Looking for a sweet treat while you’re in Kyoto, or maybe just an atmospheric place to sit down and take a break? Might we recommend Koe Donuts, a destination among Kyoto’s younger crowd? Between their attractive artisanal donuts made with ethical and organic ingredients, and the shop’s interior that is both uniquely Kyoto-esque, and definitely modern, it’s a must-see when you’re in the Shijo Kawaramachi area.

Kyoto’s Hot New Spot for Healthy Sweets

Koe Donuts is a relatively recent addition to Kyoto's Shingkyogoku shopping street, and while plenty of people are intrigued by the tasty treats inside, many new visitors are drawn in by the contemporary interior design. Architectural designer Kengo Kuma worked to give the donut shop a clean and calm atmosphere, while also bringing interesting Kyoto-style elements into the mix. Travelers are attracted by the woven, basket-like Japanese bamboo decorations clustered on the ceiling, and flowing down the walls.

Koe Donuts comes from the Koe lifestyle brand, which sells clothing and other goods made for simple living, with their official concept being "new basic for new culture." With this donut shop, they're venturing into a new world of simple, natural sweets.

The basket-like bamboo decorations are actually made out of bamboo that comes from the local Arashiyama bamboo grove, also known as Chikurin no Michi (竹林の道), which you've almost certainly seen pictures of before! It's considered a Kyoto must-see.

The donut display is a simple setup.

The kitchen, where they make the donuts and some other desserts, is completely open! You can watch the magic happen while you're there.

The Donuts at Koe Donuts

The slogan for the shop is "life happens, donut helps," which is something the JAPANKURU team can certainly get behind. Koe helps by coming out with relatively low-calorie donuts, made with naturally sweet, organic, and local Kyoto ingredients.

It's easy to see why these donuts, topped with traditional Japanese sweetened beans, are a hit on instagram!

This being Kyoto, of course there are some donuts topped with luscious matcha.

If you've got a sweet tooth you won't go home disappointed, but they also make plenty of varieties that are perfect for the refined palates out there. Toppings and fillings like sesame, or lightly sweetened red bean, are sure to please the sugar-averse among us.

Don't worry about getting sesame seeds all over your hands, or the table. Koe Donuts provides little paper sleeves printed with a kimono-clad girl, which will keep all the seeds, beans, or frosting contained.

Koe Donuts’ Einstein-Themed Merchandise

Koe Donuts collaborated with illustrator Yu Nagaba to create a logo featuring the iconic Albert Einstein… admiring a donut.

Which toppings do you think Einstein would have chosen? Strawberry? Green tea?

You'll find the cute little Einstein all over the shop, including this neon-sign on the wall. It's a popular photo spot, where you can pretend that you're just casually chatting with the physics genius over a donut or two.

If you find yourself a little charmed by the logo, you'll find a selection of illustrated merchandise in the store. Tote bags, t-shirts, keychains, mugs, hats, etc., grab some goods and you can bring home a unique bit of Kyoto.

We recommend the mugs, which are a classy addition to any kitchen.

Or protect yourself from Kyoto's intense summer sun with a cap. Get two and you can match with a friend or special someone.

Kyoto-Style Donuts at Koe

Koe Donuts is our recommendation for tasty sweets in the Shijo Kawaramachi area of Kyoto, but it's also a great place to relax and take a break from your busy travel schedule. Sit down with your donut, let the air conditioning cool you down, and take a couple snapshots with the architecture (and Einstein!) for your instagram before you leave!

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・ お好きなドーナツを選んだら ボックスに入れて手土産にも、おすすめです ・ ※食材在庫の関係により商品の品切れの可能性がございます。恐れいりますが予めご了承ください。 詳しい状況は店舗までお問い合わせください。 ・ koe donuts open：2019.3.21 thu. address：京都府京都市中京区新京極四条上ル中之町557番地京都松竹阪井座ビル1F opening hours：AM8:00 – PM8:00 (不定休） sheets：65席＋スタンディング HP： https://donuts.koe.com ・ ・ #koedonuts #koeethical #donutsinnovation #koe #donuts #cafestagram #genic_cafe #genic_sweets #cafetour #コエ #コエドーナツ #カフェ #ドーナツ #オーガニック #エシカル #エシカルドーナツ #地産地消 #無添加 #カフェ巡り #カフェスイーツ #京都カフェ巡り #映えカフェ #関西カフェ #京都カフェ #四条カフェ #隈研吾 #長場雄 #카페 #도넛 #手土産

koeさん(@koe_official)がシェアした投稿 – 2019年 6月月9日午後7時23分PDT