Yamamoto Kissa

“I felt like going out for breakfast sometime…” so I headed to Yamamoto Kissa by the Shirakawa River. It’s a rare gem in the Gion area, open from 7 AM. If they’re open this early, it works perfectly as a breakfast spot before commuting or going to school…

Yamamoto Kissa is a retro Showa-era spot, but not in a tacky way at all…

I visited Yamamoto Kissa around 10 a.m. on a weekend morning. I’d been lazing in bed that day, so it was more brunch time than breakfast, yet even at this awkward hour, the place was nearly full. Luckily, I only had to wait a few minutes to get in. But even after I entered, customers kept trickling in, and a small crowd formed outside the shopfront, clearly showing its popularity. Judging by this scene, it seems wise to be prepared for some wait time depending on the hour.

Now, this place is often described in media as a “Showa retro coffee shop.” My impression, though, is more like, “It definitely has that Showa retro vibe, but…” The south-facing storefront is entirely glass, letting in sunlight and making it bright. The colorful checkered wallpaper gives the interior a slightly pop vibe. The building itself was constructed during the Showa era, so it does have a retro feel. But that retro charm isn’t at all cloying… It just feels like it’s seamlessly integrated into everyday life. It’s a place where you can relax without feeling the slightest bit stressed.

Perfect for waking up a sleepy brain… How was Yamamoto Kissa’s popular morning menu item, the Grilled Egg Sandwich Set?

So, let me introduce the popular morning menu item I ordered at Yamamoto Kissa that day: the Grilled Egg Sandwich Set (price: ¥1,100 including tax). With this set, you can choose coffee, tea, or orange juice to accompany your egg sandwich. For an extra charge, upgrading the drink to café au lait or royal milk tea (+¥50) or adding a pudding dessert (+¥500) is also possible.

After placing my order, I waited about 10 minutes before the grilled egg sandwich arrived before me…

Four standard-sized egg sandwich slices, easy to pick up with one hand, were served, with shredded cabbage and potato salad positioned behind them. Since not only egg sandwiches but also a fresh vegetable salad is included, it’s quite a healthy breakfast menu, wouldn’t you say?

I promptly picked up a slice of the egg sandwich… Inside the bread, a generous layer of mustard-mayo spread meant the rolled omelet inside slid right out with the first bite. You need to be a bit careful not to drop the crucial filling onto the floor. The omelet itself is cooked to a slightly firm texture, releasing a rich, deep flavor with every bite that matches its satisfying chew. Alongside this, the mild kick of mustard hits your nose, giving you that sharp, wake-up-call sensation that jolts my half-asleep brain wide awake.

In contrast, the hot coffee served after the meal had a light acidity and an overall clean, refreshing taste. It washed away the lingering flavors of mustard and mayonnaise in my mouth. I thought, “I could go for another cup…” but a crowd had started forming outside the shop waiting to enter, so I settled the bill. Having breakfast at a cafe like this before commuting would undoubtedly set the perfect mood for starting the day’s work.

Yamamoto Kissa’s Other Morning Menu Items (Available until 11:00 AM, prices include tax)

• Morning Curry Set: ¥1,100
• Cream Stew Set: ¥1,100
• Ham and Cheese Toast Set: ¥1,100
• Red Bean Paste Toast Set: ¥1,100
• Toast Set: ¥850

I want to linger as long as possible… Access to Yamamoto Kissa is a 7-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line.

That’s the vibe—Yamamoto Kissa is incredibly cozy, the kind of place where you just want to relax and stay as long as possible… I didn’t get to linger much this time, but next time I’d love to bring a paperback and take it easy. Honestly, I wish there was a cafe like this near my home… Of course, it’s also highly recommended for breakfast during your Kyoto sightseeing, so if you get the chance, please give it a try.

Now, here are the shop details…

It’s a 9-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line / Sanjo Keihan Station, or a 12-minute walk from Keihan Electric Railway Gion-Shijo Station.

P.S. If you are looking for a cozy cafe in Kyoto, please stop by this article below…