Café Agaru

260-2 Ichinocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8018, Japan
$$$ Cafe
(252 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1–1,000

Discover the enchanting charm of Café Agaru, a delightful cafe nestled along the scenic Takase River in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward. Combining a cozy atmosphere with a serene view, this hidden gem offers an inviting retreat for both locals and travelers seeking a peaceful escape.

As you step inside, the quaint interior welcomes you with its traditional tatami seating, encouraging you to kick off your shoes and sink into relaxation. With only a few seats available, the cafe guarantees an intimate experience where every visitor feels valued. Imagine sipping on a creamy matcha latte, meticulously crafted from homemade ingredients rather than the usual premixed powder. This personal touch is a testament to the owners’ dedication to quality and flavors that resonate with the heart of Japanese culture.

One of the highlights mentioned by visitors is the delightful house blend coffee, exuding rich aromas that perfectly complement the tranquil ambiance. Pair your drink with the scrumptious custard pudding, which has garnered rave reviews for its delightful taste, making it a must-try during your visit. Don’t miss out on seasonal offerings like the luscious strawberry milk kakigori, a refreshing treat that locals say is simply excellent!

Aside from the captivating menu, the beautiful view of the river and picturesque cherry blossom trees during sakura season adds a magical touch to your dining experience. Imagine sitting by the window, enveloped in the gentle sounds of flowing water, perhaps even witnessing playful cats and herons outside while you enjoy your treats. Jeffrey Yong perfectly captures the essence when he describes Café Agaru as a place where you can unwind, sip on aromatic drinks, and simply enjoy a soothing break.

Those who seek a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere will be delighted by the ambiance of Café Agaru—a space that feels both charmingly rustic and thoughtfully modern. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or someone looking to enjoy delicious Japanese sweets, this cafe offers an experience that lingers long after the last sip. As Alice Landolfi expresses, it’s the kind of place that feels extraordinarily friendly—both from the staff’s warm hospitality and the overall inviting setup.

A trip to Kyoto is incomplete without a visit to the enchanting Café Agaru. Whether you find yourself here for a quick coffee break or a leisurely afternoon indulging in their delightful pastries, the charm and serene views will surely captivate your heart.

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Dessert
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:45 AM - 06:00 PM

Tuesday

11:45 AM - 06:00 PM

Wednesday

11:45 AM - 06:00 PM

Thursday

Closed

Friday

11:45 AM - 06:00 PM

Saturday

11:45 AM - 06:00 PM

Sunday

11:45 AM - 06:00 PM

252 Reviews
Alice Landolfi

14 Sep 2025

The place is just adorable, the owners are very sweet and friendly and the view over the small “river” is so relaxing and peaceful. The second floor is just as lovely and quiet, though you can’t really watch the river flowing. I had a matcha latte (for 600¥) which was delicious and home made, finally it wasn’t prepared with a pre-mixed powder (in fact, sugar came aside). The dorayaki was okay, but nothing special. I would come back every day if I lived in Kyoto.

Allen Lemuel Lemence

02 Sep 2025

Café Agaru offers a pleasant cafe experience as it offers a cozy atmosphere and a nice view of the stream. They offer Japanese treats and plenty of drink options. It is perfect during the Sakura season as you get a really nice view of sakura trees in front of you. During our visit, we also had fun watching two cats (and a heron) play around haha.

Camilo & Emily

24 Aug 2025

A very cosy cafe with river views and heated tatami mats which was perfect for today's rainy weather. Few seats available, approx 8. We had a delicious latte and matcha late with the custard pudding. Custard pudding was 10/10.

Jeffrey Yong

29 Jul 2025

We visited this cafe back in May 2023. This quaint little shop offers local desserts and drinks. The coffee was a house blend and the maccha was aromatic. We had a very relaxing time while in the cafe enjoying our break with the Takase River in view. The cafe is small and the atmosphere/ambience is peaceful.

Steph W

25 Jul 2025

The cafe is tiny and seats 7 in a tradition on the floor dining experienxe. You must take off shoes at the front. Your seats overlook the Tasake River. Absolutely delicious cafe au lait. it was so creamy and melts in your mouth, with zero discernable bitterness. Owner was polite and curteous. It wss a pleasant afternoon spot.

Jule Jung

23 Jul 2025

This was an amazing discovery. This little cozy place has special ambiance. The strawberry milk kakigori was excellent and the monaka with ice cream was such a great pair for home roasted coffee!

Traveliteasia

08 Jul 2025

Very cute spot facing the water. Went at night so didn't get much of a view but would love to go again during the day. Dorayaki was sold out so had the ice-cream monaka - choose between milk / greentea ice cream. Latte & ginger milk (ginger syrup home made)

Jen Lin

24 Jun 2025

We’re so happy to have discovered this hidden gem in the heart of Kyoto! The iced coffee was impressively good, with the charcoal-roasted brew offering a rich and layered flavor. The sandwiches were both delicious and satisfying in portion. If we visit Kyoto again, we’ll definitely come back

Join the Café Agaru Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.