Between two famous Maiko/Geiko districts (Gion & Miyagawacho), down a long, narrow alley, is the Cafe Opal. The lovely couple who run the cafe have renovated an 80 year old traditional Japanese home in a very unique manner. They are friendly, speak some English, and play great music. And, their food is very tasty and reasonable. Although I recommend the cafe to everyone, as a single traveler, this is a good place to go to feel comfortable eating by yourself. Stop in for lunch, dinner, dessert, a beer, or just a cup of coffee.
- 1 min read
Kyoto's Cafe Opal
A unique dining spot near Gion

By Sandra Isaka
Community writer

If Kyoto is crowded with tourists, this is a great 'hidden' place to escape to.

The narrow alley that leads to the cafe. The cafe is open from 12:00 to 21:00 (last order).

It is very easy to miss the entrance to the cafe. Keep an eye out for the small English signs.

The cafe is closed on Tuesdays, unless it falls on a holiday. It is also closed on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

I ordered a very reasonable 'set' dinner - it came with this appetizer plate and a salad (not pictured).

The cafe's phone number is 075-525-7117. The website is in Japanese, but if you go to the menu page, there is a link to an English menu. cafeopal.com

The 'set' included a choice of main dish. This one was delicious! Bread was also included.

Many people come just to sit, read, listen to the music, and drink a tasty cup of coffee.

The 'set' ended with a plate containing a variety of desserts and fruit. Cafe Opal's desserts are all handmade.

When the weather is nice, there is a fun, cozy outdoor space to hang out in.
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Caroline Imelda
10 years ago
noted to my "places have to visit at Kyoto" long list :)
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Japan Travel Ideas: Must-Sees and Hidden Gems
Culture -
2
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
3
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
4
Garyu Sanso: An Architectural Masterpiece in Harmony with Nature
Ehime - Sponsored -
5
Kyoto Station a Top Pick for Foodie Experiences
Kyoto -
6
Yamaguchi's Kozan Park
Yamaguchi -
7
“Human Washing Machine” Debuts at Expo 2025 Osaka
Planning -
8
Sushiro Brings Sustainable Sushi to Expo 2025
Osaka -
9
First Glimpses of Daimaru Matsuzakaya’s Expo 2025 Store
Osaka -
10
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
5
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
6
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
10
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa