If you go to Kyoto, Japan for coffee…
Kyoto coffee comes high and low in price — and yes, in Japan, price
correlates with quality. But you can get a very nice cup for under $4 at such places as Ogawa (several branches), the UCC cafes, and Cafe de Crie.
At the low end you will be fine with a cup at Doutor, a chain all over Japan that offers takeout where others don’t. There a pretty fresh cup of coffee from the urn will run you $2.30. At the shops mentioned here, coffee will range from $4-$10 for a superlative brew.
In Tokyo you would pay much more;
prices can go up to $23.
Mo-An
In northeast Kyoto, on a hiking trail on Yoshidayama mo-an.com
Taxi can take you to the foot of the path at Imadegawa. Lunch is served till 2 p.m.
Otafuku
A block down Shijo doori from the corner of Kawaramachi, just past Takashimaya Department Store
going west, turn left — and immediately you will see a sign above with a smiling female Noh mask. This is it. Go down the narrow stairs and find the smiling Noda-san to make your coffee.
HachiHachi Infinity
hachihachi.org
This is the one you should devote some time to for bread, coffee, and atmosphere. Trust me: You will write home about it.
Sagan
Walk south from Ginkakuji Temple along the Philosopher’s Path: On your right you will see several craft shops. Continue to the cafe in a white clapboard house on your right, with one table outside in clement weather.
Hanafusa
Higashioji Nishioji tonangawa, near the corner of Marutamachi and Shirakawa, near a gas station.
Friendly, no-nonsense siphon coffee shop. Here you can sit at the counter to watch the serious performance of chem-lab style coffee-making.
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