A Space That Makes You Want to Stay a Little Longer
This time, we’d like to introduce NOW & THEN Kyoto—a gallery café and bar quietly tucked away around Karasuma Oike.
It’s a cozy, comforting place where you can truly unwind, and you’ll even be welcomed by their adorable black Shiba Inu “shop dog.”
If you’re feeling a bit tired between sightseeing spots, this is a lovely place to slow down and recharge.
Café by Day, Bar by Night
During the day, soft natural light fills the space. At night, the dim lighting creates a calm, relaxed atmosphere. The interior changes its mood depending on the time, and you can take your time enjoying homemade drinks and desserts.
In particular, their terrine and pudding are highly recommended—rich, satisfying, and beautifully presented, so you can enjoy them with your eyes as well as your taste buds.
When I visited in the evening with friends, we ordered the cheese terrine, pudding, and a seasonal limited matcha terrine, and enjoyed sharing them.
Since it also functions as a bar, they offer a solid selection of alcoholic drinks, too. One that really stood out to me was the lychee liqueur—it had a gorgeous aroma and a clean, gentle sweetness, perfect for the quiet nighttime vibe.
Comforted by the “Shop Dog”
Even the waiting time feels short when you’re watching their resident dog. His name is Miles, and he’s calm, independent, and irresistibly charming.
He keeps the perfect distance—not too close, not too far. If you don’t try too hard, he’ll casually wander over to you at just the right moment. That natural, effortless cuteness matches the atmosphere of the café itself.
Sometimes the owner prepares treats for him, and the moment the treats appear, Miles suddenly shows up right in front of you—as if by magic.
And when you try to pet him while giving the treat, he may smoothly dodge you. That “just the right distance” feels very Shiba Inu—and it always makes you smile.
A Café Where the Walls Become a Gallery
Several artworks are displayed on the walls, and art naturally blends into the time you spend there. The exhibitions change regularly, so each visit offers something new.
Rather than carefully “viewing an exhibition,” it’s more like discovering art casually—something you notice while sipping a drink and letting your eyes wander. That comfortable balance adds to the calm, thoughtful atmosphere of the space.
The simple, refined interior harmonizes perfectly with the artwork, making the quiet of the evening feel even deeper. It’s one of the reasons you’ll find yourself staying longer than you planned.
Final Thoughts
My friends loved it too—saying things like, “I wish I lived in this neighborhood,” and “I’m definitely coming back. Next time, I want to come alone.”
Even on your first visit, it’s a place where you can relax without trying too hard—one of those rare spots you instantly want to make your regular go-to.
NOW & THEN Kyoto is about a 5-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line), and about an 8-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station. It’s also around a 14-minute walk from Kishotei, making it easy to visit.
They are generally closed on Mondays, but updates are posted on Instagram, so it’s best to check the latest information before you go.
We hope you’ll stop by and add another favorite spot to your Kyoto list.
Information
Address: 4F, 122-1 Shikami-cho, Aburanokoji-dori Oike-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8261, Japan
Phone: 090-8643-2583
