Travel Guide: Weekenders Coffee

In this latest issue of Gateway: Travel Guide, we invite you to explore a specialty coffee roaster located in Kyoto, Japan: Weekenders Coffee. 

As you stroll north along Tominokoji Street from the bustling Nishiki Market, a hidden gem awaits your discovery. Behind a coin-parking lot, nestled among cars and vans, lies Weekenders Coffee, a unique coffee spot housed within a beautifully restored machiya (traditional townhouse). 

Weekenders Coffee stands out as one of Kyoto's best-kept secrets when it comes to specialty coffee. The design of the shop pays tribute to Kyoto's age-old traditions. Sliding partitions, bamboo accents, wooden beams, and clay walls all play their part in creating an ambiance that resonates with the city's rich heritage. Even the exterior of the stop is decorated with small trees nestled in mossy beds and stones, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The story of Weekenders Coffee started as a cozy cafe in Kamigyo Ward in 2005, which evolved into a specialty coffee roastery in 2011 when the owner, Masahiro Kaneki, started introducing the concept of lighter roasts to his customers. In 2016, they expanded their presence by opening Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji. In 2019, their roastery relocated, and the establishment is known as Weekenders Coffee Roastery. Today, they operate a roastery (Shimogyo Ward) and a coffee stand (Tominokoji). 

Weekenders Coffee's philosophy revolves around roasting coffee with a three-dimensional flavour profile, highlighting sweetness and acidity while leaving a lingering aftertaste. Their commitment to quality shines through in the meticulous selection of green beans through direct sourcing, the careful roasting process that brings out the unique characteristics of each bean, and the precise crafting of every cup of coffee.

Weekenders Coffee offers a diverse selection of beans suitable for pour over and espresso-based beverages.

The next time you find yourself travelling to Kyoto, make sure to include Weekenders Coffee in your itinerary to experience the harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary coffee culture tucked away from the bustling streets of Kyoto.

All images are sourced from Weekenders Coffee, Amekousya, Honke Owariya, and ACS.