location, it was worth it. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

The other day, I visited Fransoa Tea Room in Kawaramachi, Kyoto. It is a well-known retro café in Kyoto. The café is always crowded, being close to Kawaramachi. Established in 1934, the retro building is designated as a registered tangible cultural property by the government, which adds to its charm. The wall displays, tables, and chairs all have a nice retro vibe. Since it was very hot in Kyoto that day, I ordered an iced coffee and a rare cheesecake set. The iced coffee was not as bitter as I expected, and had a smooth and flavorful taste... it was a bit surprising. It wasn't too crowded on a weekday, but I can imagine it gets really busy on weekends. I would definitely like to visit here again.

I left my name at the Shinkansen station and took a bus from Kyoto Station to Gion, because I like the scenery of this route better. The sound of cicadas is lively as I hurry down the street in front of Yasaka Shrine, already feeling the intense heat of summer. I managed to arrive just in time for the 10 o'clock opening, but there were already six people waiting in line. Despite having visited Kyoto many times, it had been 21 years since I last visited this cafe. The cafe, with its pre-war building, exuded an unchanged elegance and welcomed me warmly. The menu, which I had always associated with tea and cake, was perfect for a late breakfast, with toast served with strawberry and marmalade jams. The toast, a favorite among Kyoto locals, was not too thick, but just right. The nearby cafe Soiree, famous for its jelly punch, had a similar toast - how did they manage to make the butter seep out like that? The toast itself was delicious! It seems that Kyoto, known for its bread culture, has a high standard for what constitutes good toast. The toast was so crispy that it made a loud crunching sound, much to my embarrassment. Despite the exaggeration, the toast was so flavorful that I finished it in no time. Finally, I purchased an original coaster for 1000 yen as a souvenir, and headed to meet my friend in high spirits.

In the evening, I felt like taking a break and decided to enter this retro-looking cafe. The interior was very stylish. I ordered a cream soda, which had a traditional taste and was delicious as expected. However, the price of 1000 yen seemed a bit high to me. Still, I was satisfied with the relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to have a leisurely conversation.

I visited a restaurant that I had wanted to go to once. I had an early meal at a nearby restaurant before visiting. Inside, there were two large rooms, which were more spacious and relaxing than I had expected. I ordered a Viennese coffee, a café au lait, and a pear tart. The Viennese coffee that was brought to me looked delicious with overflowing whipped cream. I asked for it without sugar, but when I took a sip, I could taste the creamy foam and the coffee below it had a nice sweetness to it. I recommend the Viennese coffee. Presentation = 3.3, Freshness = 3.3, Flavor = 3.6, Service = 3, Value for money = 3

It is a building with a retro Taisho era Western style. The staff's costumes and decorations are carefully chosen to create the atmosphere inside the restaurant. I was able to relax and enjoy a cup of tea. It is recommended for tourists as it is close to the station.

I finally visited a famous café that I've always wanted to go to. It was fully booked at 3 pm on the weekend. The staff's retro uniforms were cute. I had an iced coffee and pudding. The pudding was a bit firm and had a nostalgic taste. The prices were a bit high overall, but the classic atmosphere of the interior was lovely and calming. The building is a registered tangible cultural property. The slightly higher prices might be understandable for such a reputable café. It's a longstanding café that provides a sense of security that you can't find elsewhere. It's the perfect place to take a break and relax when you're tired from the heat in Kyoto. Thank you for the delicious meal.

I came to Kyoto with plans to go to a riverside dining area, but my reservation was for late afternoon, so I got a bit hungry. I happened to pass by François, a café with a very inviting atmosphere. The cheesecake is highly recommended.

The building also had a sense of history. The sandwiches and cakes were very delicious. In particular, the coffee whip was fluffy and nice, and when I drank the cream soda, it had a nostalgic taste that made me feel like a child again. Thank you for the meal!

After visiting two different cafes, my colleague and I decided to satisfy our sweet cravings at François Café. Despite the late hour, we managed to snag a table in the almost full restaurant. We both ordered cake sets - I had a hot coffee with a pear tart, while my colleague opted for an iced coffee with a cheesecake. The hot coffee was rich and bold, just the way I like it, and the pear tart had a classic flavor that I enjoyed. I also tried a bit of the cheesecake, which was creamy and had the perfect balance of blueberry tartness. François Café is a popular spot, but with plenty of seating, we didn't have to wait long to be seated. I look forward to trying their Viennese coffee and pudding on my next visit.

The seating in the corner with half-room style is recommended as the stained glass light shines beautifully. I tried the famous cheesecake, which had a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, making it very easy to eat. Next time, I plan to try the pudding.

On Sunday at 1pm, 3 minutes northeast of Kawaramachi Station, there is a cake shop called Murakami Shigemoto Main Store Takeout just before the Murakami Shigemoto Main Store. I mustered up the courage and entered the shop - wow! There are so many cute staff members, all of them are adorable, and the older sister there really soothes the heart ❤️ There were about 10 groups of people, but it seems like there are seats in the back as well. I was in a dream-like state and immediately took a seat. I ordered an iced coffee for 700 yen and buttered toast for 700 yen. They don't have toast sets with jam, but they do have cakes that seem interesting, like wine jelly. After waiting for 5 minutes, my order arrived quickly. I was captivated by the atmosphere, and now it's time to taste it! The coffee is a bitter and strong type, which I like. It seems to be well-balanced with the fresh taste. The toast is thick, and it's been a while since I've had real butter. It's crispy, juicy, and delicious. Looking around, the cute staff members are waiting without chatting among themselves. They have good personalities, too. Ahh, it's so soothing. The taste is one thing, but the atmosphere is also important, right? Of course, everything from the table, chairs, to the lights, and all the furnishings were lovely. Thank you for the happiness ❤️