Kyoto (京都府) is a famous sightseeing destination in Japan, but what does Kyoto remind you of? Some of you might think of traditional temples and shrines, while others might think of delicious food like matcha (抹茶) and wagashi (和菓子) or Japanese sweets. But Kyoto is more than just a city of tradition. I would like to recommend three character-themed cafes in Kyoto, where you’ll get to meet cute characters like Miffy, Rilakkuma, and Snoopy while also enjoying Kyoto specialty dishes on your next trip there.
You might think that there is not enough time to visit these cafes, because there are too many fascinating places to visit in Kyoto in a short span of time. However, these character-themed cafes are located in well-known sightseeing places in Kyoto—I found these cafes in Arashiyama (嵐山) and Nishiki Market (錦市場)! With proper planning, you will definitely be able to visit at least one of these cafes that I will be recommending today in Kyoto.
1. Miffy Sakura Kitchen @ Arashiyama
First, you can find Miffy Sakura Kitchen (みっふぃー桜きっちん) while visiting Arashiyama. As seen above, a kimono-clad Miffy doll will welcome you at the entrance of the shop. Once you enter, you will see many Miffy merchandises and snacks, as well as a bakery called Miffy Sakura Bakery (みっふぃー桜べーかりー) serving a variety of bread and pastries with adorable Miffy motifs.
I would personally recommend you to try the Miffy Anpan (みっふぃーあんぱん), which is a bun filled with sweet red bean paste and made in the image of Miffy. As you can see in the picture above, the buns look so kawaii—they are simply too cute to be eaten! The good point of buying Miffy Anpan is that you are able to keep this for the next day’s breakfast. It is easy to carry around, and it keeps for a long time. What is more, this bun is fluffy on the outside and it is filled with a generous portion of bean paste. It costs ¥280 each.
Miffy Sakura Kitchen (みっふぃー桜きっちん)
Address: 20-7 Sagatenryuji Kitatsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 616-8384
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Saga Arashiyama Station (嵐山駅)
2. Rilakkuma Sabo @ Arashiyama
Next, be greeted by another cute kimono-wearing character—this time, it’s the adorable Rilakkuma seated right at the entrance of Rilakkuma Sabo (リラックマ茶房)! Located in Arashiyama as well, you can simply take a seat and snap pictures with Rilakkuma. This photo spot with Rilakkuma is so popular among visitors that many would get in line just for this cute photo opportunity! Thus, you are considered lucky if you manage to take pictures with this Rilakkuma!
The cafe is located on the second floor of the building, with a souvenir shop on the first floor. This means that even if the cafe is crowded, you can still experience some Rilakkuma fun without entering the cafe, such as visiting its souvenir shop, appreciating the yummy food displays, or taking pictures with Rilakkuma.
Rilakkuma Sabo (リラックマ茶房)
Address: 15 Sagatenryuji Kitatsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 616-8374
Nearest station: 9 minutes walk from JR Saga Arashiyama Station (嵐山駅)
3. Snoopy Cha-ya @ Nishiki Market
On your way to Snoopy Cha-ya (スヌーピー茶屋), don’t forget to take a look up to see the yellow, red, and green-coloured roof which is unique to Nishiki Market. Upon arriving at the cafe, there will be a stuffed Snoopy right at the entrance to greet you! It is the best spot to take pictures with Snoopy and their friends. There is a souvenir shop on the first floor where you can find a variety of Kyoto-exclusive products in collaboration with Snoopy.
The cafe is located on the second floor. You can enjoy Snoopy-themed meals and desserts made with local Kyoto ingredients. You can order desserts here, but I decided to order the Yuba Gozen (湯葉御膳) which is a Japanese-style tofu skin set meal. The top tray of side dishes are all made with yuba (tofu skin), and right next to the Snoopy-shaped rice is a Tofu dish. Do remember to pour the dashi (出汁 Japanese soup stock) over the tofu dishes for the best flavour. The soup seen here is Kasu-jiru (粕汁), which is a Japanese soup made with sake lees from local Kyoto sake storehouse. This will surely warm you up.
My friend ordered the warm Cha-soba (茶そば green tea buckwheat noodles). The soba features a “steak yuba”, which is a thick-cut yuba stamped with the cafe’s logo, and topped with plenty of vegetables and mushrooms. The atmosphere of the cafe is relaxing and l comfortable, and there are many little Snoopy hidden in different places throughout the cafe. For Snoopy lovers, it is just irresistible!
Snoopy Cha-ya (スヌーピー茶屋)
Address: 480 Nakauoyamachi, Nishikikoji Yanagibaba Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 604-8125
Access: About 3 minutes walk from Shijo Subway Station (四条駅) or Karasuma Station (烏丸駅) on the Hankyu Line
Cute character cafes await you in Kyoto!
What do you think of these three character-themed cafes in Kyoto? If you have a chance to visit Kyoto, I hope you will find these three character-themed cafes, and enjoy them as much as I did. I’m sure that Miffy, Rilakkuma, and Snoopy are awaiting your visit!
Writer’s profile: Hi! I’m Fumika. I am studying at Rikkyo university in Tokyo, a travel communicator intern. I was raised in Tokyo. Taking pictures of photogenic food is one of my hobbies and would be happy to share with you recommended places in Japan.
