Everyday Kyoto, Alive in a Merchant District

This time, I’d like to introduce Maeda Coffee Muromachi Main Store, located on Muromachi Street, just a short walk from Shijo–Karasuma. The building was originally used as a kimono fabric shop, and in 1981 it opened as Maeda Coffee’s main store.

This is not a “tourist spot.” It’s a place that has been loved for decades by people who live and work in Kyoto—a café locals truly use as part of their everyday life.

From a “See-and-Go” Trip to a “Stay-and-Feel” Trip

When people think of traveling in Kyoto, the focus often falls on temples, shrines, and historic landmarks—places you visit, admire, and move on from. But Maeda Coffee offers something different: a calm, lived-in space in a neighborhood that once flourished as a center of commerce and still bustles with Kyoto’s working life today.

In Kyoto, it’s not unusual for buildings that have been cherished for years to be preserved and gently repurposed, rather than rebuilt or torn down. Sitting here at a relaxed pace, you can feel that distinctly Kyoto way of passing places on to their next chapter.

It’s also the kind of experience Kyohotel Kishotei Goshominami hopes to share—one of the essential, quieter sides of Kyoto’s culture.

Enjoy It with House-Made Sweets

A deeply bitter, rich cup of coffee pairs best with something sweet—especially house-made desserts. From classic shortcake to generously filled fruit sandwiches, apple pie, and pudding, the selection changes with the seasons. In summer, you can also enjoy shaved ice, which is a nice bonus.

Another feature—now somewhat rare—is that Maeda Coffee Muromachi Main Store is a restaurant where smoking is permitted. This can be a deal-breaker for some visitors, but for others it’s part of the nostalgic charm of an old-fashioned Japanese kissaten. There are also non-smoking seats, so if you’re sensitive to smoke, you can choose a non-smoking area.

From Kyohotel Kishotei Goshominami to Maeda Coffee

If you’re staying at our hotel, it’s a great place to stop by before sightseeing in the morning, or during a quiet afternoon when you want to slow down. Maeda Coffee Muromachi Main Store creates a perfect “in-between” moment—between time spent sightseeing in Kyoto and time spent simply living in Kyoto.

Its exterior, with its Kyoto-style design and signage, also makes it a lovely place for travelers to begin the day.

Rather than a big, dramatic experience, it offers a gentle touch of Kyoto’s everyday life—exactly the kind of place worth visiting if that’s what you’re looking for.

Writer’s Tip

On weekdays only (11:00–17:30), Maeda Coffee Muromachi Main Store offers a free mini cappuccino soft-serve with one order. If you order an iced coffee, you can even turn it into a float-style treat—highly recommended if you’re visiting on a weekday.

Please note: This information is accurate at the time of writing. We recommend checking the latest details before your visit.