During the Marine Day holiday in 2025, we took a leisurely bike ride from Horikawa-Imadegawa all the way to Nishijin. Summer had arrived early that year, and temperatures were soaring 7–9°F (4–5°C) above average—each day felt like a scorcher. To avoid heat exhaustion, we decided to escape the sun and finally visit a spot that had been on our Google Maps list for ages: the cafe marble Chiekoin.
This charming Kyoto café occupies the first and second floors of a retro building tucked away in a quiet residential corner of Nishijin. It's far removed from tourist crowds, with a few parking spaces out front and the lush Tachibana Park just next door. Step inside and you're greeted by sunlight pouring through large windows, a long open counter, whimsical hand-drawn bird illustrations, and lush greenery throughout the space. It’s an atmosphere that invites you to breathe deeply and simply chill.The heat slowly melted away the moment we settled in.
A Multi-Level Café Designed by Kyoto Creatives
cafe marble is a beloved local café brand run by Kyoto-based design firm Marble.co. Originally focused on graphic design, illustration, and video production, the studio has worked with heritage brands and public institutions across Kyoto.
They opened their first cafe marble on Bukkoji Street in 2007, blending a workspace with a café. In 2012, they launched a second location in Nishijin—cafe marble Chiekoin—which brought together design, food, family-friendliness, curated goods, and creativity under one roof. It's also one of the few Kyoto cafés with parking—a rarity!
The vision here goes beyond just sipping coffee. The space was built to be a base for creative exchange and slow, intentional living.
About Marble.co — The studio began as an online T-shirt workshop and gradually expanded into branding, web, and interior design. Their clients range from century-old Kyoto shops to schools and civic projects.
Rather than keeping creativity locked behind screens, Marble.co chose to anchor their work in a café, allowing daily interactions to spark new ideas. Everything—from the menu design to desserts and exhibit visuals—is crafted in-house by their team.
The company culture is as playful as it is thoughtful: staff enjoy unlimited meal stipends—even for dining out during work hours.
“We really care about good food. When you eat something delicious, your mood naturally lifts,” says the founder.
Every Tuesday is “Fish Day,” when fresh seafood is delivered straight from northern Kyoto ports for staff to share sashimi platters. Sometimes the café kitchen even whips up special staff-only comfort meals.
Their year-end “Crab Party” is also well-known—think mounds of crab, fresh juice, and quirky visuals designed in-house. This unique blend of work-life creativity has made Marble.co one of the most beloved teams in Kyoto’s creative scene.
A Space Where Every Floor Feels Like Home
The Marble BLDG., home to cafe marble Chiekoin, is a five-story building (four above ground, one below), and every level has its own character and function:
Basement (B1) houses the café’s own roasting room and dessert kitchen. The beans are roasted in collaboration with DRIP & DROP COFFEE SUPPLY—whose baristas have even competed in national coffee championships. The basement is also where the Cookie Factory bakes its signature cookies and tarts, filling the entire café with warm, buttery aromas.
First and second floors serve as the café space. The first floor features high ceilings, an open bar counter, and window-side seating. The second floor offers a spacious, relaxed co-working environment with mismatched chairs and even a small play tent corner by the windows—perfect for families with kids.
Third floor is the select shop “+S”, which rotates themed pop-ups and collaborations. You’ll find seasonal goods, limited-edition items, and plenty of handmade products by local designers and artisans from Kyoto and the Kansai region. Most are small-batch and beautifully crafted.
Fourth floor is home to Marble.co’s design studio, where all of cafe marble’s branding, packaging, and visual identity is created.
cafe marble Chiekoin Menu (Exclusive Items)
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Quiche | Homemade with root vegetables and two types of cheese | ¥850 |
| Daily Quiche | Seasonal vegetables with rotating ingredients | ¥950 |
| Dill-Infused Vegetable Salad | Served in a light veggie broth with dressing and wheatberry salad (+¥100 for bread) | ¥950 |
| Chicken & Lentil Curry | Richly spiced curry with lentils and chicken, served with salad | ¥1,100 |
| Mixed Rice Risotto | Flavor combinations vary daily, includes salad | ¥1,100 |
| Asparagus & Pea Lemon Cream Pasta | Fresh green vegetables in a light lemon cream sauce, served with salad | ¥1,350 |
| Kids Plate | Tomato meat sauce pasta, side dish, dessert, and drink | ¥800 |
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nut Tart | Walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios with caramel cream | ¥700 |
| Banana Raspberry Tart | Sweet bananas paired with tart raspberries | ¥700 |
| Caramel Apple Tart | +¥150 for ice cream | ¥750 |
| Seasonal Fruit Tart | Fresh fruit and custard filling | ¥800 |
| Daily Tart | Please ask for today’s special | ¥700 |
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pudding | For dine-in only | ¥600 |
| Scone | Served with homemade jam and fresh cream | ¥800 |
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee | Original house blend | ¥600 |
| Latte | Hot or iced | ¥650 |
| Earl Grey Tea | Hot or iced | ¥600 |
| Chai | Add spiced rum +¥50 | ¥750 |
| Herbal Tea | Black tea, cinnamon, and mint blend | ¥700 |
| Original Herbal Fruit Tea | Mild, fruity house blend | ¥700 |
| Hojicha Latte | Roasted green tea latte | ¥800 |
| Matcha Latte | Traditional Japanese green tea | ¥800 |
| Raspberry Soda | Housemade | ¥800 |
| Lemon Sparkling Drink | Housemade | ¥750 |
| Cocoa | Hot or iced | ¥750 |
| Orange Juice | ¥550 | |
| Apple Juice | ¥550 | |
| Kids Drink | Small juice cup | ¥300 |
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Original Beer (Turquoise) | Crafted by Bighand Bros. | ¥1,100 |
| Wine (Red / White) | Available by the glass or carafe | ¥700 / ¥1,700 |
| Housemade Sangria | Red or white | ¥850 |
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Soup | ¥380 | |
| Pickled Vegetables | Housemade | ¥500 |
| Carrot Salad | ¥500 | |
| Snack Platter | Carrot salad + daily selection | ¥1,250 |
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Herbal Sparkling Drink | Non-alcoholic options available: mint berry, mint citrus, or mint grape | ¥700 |
| Frozen Fromage Sandwich | Weekend special: French cream cheese, pound cake & jam | ¥820 |
Coffee, Quiche & Caramel Apple Tart: Must-Try Picks
Aside from the relaxing ambiance, the food here truly delivers.
We had a hot Americano, an iced latte, and the signature caramel apple tart. The Americano was smooth and mellow without bitterness, and the iced latte had a lovely balance of espresso and milk. The tart came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and its almond filling had a subtle nutty aroma. On top, slices of cinnamon-caramelized apple were generously layered—sweet, fragrant, and utterly satisfying.
Their dessert menu is impressively varied. In addition to the apple tart, you'll find treats like the seasonal fruit tart, nut tart, banana raspberry tart, scones, and their much-loved Showa-style pudding. The pudding is rich with a touch of bittersweet caramel—a nostalgic favorite with depth.
The drink selection is just as compelling. Beyond their coffees, the housemade chai is especially popular, and their seasonal jam sodas are made with fruit preserves crafted in-house.
If you're visiting around lunchtime, you won’t be limited to desserts. The café also serves freshly baked French-style quiche, homestyle curry, risotto, and pasta dishes. Whether you’re after a full meal or something light, there’s something for everyone. Families will appreciate the thoughtful kid-friendly menu, which includes a children’s plate.
They also offer beautifully packaged house-baked cookies in tins, which are popular as Kyoto souvenirs. One of their standouts is the Yoru Cookie Tin—a nighttime-inspired collection perfect for pairing with tea or beer, available exclusively at the Chiekoin location.
Designed in-house by the Marble.co team, the elegant tin features a twilight motif, continuing the café’s distinct visual style.
The cookie flavors rotate by season and theme, often leaning into more grown-up profiles: savory, spiced, cheesy, nutty, or chocolatey. Expect combinations like lemon rosemary, cocoa & pepper, green olive, or vanilla nut—each with layered aromas and locally sourced Kyoto ingredients. They’re great for family sharing, small gatherings, or a quiet solo night in. The packaging is so stylish, they make fantastic gifts too.
Around Father’s Day or seasonal events, they even release collaboration gift sets with local breweries like Bighand Bros. Beer, pairing the Yoru Cookie Tin with craft beer—a playful and collectible combo for beer lovers.
Kid-Friendly Meals & Free Baby Food: A Parent’s Safe Haven
cafe marble Chiekoin is one of the few truly child-friendly cafés in Kyoto. In addition to a kid’s plate and children's drinks on the menu, they also provide free baby food—such as pumpkin risotto—for little ones 9 months and up. You can even request it with or without cheese, making it both thoughtful and practical.
The café also supplies child utensils, high chairs, and a small play space where kids can move freely while parents enjoy a meal. For families with infants, there's hot water for formula, reheating for baby food, and a dedicated diaper changing area with proper disposal bins—everything you need to feel at ease.
A highlight is that on weekends, the second floor becomes a play zone. Children get to roam and play, while parents sip their coffee nearby and enjoy a bit of well-deserved me time.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable-Packed Pumpkin Risotto |
Recommended age: 9 months and older (post-weaning) Ingredients: white rice, pumpkin, carrot, cauliflower, cabbage, onion, bonito broth, parmesan cheese |
Free |
Bukkoji vs. Chiekoin: Two Distinct Café Moods
cafe marble has two locations in Kyoto, each offering a unique experience. One is located near the city center on Bukkoji Street, making it convenient for urban strolls. The other is hidden in a quiet Nishijin neighborhood near Seimei Shrine, ideal for travelers who prefer a slower, crowd-free atmosphere.
| Location | Opened | Atmosphere | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukkoji | 2007 | Renovated 120-year-old Kyomachiya townhouse with a serene, calming vibe | Solo coffee time, reading, casual dates |
| Chiekoin | 2012 | Four-story multipurpose space with family-friendly amenities and cozy seating | Families, group lunches, creative meetups |
Shop Info｜cafe marble Chiekoin
| Shop Details｜cafe marble Chiekoin | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-519 Sasayacho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto (Marble BLDG.) |
| Phone | 075-451-8777 |
| Opening Hours |
Daily｜11:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Last order 7:30 PM) Closed on Mondays (Open on public holidays) ※ For the latest updates, check their official Instagram |
| Closed | Monday & Tuesday |
| Access | 3-minute walk from Imadegawa Jofukuji bus stop (Kyoto City Bus #201) |
| Official Website | https://www.cafe-marble.com |
| Payment | Cash, credit cards, and electronic payments (depending on available devices) |
| Parking & Perks |
4 on-site car parking spaces and bicycle racks available. If the lot is full, use one of the partnered coin parking lots nearby. Show your parking receipt to receive a partial discount on your bill: ・Spend ¥3,000 or more → ¥300 discount ・Ask staff for locations of partnered lots ・Be sure to request a receipt, which will be collected at checkout |
Nearby Attractions｜Around cafe marble Chiekoin
If you're visiting cafe marble Chiekoin, consider setting aside time to explore the charming Nishijin district, known for its quiet atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Within a 15-minute walk from the café, you'll find plenty of hidden gems. Whether you're traveling solo or with kids, there's something relaxing and enriching for everyone:
- Seimei Shrine (5-minute walk) — Dedicated to the legendary onmyoji (yin-yang master) Abe no Seimei, this mystical site offers free admission and a serene glimpse into Heian-period spiritual culture.
- Nishijin Textile Center (6-minute walk) — Discover the history and artistry behind Kyoto’s famed Nishijin weaving. Watch kimono shows or try weaving yourself.
- Shiramine Shrine (12-minute walk) — Popular among athletes for its blessings on sports and physical strength. The peaceful shrine grounds are perfect for a reflective stroll.
- Orinasu-kan Handweaving Museum (8-minute walk) — A small hands-on museum featuring textile arts and crafts. Ideal for kids and travelers who enjoy creative experiences.
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (15-minute walk) — One of Kyoto’s top spots for cherry and plum blossoms. Dedicated to the god of scholarship, it's a beautiful place to visit in any season.
- Kamishichiken (15-minute walk) — Kyoto’s oldest geisha district. Stroll along narrow alleys lined with traditional machiya houses and soak in the vintage charm.
For a relaxing walking route, start at cafe marble and head north along Chiekoin Street. Stop by Seimei Shrine and the Nishijin Textile Center, then continue on to Kamishichiken or Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. In spring and fall, the route becomes even more scenic with cherry blossoms or autumn foliage, turning your coffee break into a slow journey through Kyoto’s seasonal beauty and cultural depth.