Caramel Loafing

Planning a trip to Kyoto? Don’t miss Stumptown Coffee Roasters Kyoto, located inside the stylish Ace Hotel at Shinpuhkan. Known as a third-wave coffee pioneer from Portland, Stumptown offers world-class brews like the iconic Hair Bender blend, oat milk lattes, and refreshing cold brew, all perfectly suited for Kyoto’s café culture.
The Ace Hotel lobby, with its high ceilings, red-brick heritage, and modern design, doubles as a relaxing “public living room” where travelers and locals mingle. Fresh pastries—like the seasonal yuzu donut—are baked daily by the hotel’s pastry team, elevating the experience beyond coffee. Whether you’re sightseeing, people-watching, or looking for a stylish place to work, Stumptown Kyoto blends coffee, culture, and design into one unforgettable stop on your Kyoto journey. ...full story ››

Located near Kyoto’s Nijo Castle along the bustling Sanjo-kai Shopping Street, Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO is renowned for its signature, “10-Minute Mont Blanc”—a must-visit for travelers seeking Kyoto’s most distinctive historic townhouse cafés. Founded by Keizo Nishida, a pâtissier with 40 years of experience, the café blends the timeless charm of a traditional Kyoto machiya with refined Western-style pastry craftsmanship. Set inside a century-old townhouse lovingly transformed into a warm, welcoming café, its signature Mont Blanc features a meringue base slow-baked for three hours at low temperature (about 212°F / 100°C), best enjoyed immediately to savor its peak crispness and flavor. In addition to the main shop, the brand also operates KYOTO KEIZO OKASHI (specializing in take-out cakes and baked treats) and KYOTO KEIZO OYATSU (focusing on tarts, especially seasonal fruit varieties). All three locations are within walking distance, making it easy for Kyoto dessert lovers to explore them all in one trip. With its preserved wooden architecture, serene Japanese courtyard, freshly made sweets, and light meals, this historic Kyoto café is a must-visit culinary landmark. ...full story ››

Located in Kitashirakawa, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, right across from Kyoto University of the Arts, Sowgen Café（そうげんカフェ） has been a beloved Kyoto café since 2004, known for its handmade curries, artisanal desserts, and smooth, expertly hand-dripped coffee. The café’s white exterior, warm wooden interior, and lush garden create a serene and inviting atmosphere. Next door, its sister shop, sowgen brocante, offers curated antiques from Japan and Europe, reflecting the owner’s refined lifestyle aesthetic. The signature “Pork Keema & Butter Chicken Curry” masterfully pairs spicy and creamy flavors with multigrain rice and house-pickled vegetables, while desserts such as classic cakes, purin à la mode, and the charming hedgehog-shaped brown sugar cookie are must-tries. Inside, vintage furniture fills the spacious seating area, and a greenery-filled courtyard awaits at the back—an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon in Kyoto. Payment is accepted via cash, credit cards, and PayPay. Beyond this flagship location, the owner also operates SOWGEN antiques-plants-cafe & bar in downtown Kyoto, blending antiques, plants, coffee, and cocktails to extend Kitashirakawa’s slow-living ethos.
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In Kyoto, for a perfect blend of traditional and modern Japanese sweets, Amato Chaya Umezono Sanjo Teramachi is an unmissable classic. Founded in 1927 (Showa 2) and famed for its charcoal-grilled mitarashi dango, Umezono has grown into a beloved wagashi brand. The Sanjo Teramachi branch preserves its nostalgic Showa-era façade while serving artfully plated desserts made with premium ingredients, such as Brown Sugar Shiratama Kakigori and the Hana Tenshin Platter, a feast for both the eyes and palate. Whether cooling off in summer, warming up in winter, or simply finding a cozy spot to unwind, Umezono offers a space where every guest feels cared for. This article explores its history, branch highlights, signature menu, and dining experience—revealing how this century-old Kyoto sweet shop conveys warmth and tradition through a bowl of shaved ice or a skewer of dango. ...full story ››

Looking for the most iconic first meal in Nagoya? Don’t miss Yabaton’s famous miso katsu—a must-try for anyone planning a Nagoya trip. This legendary tonkatsu chain has been serving up crispy, juicy pork cutlets drenched in rich, steamy miso sauce since 1947. With locations in nearly every major train station, department store, and shopping center, it’s easy to squeeze into your itinerary without detouring.
Their miso katsu leaves a lasting impression—the breading is perfectly crisp, the pork is tender and juicy, and that hot miso sauce? Absolutely addictive. I’ve had my fair share of tonkatsu elsewhere, but Yabaton's version is the one I find myself craving when flipping through old travel photos. Each set also comes with satisfying extras like pickles, salad, and bottomless shredded cabbage.
This post covers Yabaton’s top dishes, branch locations, and my firsthand experience—perfect for anyone mapping out their Nagoya eats.
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Looking for truly cheap eats in Taipei? Forget the overhyped “budget bites” that cost more than they should. In this episode of our Hidden Eats series, we introduce an authentic street food gem under $3—Lan Jia Gua Bao, a must-visit stall in the Gongguan Commercial District near NTU, where one bite of their steamed pork belly bun proves that true value still exists in Taipei.
In recent years, the term “cheap eats” has been all over the media. But let’s be honest—many of these so-called affordable meals turn out to be more hype than value. Some aren’t even that cheap! You can’t seriously call a $3 dish a steal, right? 😆
That’s why we’re genuinely excited to share this find. At Lan Jia Gua Bao, you can get a satisfying, flavorful snack for what’s essentially pocket change. For those who love Taiwanese street food, gua bao (steamed pork belly bun) needs no introduction—perfect as a snack or even a full meal.
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Hidden inside a century-old ryokan in Nagoya’s Atsuta Ward, Kissa Miyamachi is a nostalgic café that blends the elegance of Edo-period craftsmanship with the romantic charm of the Taisho era. Known for its signature fried bread and Showa-style caramel pudding, this hidden gem also features Noritake bone china and Aesop hand soap—quiet touches of refinement that elevate the experience. Originally part of the historic Isekyu inn, which once served travelers along the Tokaido’s 53 post stations, the café offers a thoughtful, design-driven space where every detail tells a story. Whether you’re stopping by while waiting for a table at Atsuta Horaiken or visiting as a destination in itself, Kissa Miyamachi is where warmth, heritage, and understated luxury come together. This article takes you on a deep dive into one of Nagoya’s most beloved hidden cafés—exploring its architecture, cultural context, menu, and immersive dining experience. ...full story ››

Visiting the famous Atsuta Houraiken Honten, a top-rated unagi restaurant in Nagoya, usually involves a 90-minute wait—but it comes with delightful surprises. Instead of just waiting, travelers can stroll five minutes to the tranquil Shichiri-no-Watashiba Ruins to soak in the area's rich local history. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing break at the hidden café Miyamachi, located right across the street. Operated by the Houraiken group, this retro-style kissaten is housed in the historic Isekyu Ryokan, a designated cultural property, and features Taisho-era charm, classic pudding, and iced coffee. Even if you're just here for the eel, there's much more to discover nearby—from unique small shops to cultural gems. This guide covers the queueing process at Houraiken, nearby attractions, and local café tips—perfect for anyone planning a food trip in Nagoya or curious about the three-way unagi experience known as hitsumabushi.
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Looking for a family-friendly café in Kyoto? Nestled in Nishijin near Seimei Shrine, cafe marble Chiekoin blends coffee, sweets, curated goods, and design under one roof. Created by a local design team, this five-story café offers everything from in-house roasted coffee and handmade cookies to a spacious bar counter and sunny lounge on the second floor. Thoughtfully designed for families, it features a kids’ play area, free baby food, and a dedicated kids’ menu. The dessert lineup includes their popular apple tart, rich pudding, and gift-ready cookie tins, while savory dishes like quiche and curry make it perfect for lunch too. Compared to the original Bukkoji location, the Chiekoin branch feels more open and relaxed—ideal for family travelers and slow café lovers. If you’re looking to skip the crowds and experience local Kyoto life, this spot is a hidden gem worth bookmarking.
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Located just off Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path, Botanic Coffee Kyoto is a hidden café known for its antique decor, handcrafted sweets, and serene courtyard. Perfect for travelers seeking a quiet break, it offers homemade scones, copper-griddled pancakes, and freshly baked apple pie, best paired with their original hand-drip coffee blend. Tucked into a semi-basement of a retro apartment, the café features handpicked antiques from around the world and a cozy layout where each seating area feels distinct. During lunch, guests can enjoy popular dishes like chicken curry and cheese-stuffed meat pies, all made from scratch with fresh ingredients. The café is also pet-friendly, welcoming furry companions in its leafy outdoor garden. Takeout is available, and they accept credit cards and mobile payments, making it convenient for international visitors.
For those wanting to soak in Kyoto’s slow-living charm and café culture, Botanic Coffee Kyoto is a must-visit near the Philosopher’s Path. ...full story ››