Café from another world

Japanese cafés with old-fashioned services and menus are called jun-kissa (literally “pure café”). These attract many patrons that enjoy spending time in a leisurely private setting. While there are fewer jun-kissa nowadays, Kyoto still has quite a few.

1. When asked for one of the best cafés in Kyoto, people often mention the famous Kissa Soire.

2. The café is illuminated with magical blue lighting. As its name implies — soire means “night” in French — guests instantly enter a dreamlike world of night, regardless of the actual time of day.

3. Because the previous owner was an art collector, Kissa Soire is filled with paintings and sculptures. Many of these artworks are by Seiji Togo, an acclaimed Western-style painter. The café produces and sells original-design glass tumblers featuring a Togo painting.

4. One of the most popular menu items is called “jelly punch.” This features colorful pieces of jelly and fruit, served in cider. The result looks brilliantly beautiful, like stained glass — and tastes delicious, too.