From Keihan Kamigamo-maru Takamachi Station, go up to the ground and walk east for about 5 minutes to Kawaramachi heading north. After about a 7-minute walk, head east at Arakamiguchi and walk about 2 minutes to the south side, where you will find a traditional coffee shop. Smoking is allowed, so I was able to relax with a coffee and a cigarette. It's one of my personal favorite shops.

In a retro and charming coffee shop called "Paru Coffee House" in a back alley near Arakamiguchi in Kyoto, I peeked inside from the outside and saw a Showa-era atmosphere with regular customers reading sports newspapers while enjoying their coffee. They offer a variety of coffees such as mild coffee, strong coffee, Italian-style espresso, American coffee, cappuccino, and Viennese coffee. Their food menu includes toast, hot dogs, spaghetti, pilaf, curry, and more. They also serve a reasonably priced morning set. I was a little hungry, so I had a half sandwich and a strong coffee. The rich aroma of the strong coffee, extracted from an espresso machine, was delightful. The ham sandwich and egg sandwich came with potato chips, which was a nice touch. I often stop by old-fashioned shops, but it's rare to see potato chips served. This area near Kyoto Imperial Palace, a short walk from Heian Shrine and Kyoto Ceramic Art Museum, is home to many popular cafes and restaurants among locals. I look forward to exploring more when I'm in the area again.

Kyoto is near the Imperial Palace. Just east of the intersection of Karasuma Street and Arakamiguchi, there is a shop here. After finishing lunch nearby and still having some time, I felt like having a coffee. So, I came here. When I entered the shop, I felt like I had been here before, even though it was my first time. The interior had a nostalgic Showa era atmosphere, with various items looking nicely worn out, which for some reason, made me feel calm. I quickly ordered a hot coffee. Since it was an old-fashioned coffee shop, I was expecting coffee brewed with Nel drip or a siphon machine, but the coffee that was brought to me was brewed with a fully automatic machine. The coffee tasted like the type you would find at a hotel breakfast buffet, with a strong bitterness but lacking in acidity and richness. It wasn't to my liking. The atmosphere of the shop was retro and I liked it, but unfortunately, the coffee was disappointing for me.

Arakamiguchi PAL Coffee Shop in Kyoto is a cafe where you can enjoy serious espresso. The retro interior is quite charming. The coffee is rich and easy to drink, with a deep aroma and a good aftertaste. The fruit sandwich is nostalgic and delicious. The prices are very affordable. Overall, a great place to enjoy good coffee and snacks.

A charming café located on the ground floor of a building in Arakamiguchi-dori, boasting delicious espresso. The retro exterior, with a slightly worn-out appearance, exudes a nostalgic Showa era vibe. The interior is elegantly decorated, with plenty of lush green plants and stylish indirect lighting. The well-worn chairs and tableware add to the old-fashioned charm of the place. The bright ivory furniture and espresso-themed décor create a cozy atmosphere. I chose the Morning Set B, which included toast, potato salad, and a drink. Served on a bright red tray, the toast was perfectly buttered and moist, with a rich flavor. The salad, served in a glass bowl, was a generous portion of coleslaw, cucumber, and boiled egg slices. The potato salad had a nice chunky texture, generously mixed with mayonnaise for a creamy finish. The coffee was quickly brewed using a machine, with a strong Italian-style flavor. The ambiance was filled with the music from an FM radio and the hum of the ventilation fan, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The casual lady in a luminous pink sweater and the sharply dressed gentleman owner created a pleasant morning vibe. The café was a peaceful and cozy spot loved by business people in suits and local customers.

In the morning of this day, I had breakfast at a cafe and started my walk from Sanjo area, but popular cafes had long lines. I walked north on Teramachi Street until I reached Shimogoryo Shrine and continued further north. When I started feeling hungry, I caught a faint scent of coffee and found "PAL Coffee House". I entered immediately. The place was quite full with local regulars. The owner kindly directed us to an available table. The husband and wife team running the place created a warm atmosphere. My companion ordered the "Morning Set A" and I ordered the "Egg Sandwich Set (Mini)". We were served our drinks first (coffee for my companion, tea for me), followed by toast and sandwiches. It was past 8 o'clock, so the amount was just right for a light meal. I had a brief conversation with the owner and his wife, and their kindness was evident. I was very happy to have encountered this shop on this morning. I would like to stop by again in the future.

Parl is a coffee shop located next to the legal affairs bureau at Arakamikuchi intersection. It seems to have been around for a long time, with a classic old-fashioned vibe. The prices are a bit on the lower side, and the coffee tastes like instant coffee, but considering the price, it's decent. They offer a discount of 100 yen when you order a light meal like hot sandwiches, sandwiches, hot dogs, or hotcakes with a drink. They also have affordable morning sets. The owner is a kind and friendly older man with a cool demeanor. While modern cafes are nice, there's something special about local coffee shops like this one.