Kyoto is a city that carefully preserves the traditional history of Japan, located about 140 minutes from Tokyo by using the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. On the other hand, this internationally-famous city is also where many visiting foreigners from various countries gather, and is home to just as many people eager to welcome them. Just as well, the city also greatly values the importance of being a Muslim-friendly city. In such Kyoto, there are many Japan-bred specialty coffee brands. In this article, we will introduce these Kyoto-born coffee brands as well as Kaiseki cuisine, a traditional Kyoto course meal.

% Arabica Arashiyama: A coffee shop that is popular overseas near the scenic Togetsu Bridge

%Arabica is a Kyoto-based specialty coffee shop, having even opened its first branch in Kuala Lumpur in March 2021. At the %Arabica Arashiyama near Togetsu Bridge, one of Kyoto’s famous sightseeing locations, you can enjoy their popular coffee menu items such as the espresso and café latte while taking in beautiful seasonal scenery, such as cascading autumn leaves or the spring cherry blossoms.

Address：3-47, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku　Kyoto 616-8385 Japan
Tel. No：075-748-0057
Opening Hours：
　Mon – Fri : 9am – 5pm
　Sat – Sun : 9am – 6pm
　Open Daily
% Arabica Arashiyama

Vermillion – cafe：Cafe 「Vermillion」, near the vivid red torii gate walkway of the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Vermillion is a specialty coffee shop near Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is famous for its rows of beautiful torii (traditional Japanese Shinto gates) gates. On the terrace, you can enjoy authentic espresso and sweets while gazing at the surrounding lush green foliage. Feel free to confirm the ingredients of their sweets when placing your order.

Address：5-31 Kaidoguchi-cho Fukakusa Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0805
Opening Hours：
　Open: 10:00- 16:00 （Only on Sat・Sun・Public Hol）
　Close: Weekdays
Vermillion – cafe

Kurasu Kyoto Stand：A specialty coffee stand with an excellent location near Kyoto Station

「Kurasu Kyoto Stand」 is a specialty coffee stand located only a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station. It is a famous shop where you can enjoy high-quality espresso and hand drip coffee at reasonable prices. Additionally, coffee utensils from multiple Japanese manufacturers are also available in the shop for purchase.

Address: 552 Higashiaburanokōji-chō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8235
Tel. No：075-744-0804
Opening Hours：
　Thurs・Fri　12:00~18:00
　Sat・Sun・Public Hol　8:00~18:00 (Closed on Mon・Tues・Wed)
※Business hours may change due to Corona situation.
Check Google Map or their social media pages for the latest information.
Kurasu Kyoto Stand

Introduction of Halal Kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto

Kaiseki cuisine is a course meal typically offered at banquets that consists of appetizers, sashimi, simmered dishes, grilled dishes, and side dishes. Appetizers are served as an entrée, while juicy vegetables are commonly used for the simmered dishes. Grilled fish and meat are often served as the side dishes. The order is then concluded with rice, miso soup, and fruits. The cuisine itself is an opportunity for travelers to enjoy a slightly more luxurious meal experience.

Honke Tankuma Main Store

Honke Tankuma Main Store has been certified as a Muslim-friendly restaurant by the Kyoto Halal Council. This restaurant does not use seasonings containing alcohol, (which otherwise would usually be necessary for traditional Kyoto food) and offers instead genuine Kyoto cuisine while maintaining halal requirements. It is a perfect restaurant for your trip to Kyoto to experience the traditional atmosphere as well as delicious food.
※Reservation is required 2 days in advance.
Honke Tankuma Main Store

Washoku Ukihashi / Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Washoku Ukihashi is a Japanese food restaurant that has acquired local halal certification as managed by the Malaysia Halal Corporation. Here, you can enjoy halal Japanese food in a traditional Japanese atmosphere, in contrast with the modern building it is housed in.
※As of August 2021, the operation is temporarily suspended due to Corona situation.
Washoku Ukihashi / Hotel Granvia Kyoto

As Kyoto is a world-famous tourist destination, it recognizes the importance of providing comfort to its many international visitors. Naturally, the city also strives to be a Muslim-friendly city. With the increasing number of halal restaurants and prayer spaces in the area, it can be said that this is a city where you, as a Muslim traveler, can travel with ease. The large number of long-term Muslim international students who reside here is proof of such. Having everything you need for a long, pleasant stay at the tip of your fingers, is one of the great attractions of Kyoto.