For sightseeing in Kyoto, starting your day early is highly recommended!

As a worldwide popular tourist destination, Kyoto now boasts an increasing number of restaurants offering breakfast. This time, we’ll introduce some recommended breakfast spots conveniently located near famous attractions such as Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

A traditional Japanese breakfast typically includes white rice, miso soup, grilled fish, natto or seaweed, pickles, and umeboshi (pickled plum). Sometimes, it’s accompanied by tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) or other small side dishes. While modern lifestyles have evolved, breakfast is still primarily seen as a meal enjoyed at home in Japanese culture.

Kyoto is also known as a city with a strong bread culture, consistently ranking among the top in bread consumption nationwide. Many long-loved cafés can be found throughout the city. In the mornings, it’s common for locals to enjoy a relaxing moment at their neighborhood café, savoring toast and coffee while reading the newspaper from their favorite seat.

In Kyoto, more and more stores have begun offering breakfast to allow tourists to experience Japanese morning meal culture.

By starting your day early, not only can you enjoy a taste of Japan’s breakfast traditions, but you can also explore famous attractions before the crowds arrive.

Did you know that many temples and shrines are open for visits early in the morning? For example, Fushimi Inari Taisha is accessible at any time, Kiyomizu-dera Temple opens at 6 a.m., and Kenninji Temple Ryosokuin even holds early-morning Zen meditation sessions that visitors can join.

The atmosphere at temples and shrines in the morning is serene and sacred, offering a deeper appreciation of Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Pair this unique experience with a delightful breakfast, and make the most of your Kyoto mornings!

Nearby Attractions: Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kenninji Temple, Kamogawa River

An onigiri, also known as omusubi, is a traditional Japanese food made by shaping rice into forms such as triangles, cylinders, or ovals, often wrapped in nori seaweed.
Located right in front of Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Gion Omusubiya Sankaku offers a delightful selection of onigiri crafted with locally sourced Kyoto ingredients.

When it comes to classic onigiri fillings, options like plain salted rice balls, salmon, plum, and kombu are staples. Here you can also find unique flavors such as Kujo Negi Miso (made with Kyoto’s traditional green onions) and hearty options like Wagyu Yakiniku (Japanese grilled beef).

For the perfect pairing, grab some takeout miso soup from the shop and head to nearby Maruyama Park or Kamogawa River for a refreshing morning picnic!

Nearby Attractions: Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple

This charming café, run by a popular bakery, is housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese-style house. The ambiance is steeped in nostalgia, reminiscent of settings from old folktales, making it an enchanting space that captures the essence of Japan.

The café’s specialty is freshly baked focaccia.
Their Japanese-style focaccia sandwiches, featuring fillings like mackerel and traditional sides such as stir-fried burdock root, are a must-try. The surprising harmony between these quintessentially Japanese ingredients and the focaccia will leave you impressed.

The café also offers a delightful breakfast plate, featuring their signature sandwich paired with sides like salad and granola.

Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Rokkakudo Temple, Mikane Shrine, Nijo-jo Castle, Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto With Experience

Located within the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, Nishiki Hirano is a must-visit spot. Known for its hot, freshly cooked dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet) prepared right at the storefront, the shop also boasts popular items like the shrimp tempura skewer and their unique dashimaki burger.

Breakfast here follows a traditional Japanese style, featuring a set of steamed rice, miso soup, dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet), and Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes. Dashimaki tamago is a classic staple of Japanese breakfasts! Enjoy the fluffy texture and rich flavor of this rolled omelet, soaked in savory dashi broth and perfectly cooked to bring out its full deliciousness.

Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Rokkakudo Temple, Mikane Shrine, Nijo-jo Castle, Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto With Experience

Established in 1952, this long-standing Kyoto coffee shop has embraced the concept of “a store that will last 100 years,” transforming a traditional machiya townhouse into a harmonious space blending tradition and innovation. Here, they serve ethical coffee alongside their delightful breakfast offerings.

The morning menu features the Charcoal-Grilled Homemade Bread Toast Set, offering eight varieties to choose from. Highlights include the “Full Breakfast,” made with premium eggs and sausages, and the “Four Toppings Set,” which lets you enjoy the simple deliciousness of their bread. You can select from Kyoto-sourced wheat or whole-grain bread for your toast.

For added convenience, Ogawa Coffee also has a branch inside JR Kyoto Station (menu offerings may vary).

Nearby Attractions: Toji Temple, Kyoto Aquarium, Sanjusangendo Hall

JR Kyoto Station is a major transportation hub connecting Tokyo, Hiroshima, and other cities via the Shinkansen. While the station itself is home to numerous dining options, Inoda Coffee, established in 1940, stands out as one of Kyoto’s most iconic coffee shops.
Known for its slogan, “Kyoto mornings start with the aroma of Inoda Coffee,” this café has long been a favorite among artists and cultural figures.

Its enduring popularity stems from its rich, full-bodied coffee brewed with the traditional nel drip method and the staff’s heartfelt omotenashi (hospitality), ensuring every guest feels valued.
For breakfast, try the “Kyoto Morning Set,” available until 11 a.m. This menu perfectly complements the elegant ambiance of the café, where dark brown tones create a calm and refined atmosphere. It’s an ideal way to enjoy a serene and graceful start to your day in Kyoto.

Nearby Attractions: Toji Temple, Kyoto Aquarium, Sanjusangendo Hall

“Kamado-Takitate-Gohan Doi” is a restaurant operated by Doi Shibazuke Honpo, a pickle shop that has preserved the traditional methods passed down in Kyoto’s Ohara region for over a thousand years.
“Shibazuke” is a type of pickle made by salting ingredients like eggplant, cucumber, and myoga ginger along with perilla leaves. It is considered one of the “Three Great Pickles of Kyoto.”

At the restaurant located within JR Kyoto Station, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of pickles, including shibazuke. The freshly cooked rice made on a traditional kamado stove and miso soup are all-you-can-eat!

The buffet menu also includes “obanzai” dishes, such as simmered vegetables and macaroni salad, ensuring a satisfying meal to start your day.

Nearby Attraction: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most popular destinations for international travelers.

Since it gets very crowded during the day, an early morning visit is highly recommended.

While you’re there, make sure to stop by the adjacent “Vermillion – cafe.” A relaxing morning coffee here will set the tone for a perfect day ahead.

The highlight is its terrace seating surrounded by lush greenery and offering a serene, open-air atmosphere. With trees and a pond right in front of you, this location is particularly stunning during the fresh greens of spring and the vibrant hues of autumn. Even indoors, the cafe’s large windows allow you to enjoy the view, creating a cozy and relaxing ambiance.

Pair your freshly brewed coffee with a Western-style breakfast featuring crispy bacon, warm bread, and poached egg. It’s the perfect way to start your morning near one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.

Experience Japan’s breakfast culture and explore attractions during quieter hours. Use this article as a guide to plan your itinerary and make your trip even more fulfilling!