Kyoto > Caffe Llatte (カフェラッテ): Japan’s Best Gelato You’ve Never Tasted
※Description:
Tucked away near Saiin Station (西院駅) in Kyoto, Caffe Llatte (カフェラッテ) serves some of Japan’s finest and most authentic gelato. Crafted by an Italian gelato master living in Japan, these treats use only natural ingredients “no chemicals here”, delivering pure, old-school flavors that stand out in a sea of mass-produced sweets.
A Brief History of Caffe Llatte
Caffe Llatte (カフェラッテ) is the brainchild of Eddi, an Italian gelato artisan who brought his craft to Kyoto. Using traditional methods and a passion for purity, Eddi creates gelato with just fruit, water, and salt for fruit flavors “like they did centuries ago”, alongside classics made from scratch. Paired with premium Italian espresso from illy (イリー), this gelateria and café has carved a quiet niche near Saiin (西院駅), five minutes west of the Hankyu Line’s bustle.
Exploring the Gelateria and Surroundings
At Caffe Llatte (カフェラッテ), you’ll find 8 to 16 gelato flavors daily, from staples like milk, cream, and chocolate to seasonal gems like green tea, sakura, mascarpone, pistachio, strawberry, yogurt, Japanese melon, and watermelon “a taste of Kyoto’s seasons”. Sample any flavor from the showcase before choosing, or try the popular affogato “espresso poured over your pick”. Pair it with illy (イリー) coffee or other drinks. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, arrive early—especially in summer—as flavors sell out fast. Enjoy your gelato at cozy tables inside or take it to go, strolling Kyoto’s quieter streets or the nearby sakura-lined river. With staff fluent in Japanese, Italian, English, and Spanish, ordering is a breeze. Far from Kyoto’s tourist-packed center, this spot lets you savor peace.
Nearby Attractions
Saiin Station Area (西院駅周辺): A local hub with small shops and a laid-back vibe, just steps away.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (金閣寺): The Golden Pavilion, a short trip north for iconic Kyoto beauty.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (嵐山竹林): A serene forest walk, reachable by train from Saiin.
More Information
Want to know more about Caffe Llatte (カフェラッテ)? Check out their official channels for updates, flavors, and vibes:
※NTRanking: 9.0 / 10
Caffe Llatte (カフェラッテ) shines for its off-the-radar location and authentic gelato. Tucked away from Kyoto’s tourist core, it draws mostly locals and rare visitors, keeping crowds at bay. The quality and calm earn it high marks, though its small size and seasonal rush nudge it just below perfection.
※How to Get There:
・From Kyoto Station (approximately 15 minutes):
Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (京都河原町駅), accessible via a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station (京都駅), to Saiin Station (西院駅), which takes about 10 minutes.
Walk 5 minutes west along Shijo-dori to the gelateria.
・From Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (approximately 10 minutes):
Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (京都河原町駅) to Saiin Station (西院駅), which takes about 10 minutes.
Walk 5 minutes west along Shijo-dori to the gelateria.
・From Osaka (approximately 50 minutes):
Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line from Umeda Station (梅田駅) in Osaka to Saiin Station (西院駅), which takes about 45 minutes.
Walk 5 minutes west along Shijo-dori to the gelateria.
※Address:
70-1 Saiininuicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-0061
