Shōjin Cafe Waka

175 Marinokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8084, Japan
+81 90-9707-6191
$$$ Cafe
(51 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Welcome to Shōjin Cafe Waka, a charming little haven nestled in the heart of Kyoto at 175 Marinokojicho, Shimogyo Ward. This delightful cafe is a testament to the artistry and philosophy of shojin ryori, the traditional Japanese vegan cuisine, making it an essential stop for both locals and travelers seeking a tranquil dining experience.

Step inside, and you will feel the warm embrace of its homely vibe. The wooden architecture adds a rustic feel, creating a soothing ambiance that invites you to linger. With only four days of operation and a limited four-hour window each day, every meal is a cherished experience that feels special, as if you're being welcomed into a friend's home.

The menu, although concise, is overflowing with delicious choices. Picture this: a bowl of creamy pumpkin and sweet potato curry, perfectly blending sweetness and warmth, all for just ¥1000. It’s the kind of dish that offers comfort, each bite rich with flavor and lovingly prepared. As one delighted customer shared, "the food was amazing!"—a sentiment echoed by many who have come to appreciate the dedication behind each plate at Shōjin Cafe Waka.

For vegans and vegetarian diners, this cafe shines brightly with options that are not only health-conscious but also deeply infused with Japanese culinary traditions. As another visitor noted, the owner is accommodating and eager to cater to personal preferences, making it easy for you to enjoy a customized meal. Beyond the food, patrons have raved about the calming experience of looking out onto the serene Zen garden that accompanies your meal, a perfect backdrop for reflection and peace.

Customer experiences speak to the soul of this cafe. From the warmth of the owner to the authentic flavors of the dishes, diners leave feeling nourished in both body and spirit. “What could be more restorative…than to accept the set plate and look out onto a beautiful tiny Japanese Garden?” expresses one satisfied guest. This sentiment captures the essence of what Shōjin Cafe Waka represents—a place of solace infused with culinary delight.

In a world bustling with choices, Shōjin Cafe Waka stands out as a precious gem, radiating warmth and flavor. Make your way here and indulge in the simple yet profound pleasure of genuine, thoughtfully crafted vegan cuisine. Arigato gozaimasu for considering your next delicious meal at this serene sanctuary!

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Crowd
Tourists
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

51 Reviews
TheAmu008

09 Sep 2025

I found this cute cafe by accident and it was absolutely delicious! The lady who runs it is so sweet and kind, the food was amazing! The ambiance is super chill and the food fantastic If you are veggy/vegan you have to eat here! Arigato gozaimasu!

Universe Joy Studio

21 Aug 2025

Very goood Vegan lunch. Another new discovery. Yen1000. The pumpkin cum sweet potato curry was so nice n sweet. Only open 4 days per week, and 4 hours per day. Calm n peace environment, wooden building which I always feel connected. #vegan #kyotovegan

May K

08 Aug 2025

Super homely vibe ! Very friendly and accommodating owner. Definitely recommend visiting ! I truly enjoyed my meal. Just have to take note that if you don’t take allium you will need to let the owner know in advance when you place your order.

Jayesh Shah

05 Aug 2025

Enjoyed a special, authentic shojin meal in Kyoto. Hosts were warm and accommodating. The dishes were flavorful and perfect for our vegetarian diet. The tiny Zen garden was calming. The whole experience was sublime. A rare find !

Denise Litchfield

01 Aug 2025

What could be more restorative to body and soul than to accept the set plate and look out onto a beautiful tiny Japanese Garden? Good value and authentic vegan food prepared with love in a traditional way. We were delighted.

Chiyo Kamino

27 Jul 2025

Small, cozy and peaceful place. They serve vegan lunch in Japanese home-cooking style (They have only one menu - Lunch set meal ¥1000). Usually it’s gone by 1:30pm. The owner is very friendly and sweet. I love having lunch there looking the tiny garden. There are about 15 seats. You need reservations for a group more than 3ppl.

Jessica Correa

15 Jul 2025

Delicious! A rare find in Kyoto for vegans. It was spectacular - so delicious and a really great atmosphere and lovely host. She was accommodating and kind and the food was the best I’ve had throughout my trip in Japan. So happy I visited! Do yourself a favour and make sure you visit this spot! My husband who is a meat eater loved it too- it was that good! Enjoy !

James Kristie

02 Jul 2025

This place was truly excellent. The food was wonderfully flavorful and all of the several small dishes you get worked well together. Though the food is vegan (and i am not), it did not feel like it was missing anything. The interior is peaceful and a great place to stop after the busy streets. The price is also amazing for what you get.

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