Experience LE LABO's First Café in Kyoto: A Blend of Fragrance and Tradition

During my recent trip to Kyoto, I stumbled upon the newly opened LE LABO CAFE, which added an unexpected charm to my experience in this historic city. While strolling along the Kamo River, I found this café, its understated exterior blending seamlessly with the traditional Japanese courtyard style, perfectly embodying the essence of Kyoto.

📍 Japan, 〒604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimokorikicho, 2丁目206番地

A Unique Blend of Cultures

LE LABO, originally a New York-based perfume brand, has opened its first café in Japan, LE LABO KYOTO MACHIYA, on Shijo Street, a place rich in historical ambiance. This cross-disciplinary venture is refreshing, bringing a unique cultural touch to Kyoto.

A Historical Setting

Opened in March this year, this café is not only LE LABO's third global outlet but also its first in Japan. It is housed in a machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse built in 1879, nestled discreetly along the street, easily missed if you're not looking closely.

A Serene Atmosphere

The scent of SANTAL 33 (A popular fragrance by LE LABO) subtly fills the air inside, creating a serene atmosphere. The café spans two floors, merging modern perfume artistry with local traditional craftsmanship. In this ancient city, the café feels both harmonious and distinctively unique.

The First Floor: Fragrance Lab

The first floor features a fragrance lab with a white and natural wood color scheme, where products are seamlessly integrated into the environment. The staff are enthusiastic about helping customers sample the products, offering a more relaxed and natural service compared to the traditional Japanese style. You can even customize your own perfume on-site, including the labels.

The Café Area

As you make your way through the main house and courtyard, you'll find yourself in the café area. Here, you can savor high-quality coffee, matcha, and vegetarian pastries while enjoying the perfumes. A classic square Japanese courtyard sits in front of the coffee bar, with wooden benches arranged around it. The courtyard's beauty is captivating, whether you are sipping coffee while experiencing the scents or quietly admiring the view, transporting you back in time to the everyday life of this historic building.

Exquisite Beverages

The café offers top-notch coffee and matcha. The staff recommended a hot flat white, which, while priced similarly to Blue Bottle Coffee, had a richer flavor. While the coffee menu is concise, each option has been carefully curated, ensuring excellent bean quality and a rich taste. The matcha, sourced from Uji, is pure and aromatic.

The Second Floor: Tatami Rooms

The second floor has two tatami rooms. One serves as a fragrance area, displaying hundreds of essential oils and perfumers' notes, providing an immersive experience into the world of perfumery. The other is a crafts area, regularly hosting exhibitions by Japanese artisans and artists.

Behind the café lies the famous Kamo River. Grab a coffee, pick up a pudding from a nearby convenience store, and relax by the river to enjoy a leisurely afternoon.