I entered a small coffee shop called "Noriki Coffee Shop" that was oddly guided by a young person asking, "Is it okay if it's a little good?" The moment I walked in, I realized it was a smoking-friendly coffee shop! I quit smoking decades ago, so I didn't mind or know about it, but for smokers, it's important to know which places allow smoking in the scorching heat. Since it was hot, I ordered an iced coffee. Along with it, I was served Country Ma'am cookies. The young person chose an electronic cigarette over coffee. There were many electronic cigarette users, but the two salarymen at the back were chain smoking like enemies (laughs). It seems there are also people who struggle with nicotine withdrawal. Well, I endured it and quit smoking as an old man (laughs). Surprisingly, there are smoking-friendly coffee shops in Umeda and Tokyo when you look for them. There is definitely a demand for them! Thank you for the meal!

Located about a 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station, I stumbled upon this shop while looking for a place to take a coffee break. It has a local vibe and smoking is allowed. The guy behind the counter occasionally lends a hand in an interesting way. The blend costs 450 yen and is served in about 6 minutes. The blend is very easy to drink and comes with a small piece of chocolate, which is a nice touch. It's a great place to relax and take your time. I would definitely like to visit again if I have the chance.

A little coffee perhaps. There are so many choices in Kyoto, it's overwhelming. But as I stroll by, I see a sign outside a shop saying "The second best coffee in the world". The best is the one at my own home. Alright, I think I'll go here. A few salarymen are having an early lunch. The lunch at this kind of place looks really delicious, but I'll just have a hot one. Cup in hand in 15 seconds. Is it pre-brewed? Well, I do reheat my own coffee at home sometimes. It's not bad. That's the way it is. I shouldn't be nitpicking, right? After all, it's the second best. Not a bad feeling.

The interior of the restaurant has a classical atmosphere with soft wooden lighting and cat-themed decor. There is a vintage coffee maker, a cigarette vending machine, and various retro items from the Showa era. The morning news show plays on a TV screen while customers enjoy their coffee. The waitresses, dressed in red rose aprons and long skirts, create a warm and cozy atmosphere. The menu includes toast with boiled eggs and strong coffee served in logo cups. The thick slices of toast are buttered and cut into three pieces. The boiled eggs are neatly arranged on a plate. Overall, the experience is welcoming and nostalgic, attracting a mix of regulars and locals.

During a stopover while traveling, I was drawn to a sign claiming to be the second best in Kyoto. With only about 30 minutes to spare, I didn't have much time to relax. I originally planned to try their hot coffee, but it was too hot for that. So, I opted for an iced coffee for ¥400 (comes with a mini pastry). Despite being ranked second in taste, the coffee was just average. It arrived in a flash, just 3 minutes after ordering. And unexpectedly, it came with a "Fujiya Home Pie". The cozy atmosphere made this middle-aged man a bit emotional. While I happened to choose this place this time, if there are other options available, it might be worth exploring them instead of this one.

We enjoyed delicious local vegetables at Tsunona/Kamo-san. As it started to get a bit crowded, we decided to leave the restaurant and think about where to take a leisurely stroll while having a coffee. Just a short walk east, we saw a sign that read "The second best in Kyoto" for "Noriki Coffee". Noriki is a place in Kyoto, right? Well, that doesn't matter. We decided to go in. Inside, there were two middle-aged locals at the counter, chatting like old friends. It didn't seem too busy, so we could relax. We ordered two cups of blended coffee and looked at a tablet and a map of Kyoto that we got from JR Tokai, trying to decide which way to go. I dared to ask the owner where the best coffee was, and she replied, "The best coffee is the one brewed by your loved one." I didn't know how to respond to that (sweat), so I just casually said thank you and went to the regular customers. We decided on a direction and paid the bill. I have no particular preference for coffee, so I found it simply delicious. They open from 7:30 in the morning, so it might be a good place for a morning coffee.