A latte art champion’s café – A must-visit coffee shop near Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine

▲ Latte art that attracts many young women.

Reported and photographed by You t
ru / Kyoto
 
When it comes to cafés in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, many people may have a certain image in mind: an old wooden house where a silver-haired elderly man slowly brews a cup of coffee using a siphon, the rich aroma wafting from the pot before it’s poured into a cup and topped with half a glass of milk — the classic rhythm of making a café au lait. However, in recent years, more and more young people have opened cafés in Kyoto. One of them is “Latte Art Champion Coffee,” situated near Yasaka Shrine. It doesn’t follow the traditional old café style but instead offers a youthful flavor and pace, which is definitely worth a try.

 
▲ “Latte Art Champion Coffee,” located near Yasaka Shrine, has a clean and fresh white design that appeals greatly to young people.

As more young people take over and revitalize old buildings, Kyoto’s urban area has seen a growing number of renovated old-house cafés. These spots not only use simple methods like pour-over or siphon brewing but also introduce Italian espresso machines, enriching the variety and depth of coffee experiences for locals. Tucked away in a small alley near the famous Yasaka Shrine, % Arabica Kyoto — which had already operated for over two years in Hong Kong — chose Kyoto as the location for its third branch. It quickly became the most popular café among local youth upon opening.


▲ % Arabica Kyoto isn’t very large in size, but its minimalist interior and outstanding coffee quality leave a deep impression.


Staff at the shop shared that “% Arabica” was originally founded by a Japanese owner in Hong Kong, where it already had two branches. After stable operations there, the decision was made to bring the brand back to its founder’s hometown as “% Arabica Kyoto.” Unlike cafés that emphasize the charm of old architecture, this is a “coffee-only” shop that strips away the “extra services” typically offered by cafés — no desserts or meals. The entire space uses a transparent visual concept to highlight the coffee itself, creating an irresistible pull to take a sip.

It’s not uncommon for cafés to roast their own beans or craft delicious, memorable coffee. But one hidden gem at this café might be the real draw: a latte art champion. The coffee champion here is the shop manager, Junichi Yamaguchi. His focused expression while pouring latte art is said to attract many female customers. However, during my visit, I didn’t get to see Yamaguchi’s famous latte art — it was made by another staff member instead. Their latte art skills and techniques were just as impressive, not inferior to the champion’s. The latte had a rich flavor with a strong milk taste complemented by fruity notes, definitely worth trying. Just be mindful that the latte here is slightly hot, so take care when drinking.

% Arabica Kyoto’s ordering process is smooth, not complicated. The payment and drink pickup systems are efficient and hassle-free.
 
 

% Arabica Kyoto
Address: 87-5 Hoshinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Prefecture
Business hours: 08:00 ~ 18:00