AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO
京都市中京区新京極通四条上ル中之町538-6Open in Google Maps ↗Official site ↗
AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO is the Kansai debut of a Tokyo-born all-vegan chain, tucked in a backstreet behind Nishiki Tenmangu on Shinkyogoku. Known for its Heavenly Vegan Pancakes, Uji matcha desserts and vegan burgers. Usually open 11:30 AM–4:00 PM (last order 3:00 PM); dinner is irregular, so check Google Maps or Instagram before visiting. Address: 538-6 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward; about a 2-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station Exit 9 (per the brand's official English site).
Before you go
A 100% vegan cafe-restaurant (no meat, fish, dairy or eggs) with a wide gluten-free menu; selected dishes can be made without the five pungent roots (Oriental vegan). Signatures: the Heavenly Vegan Pancakes (rice-flour), Uji matcha desserts and the Ripple cheeseburger inherited from burger specialist Ripple. Kyoto-only items include the Kujo green-onion teriyaki plate, Uji matcha gateau and matcha beer from Kyoto Rikyu-en, and a Kyoto-limited craft beer. 14 seats on each of two floors; take-out available, and the vegan pudding makes a good souvenir.
- 100% vegan with a wide gluten-free menu
- Signature Heavenly Vegan Pancakes and Uji matcha desserts
- Selected dishes can be made without the five pungent roots (Oriental vegan)
- Take-out available; vegan pudding works as a souvenir
- Getting there
- 538-6 Nakanocho, Shinkyogoku-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto (behind Nishiki Tenmangu on Shinkyogoku). About a 2-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station Exit 9 and about 10 minutes from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station Exit 4 (per the brand's official English site).
- Booking
- Seat reservations are accepted only via the online booking site; groups of 7 or more should call 075-251-1876.
- Crowds
- Small venue (14 seats per floor); lunch hours are short and dinner is irregular, so avoid the lunch peak and confirm the day's hours before going.
- Good for
- Vegans and vegetarians, gluten-intolerant visitors, and tourists around Shijo-Kawaramachi looking for an English-friendly restaurant.
- How it differs
- The brand's three Tokyo stores (Ginza, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro) serve the same classics; the Kyoto store is the first in Kansai and adds Kyoto-only items such as the organic matcha pancakes and Kyoto katsu burger. It is one of the few vegan restaurants around Shijo-Kawaramachi with an official English website.
What are the opening hours?
Usually 11:30 AM–4:00 PM (last order 3:00 PM); dinner 5:00–9:00 PM is irregular, and closed days are irregular. Check Google Maps or Instagram for the latest hours before visiting.
Do I need a reservation?
Seat reservations are accepted only on the online booking site; groups of 7 or more should call 075-251-1876.
Is English available?
Yes — the brand runs an official English site (en.ain-soph.jp) with an English introduction of the Kyoto store.
Is take-out available?
Yes, food menu items can be taken out.
Sources AIN SOPH. Journey Kyoto official page (Japanese) · AIN SOPH. official English site (Kyoto store info)
- The store itself says to check Google Maps or Instagram for the latest hours
- Dinner service is irregular — don't show up unannounced for dinner
- Groups of 7 or more need to book by phone
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