Top Internet Cafes in Kyoto for Remote Workers

As a remote worker living in Kyoto or looking to explore its historical sites and cultural experiences, you’ll be happy to know that this city offers numerous cozy corners to set up your laptop. 

From relaxing Internet and manga cafes to atmospheric coffee shops, we've explored various work-friendly spots across the city to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto.

Below, we'll guide you through the best Internet cafes, manga cafes, and coffee shops where you can comfortably work remotely. Let’s get into it.

Perfect Cafes To Work Remotely in Kyoto

From artisanal coffee houses to your usual coffee shop on the corner, Kyoto offers an array of cafes where you can set up your laptop and be productive to your heart’s content. 

Whether you're looking for a quiet place for focused work or a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, these cafes combine the perks of great Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and an atmosphere that makes remote work enjoyable. 

Promenade Cafe

Situated just a minute's walk away from Saiin Station, Promenade Cafe is a minimalistic establishment catering to those seeking a straightforward workspace. 

As a local chain operating within the Osaka and Kyoto areas, it offers staple cafe items such as sandwiches, morning menus with coffee and toast, and pasta. With free Wi-Fi and available power outlets, it's an excellent, budget-friendly spot for those who just need a place to work. 

The average meal price is around ¥1000 here, with coffee prices starting at ¥380. While seating is somewhat limited, its central location makes it a convenient choice for a quick work session.

Koe Donuts

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Conveniently located just a minute's walk from Kabaramachi Station, Exit 9 on the Hankyu-Kyoto line, Koe Donuts is a chic little donut shop renowned for its locally sourced ingredients.

The cafe's large windows allow ample natural light to keep you awake and alert, creating an inviting atmosphere for work without overwhelming the senses. While seating is limited, the unique offerings and ambiance make it worth a visit.

The donuts are a must-try here, as you’ll find a diverse range of flavors to choose from, including some unique choices, like the Red Chisel and Five-Colored Bean. Donuts are priced between ¥220 and ¥440 and coffee is ¥570, making Koe Donuts an especially great spot for a quick work session accompanied by delightful treats. 

Ace Cafe

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Let me preface this by saying that Ace Cafe doesn’t open early, but if you prefer working later in the day, this is another great spot for remote work.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Station, Exit 1, the cafe offers a panoramic view of the Kyoto skyline, making it an especially inviting space to spend your afternoon or evening. Every table comes with free Wi-Fi and power outlets, ensuring you stay connected while working.

The menu at Ace Cafe includes the usual cafe specials, such as pasta and pizza, in addition to a variety of cakes. The freshly baked pastries by their in-house chef also make for an enjoyable work break, giving the cafe a cozy and relaxed vibe that's great for winding down at the end of a long work session. Coffee prices start at ¥600, and meals are around ¥1000 on average. 

Walden Woods Kyoto

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Would you like to feel like you’re in an art exhibition while getting some light work done and sipping exceptional coffee? Situated roughly six minutes from Gojō Station, Walden Woods Kyoto offers a unique experience for remote workers and digital nomads. 

The space stands out with its amphitheater-like look, with bleachers for seating. The all-white, deconstructed look creates an open yet focused environment that’s ideal for remote work. 

In the quieter morning hours, you can choose from an assortment of baked treats and pastries with various coffee drinks. So, if you enjoy a minimalist and tranquil setting where you can concentrate on your tasks, Walden Woods Kyoto is a fantastic choice.

Len Kyoto Kawaramachi

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Located in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, Len Kyoto Kawaramachi is a versatile cafe, bar, and hostel that caters to remote workers seeking a productive yet lively environment. 

The spacious interior features an industrial design with exposed ceilings and a blend of natural wood and iron furnishings, creating a comfortable and inspiring workspace. Ample seating options, including elevated counters and cozy lounge areas, fit various working preferences. You’ll even find cozy corners with pillows to kick back and relax with friends after work. 

The cafe opens early and provides a diverse menu to suit various tastes. Beverage options include espresso starting at ¥350, and you can get a nice cup of filter coffee for ¥450. Len Kyoto Kawaramachi stands out as a versatile and comfortable spot for those balancing work and leisure, with the added perk of being located right in the heart of Kyoto.

Ikiteiru

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Located just a brief 3-minute walk from Exit 13 of Karasuma Station and a 4-minute stroll from Exit 9 of Kyoto Kavaramachi Station, Ikiteiru is a fantastic spot for true cafe enthusiasts. This cafe takes pride in its air-roasted coffee beans, offering a diverse selection of top-notch brews that are sure to impress any coffee aficionado.

In addition to their specialty coffees, Ikiteiru also serves a range of delicious pastries, with cheesecake and coffee jello being particularly popular among customers. A cup of coffee here costs around ¥750. 

Seating is primarily limited to counter spaces but there are small tables as well. The intimate setting here, combined with the aromatic brews and tasty treats, make Ikiteiru an excellent destination for those looking for a peaceful place that’s still vibrant enough to help you make it to the end of your work session without dozing off.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

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Located within the Ace Hotel Kyoto, Stumptown Coffee Roasters marks the renowned Portland-based brand's first international venture. 

The cafe offers a spacious and modern environment, featuring ample seating and large windows that let natural light flood the space. With free Wi-Fi and accessible power outlets, it’s well-suited for remote work.

The menu at Stumptown Cafe includes a variety of coffee options, from espresso-based drinks to pour-overs, as well as pastries and light snacks. Plus, the clean, minimally furnished atmosphere complemented by wooden accents makes you feel oddly cozy while also feeling like you’re in a professional setting.

The vibrant atmosphere of the cafe, combined with the high-quality coffee served here, makes Stumptown Coffee Roasters a popular spot for both locals and visitors. 

Unir Kyoto

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Situated a short walk from Kyoto Station, Unir Kyoto is a specialty coffee shop known for its commitment to quality. The cafe sources its beans directly from producers and roasts them in-house, ensuring the same fresh and flavorful brew at each cup. 

The interior at Unir is modern yet inviting without giving off a cold vibe, with exceptionally fast, free Wi-Fi and power outlets available for all customers. 

In addition to coffee, Unir also offers a selection of pastries and light meals, making it a convenient spot for extended work sessions. The laid-back ambiance and the various seating options, which include communal seating and private tables and bar seats, make it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts and remote workers alike. 

Internet and Manga Cafes: A Classic Japanese Experience

If you're familiar with Japan at all, you know that Internet and manga cafes are popular spots for those needing a place to crash, read manga, or get some work done. 

As we explained in our posts introducing the best internet cafes in Tokyo and Osaka, these places are affordable, have a decent Internet connection, and offer various amenities like private booths, refreshments, and even showers. This is what makes internet and manga cafes such an integral part of the remote working culture in Japan. 

So, let's take a look at some of the best Internet and manga cafes you'll find in Kyoto, which are all great places for working remotely.

Cocone Internet Cafe

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Cocone Net Cafe is a well-known Kyoto Internet cafe located in the heart of the city. The establishment features 64 fully private, soundproof, and non-smoking rooms spread across three floors and offers a serene environment ideal for all remote workers. 

To ensure a distraction-free workspace, each room is equipped with comfortable mattresses, personal computers, and free Wi-Fi. However, if you happen to need a distraction, you also have unlimited access to a large movie catalog.

The cafe offers a variety of room types, including single, double, and triple rooms, accommodating individual workers as well as small groups. Additional amenities such as showers and coin-operated laundry facilities are also available, making it convenient for extended work sessions.

The pricing is competitive, with various packages tailored to different durations and group sizes suitable for budget-conscious individuals. With a friendly and attentive staff, Cocone is one of your best bets when it comes to a practical, distraction-free workspace in Kyoto.

Tops Cafe

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Tops Cafe in Kyoto offers a relaxing and clean working environment with a minimalist design that’s ideal for remote work. Located just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station’s Hachijo exit, it can easily be accessed from all corners of the city.

The cafe features fully private rooms and shared spaces, all equipped with comfortable seating, a desk, and high-speed Wi-Fi, providing everything digital nomads can need. 

The amenities you'll find at Tops Cafe include complimentary soft drinks, a good selection of manga, and access to a free video collection, allowing you to take your mind off work when you need to. For those who require longer stays, Tops Cafe also offers shower facilities with complimentary toiletries to freshen up after a hard night’s or day’s work.

Tops Cafe is another Internet cafe in the affordable range, suitable for those who need a budget-friendly option with various packages tailored to different durations and room types.

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Media Cafe POPEYE

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Media Cafe POPEYE is another well-known Kyoto internet cafe, especially for fans of manga and other Japanese comics.

Media Cafe Popeye has several locations across Japan, and the Kyoto location near the Shijo Kawaramachi Station is quite convenient for remote workers living here. 

The cafe is open 24 hours a day and features over 100 seats, including private rooms equipped with auto locks for enhanced security and peace of mind. Amenities such as shower rooms, massage chairs, and free cell phone charger rentals cater to the needs of remote workers, providing them with everything they might need. 

Of course, the cafe also offers free Wi-Fi and complimentary soft drinks to keep you connected and refreshed throughout your work session. With approximately 40 thousand comics and 130 kinds of magazines available, it’s also an excellent spot for taking breaks and unwinding.

Kaikatsu Club

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Kaikatsu Club is a renowned chain of Internet cafes in Japan you might be familiar with. 

The club’s Shinjo Omiya Ekimae location in Kyoto offers various seating options, including reclining chairs, beds, and private boots, to accommodate different needs and preferences. 

The amenities here include free Wi-Fi and unlimited soft drinks, as well as the unexpected, complimentary soft-serve ice cream, which really adds a nice touch to the experience.

The facility also features free showers and self-service kiosks for added convenience. Situated just a short, 2-minute walk from the Hankyu Kyoto Line’s Omiya Station East Exit, the place is easily accessible for those in downtown Kyoto and the suburbs.

Conclusion on Kyoto Internet Cafe and Other Options

The Internet cafes in Kyoto beautifully blend traditional charm with modern amenities, offering a variety of environments perfect for remote work. However, as you’ve seen, the historic city offers much more than your average manga and internet cafes for remote workers, with lots of stylish, laptop-friendly cafes to work from.

If you have other questions about working and living in Japan, like how you can work for an overseas employer remotely while living in Japan, check out my dedicated guide. 

If you’re looking for a remote job in Japan, our remote jobs page has many listings, which we update regularly.