Zip Cafe

Just steps from Kinkaku-ji, up a flight of stairs on the 2 floor, Zip Cafe offers a quiet spot to pause away from the sightseeing bustle. Looking out at the view through the windows, visitors can enjoy a meal or tea in a calm, unpretentious atmosphere.

A perennial favorite among the cafe selections is the thick, fluffy pancake, baked to a cake-like tenderness. Set options paired with your choice of beverage let you savor this simple treat alongside hot Japanese tea or freshly brewed coffee. The dessert menu also features matcha pudding served with ice cream, matcha warabimochi, and warm zenzai sweet red bean soup, providing comforting respite after time spent walking the temple grounds.

For those looking for a substantial lunch, the menu includes plenty of rice and noodle dishes. Hearty curry and rice comes topped with either Japanese fried chicken or a hamburger steak, featuring an approachable, mild heat that appeals to visitors. Noodle offerings include a light Kyoto-style udon topped with yuba (tofu skin) and pickled plum, as well as rich curry udon. With options like fried rice stir-fried with traditional pickles, the kitchen blends a touch of Kyoto character with straightforward home-style warmth.

The drink list also includes Japanese teas and Kyo no Sanpomichi, a sake brewed locally by Kyoto’s Sasaki Shuzo, making the cafe a welcome retreat to rest your feet after exploring the neighborhood around Kinkaku-ji.