Sway Coffee Roastery Kyoto: A Hidden Gem Near Yasaka Shrine

Coming down from Kiyomizu-dera Temple,

and navigating through the crowds of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka,

I was slowly making my way towards Yasaka Shrine.

I'd already stopped by the Ninenzaka Starbucks, famous for its tatami seating, midway

and enjoyed a matcha latte,

but having woken up early, it wasn't quite enough caffeine

to fully awaken my senses.

Walking continuously in the warm weather,

I thought, “This won't do, I really need a proper coffee,”

and quickly started searching for a nearby cafe.

That's how I discovered SWAY COFFEE ROASTERY KYOTO HIGASHIYAMA CAFE.

It’s a small cafe you can find if you take a leisurely stroll,

just slightly off the main Sannenzaka street.

Even though it's right in the middle of a tourist area, the shop was quiet and calm.

📌 Basic Information

Cashless Store: No Cash Accepted

We ordered a double espresso and a chai tea latte.

I was a bit flustered when I went to pay,

as this was a cashless store where cash payments were not possible.

I had coincidentally left my card upstairs at our table,

and for a moment, I froze.

But the staff member mentioned that transit card payments were also accepted.

Fortunately, I had my ICOCA card in my pocket and was able to pay with it.

When traveling in Japan,

I usually carry cash because many traditional older shops (nopos) still accept it,

but this was the first time I encountered a store that didn't accept cash at all.

If you plan to visit,

it's highly recommended to bring at least one of these: a credit card, transit card, or mobile payment.

The Taste of Real Coffee that Awakens Mind and Body

After ordering, I briefly looked around the first-floor space.

It was a cozy spot with a few small tables, an espresso machine,

and the ordering area all combined.

With its large open windows, the outdoor scenery naturally flowed in.

Watching people pass by on the alley outside the window,

I could truly soak in Kyoto's unique serene atmosphere.

My double espresso

had a slight acidity and was incredibly clean.

Honestly, at that moment, I wasn't really thinking about the taste;

it was more a profound sense of relief, thinking, "Finally, I can live again!"

With that rich espresso,

my mind and body were revived.

My sibling's chai tea latte

personally felt a bit strong in terms of spice aroma to me,

but my sibling actually loves that style

and drank it happily, saying it was delicious.

While the chai tea latte might not be for everyone,

it certainly felt like they didn't hold back on the ingredients' flavors.

Second-Floor Window Seats, Framed Like Kyoto Paintings

We passed through the first-floor ordering area and went up to the second-floor seating.

Luckily, a window seat was empty, so we could sit there.

The traditional interior,

along with the rustic yet stylish vase

holding a branch,

blended perfectly with the view outside the window.

Sitting by the window and looking out,

the window frame acted like a picture frame,

showcasing Kyoto's gray tiled rooftops.

Watching couples stroll along the stone wall path below,

beautifully dressed in kimonos,

truly made me realize I was in Kyoto.

It was a space where you could truly focus on the ambiance of Kyoto's alleyways,

something you couldn't quite experience

at the bustling Ninenzaka Starbucks.

If your itinerary involves walking from Kiyomizu-dera

towards Yasaka Shrine,

this was a perfectly located spot to rest your tired legs and catch your breath.

What I Loved

- Great for a stop between Sannenzaka and Yasaka Shrine.

- The clean and rich taste of their directly roasted coffee was excellent.

- The view of Kyoto's alleyways from the 2nd-floor window seats was lovely.

- Relatively quiet for being near a tourist spot.

- Perfect for soaking in the Kyoto alleyway atmosphere.

​

Things to Note

​

- The shop is small with limited seating, so there might be a wait.

- Cash payments are not possible, so a credit card or transit card is essential.

- The chai tea latte's spice aroma might not be for everyone.

​

Recommended for these people!

​

- People planning to walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Yasaka Shrine

- Those who love small cafes with a Kyoto aesthetic

- Travelers looking for a quick break with rich coffee

- If you prefer independent roastery cafes over franchises

📝 Quick Takeaway

An oasis discovered to escape the crowds of Ninen-zaka,

A small cafe with a window view and rich espresso.

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