In the midst of the scorching heat, I hurried in right after opening so there were no other customers and I could relax by myself. I actually wanted to have coffee, but due to the extreme heat, I opted for today's frozen lemonade. It was very refreshing and delicious. They also serve specialty coffee, so I would like to visit again in the autumn. The interior and atmosphere of the shop, as shown in the photos, were very lovely and I felt like I could stay there forever if time allowed. However, on the flip side, it might not be the best place for lively chatter. I personally recommend it for those who want to enjoy a leisurely coffee time with 1-2 people.

Today, I visited a cafe located east of Kawabata Nijo called TORIBA COFFEE KYOTO. It has a retro atmosphere and is the Kyoto branch of the original Ginza store in Tokyo. The cafe opened in February 2023 but was officially launched on July 1, 2023. In addition to the existing cafe space, a new espresso bar was added during the grand opening. I visited the espresso bar area, which has a unique Japanese-inspired design. The menu includes espresso for 600 yen, as well as light meals, sweets, cafe lattes, and alcoholic beverages. The espresso served was rich in aroma and flavor, perfect for savoring slowly. The bar counter provides a cozy atmosphere for chatting with the master, making it a recommended spot for those who enjoy conversations.

Established in Ginza for 8 years, TORIBA COFFEE is a coffee specialty store that is dedicated to beans. They have now chosen Kyoto as their new location. The building, which is over 100 years old and used to be a traditional Japanese confectionery shop, has been renovated to maintain its unique character. The atmosphere is serene, with the beautiful shadows of a Kyoto townhouse, making it a perfect place to enjoy coffee. Their menu offers 6 types of coffee, with 5 blends ranging from light to dark roast. The "Mild Blend" (800 yen) is a must-try, as it aims to be the "mildest coffee ever" by cutting down on bitterness and acidity to match the water in Kyoto.

TORIBA COFFEE KYOTO, located a 7-minute walk from Sanjo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway, is a renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse that used to be "Kyoka-do". The owner, Nobuhiro Toba, reopened the store in Kyoto in February 2023 after closing the Ginza main store in November 2022. The exterior of the store is painted black with a white and red logo sign. The interior is visible through full-length glass windows, featuring unique fabric sofas, original walls and fixtures, and gold leaf accents. The store has 12 tables for seating, with additional seating in the back. Specializing in specialty coffee, they also offer other beverages and occasionally serve food. I tried the Frozen Lemonade, priced at 1,200 yen including tax, which had a refreshing and slightly sweet taste with a hint of acidity. Overall, it was a delightful experience.

The owner has a great sense of style. The place is very fashionable. I've been following them on Instagram since before they opened. So, it was a dream come true to visit for the first time. Maybe because of the rain, there were no other customers. But that meant I could talk a lot with the staff and it was fun. I will definitely go again!

In January 2022, the well-regarded traditional Japanese confectionery shop "Kyokado" closed its doors. However, a new coffee shop has opened in the same location, preserving much of the original store's charm. I visited on February 23, 2023, when only coffee beans were available for purchase and takeout (the cafe was closed). I bought a cup of coffee for 500 yen, opting for the one with a light but flavorful taste. The takeout cup had a paper lid, avoiding the use of plastic. The coffee was smooth, light, and easy to drink, with a slightly shallow flavor profile. The cafe's seating arrangement looked very comfortable, and I look forward to returning to try out the cafe next time. The counter was the same showcase used in the "Kyokado" era, and the iconic display window with hanging umbrellas was still in use, creating a nostalgic and heartfelt atmosphere for those familiar with the original shop. I felt grateful and offered my thanks silently. I will definitely visit again.