I previously shared this great street snack you can get from the very popular and traditional area in Kyoto. On the same day, I discovered this cute little cafe on one of the popular streets in Higashiyama which has a great view of Yasaka Pagoda!
Cafebar Mokumoku or (utsuwato) うつわとcafebar mokumoku is a vegetarian cafe in the busy area of Higashima Ward, Kyoto. They offer lunches and sweets with vegan and gluten-free options, displayed on handmade artist’s pottery which you can also buy from the front of their cafe.
Let me show you what we got here!
At a glance:
V/VO: Vegan option (vegetarian cafe)
Payment: Card and cash accepted: payment at the end
Reservation required?: No
How to order: Server will take your order at the table
The space
As you enter the cafe, you are greeted by a display of beautiful handcrafted pottery and crockery. The cafe has a very chilled and laid-back feel to it, playing jazz music in a cosy environment with a very friendly staff.
It looks like they often host craft workshops and events such as “bread brunch” which you can check out on their website and Instagram.
The menu at Cafebar Mokumoku
As we arrived after they stopped serving lunch, I didn’t get to have a look at their food menu. However, looking at their Instagram, website and Happycow, they offer curry, a morning set and a lunch plate using seasonal vegetables and homemade condiments and spices which all look vegan, but it would be best to confirm with them if you visit.
Instead, we ordered a drink and a sweet each which said they were plant-based and specifically written that no egg or milk is used.
So, what did we get?
Amazake Pudding with Strawberry Jam
Like many desserts you can get in Japan this wasn’t overly sweet. It had a jelly-like texture and a subtle flavour. The jam topping was a nice combination to this milky-tasting jelly. It came in such a gorgeous pottery set too which adds to the whole experience.
Lemon Muffin
Really lovely lemon-flavoured muffin which was gluten-free too (not that I could tell). Another item that was not overly sweet and the lemon flavour was perfectly balanced. Just because it’s vegan and gluten-free does not mean you have to compromise on taste or quality!
¥350 (£2.00/ $2.51)
Homemade Lemonade
This homemade lemonade is incredibly fresh, and light and wasn’t sweet like the typical lemonade full of sugar. This homemade version had a natural tang from the citrus fruit mixed with soda water which was very refreshing and made it feel genuinely healthy.
Also how cute is the mushroom stirrer?
¥600 (£3.43/ $4.31)
Things that are close by
- Explore the famous Higashiyama District
- Kiyomizudera Temple
- Yasaka Pagoda
- Kogaiji Temple
- Gion District
Vegan options close to Cafebar Mokumoku
V = Vegan VO = Vegan Options
- Tofu Manjyu Okutan Kiyomizu | V | 3 min walk
- Kasagiya | V | 3 min walk
- Starbucks, Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya | VO | 4 min walk
- Ikkyu-an | VO | 11 min walk
- Creperie Garcon | VO | 2 min walk
How to get to Cafebar Mokumoku
Address:
87 Hoshinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0853
Nearest station:
12 min walk from Gion Shijo Station
16 min walk from Kawaramachi Station
Open:
Monday & Tuesday Closed
Wednesday – Saturday 9:00 – 15:00
Sunday 11:00 – 15:00
Phone:
075-754-8805
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely meal in Higashiyama, or maybe you need a sweet treat, then Cafebar Mokumoku could be just the spot for you! It’s conveniently located in the heart of this popular destination, making it the perfect choice for taking a break from your exploration and getting back to your adventures in no time.
Want to have a snack whilst in Higashiyama? Make sure to try these steamed buns!
