Discovering Utsuwa to Cafe Bar Mokumoku
Location: 87 Shimohoshinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
2-minute walk from Kiyomizu Bus Stop
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3m7bL6Th8mGpwnAp9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyoto_mokumoku
Phone: 075-754-8805
Hours: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (Last order 2:30 PM)
Sunday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (Last order 2:30 PM)
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and irregular holidays
Non-smoking throughout • No private rooms • 1 parking space (reservation required)
An Intriguing Introduction to Vegan Dining
Why venture into vegan dining in Kyoto, a city bursting with culinary delights? The simple answer: why not? Since I rarely seek out vegan restaurants back home, I was curious to experience something different while traveling abroad—and what better place than Kyoto to make that happen?
The Appeal of the Space: This hidden gem sits tucked away in the atmospheric lanes of Higashiyama, with views of Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Pagoda. It’s run by a couple who clearly share a passion for both hospitality and craftsmanship. The front gallery showcases ceramics (utsuwa) and folk art pieces thoughtfully curated from workshops across Japan, while soft jazz drifts through the back café.
Recommended Dishes: The menu is entirely plant-based and gluten-free. Standouts include the homemade rice bread sandwich, which delivers a delightfully chewy texture, and the tofu doughnuts—soft, nutty, and utterly satisfying.
If you’re visiting in the morning, the khichuri breakfast set is a must-try. This traditional Indian dish of rice and lentils, simmered with warming spices, is designed to settle and soothe the digestive system.
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The Experience: Each dish arrives thoughtfully plated in handcrafted ceramics by local artisans, elevating the meal from sustenance to art. The presentation alone makes you pause and appreciate what’s in front of you. Pair your dessert with a cup of rich organic coffee or a velvety matcha latte, find a quiet corner, and let the day slow down.
To be honest, when I ordered the set menu, the vegan fare itself—the bread and vegetables—was straightforward and mild-mannered. Nothing particularly revelatory about the food alone. But what struck me most was the depth of flavor in the organic coffee and those quiet moments gazing out the window. That’s where the real magic of this café lies: in the simple act of stopping, sitting, and being present.
Located somewhere along the bustling Ninenzaka lanes, this vegan restaurant has a way of feeling like a refuge from Kyoto’s crowds. For me, it’s become the kind of place I’ll remember as a perfect pause in my travels—not for reinventing vegan cuisine, but for reminding me to slow down and savor the moment.
