Blue Onion

Japan, 616-0022 Kyoto, Nishikyo Ward, Arashiyama Asatsukicho, 533 ハウスくらもと 1F
+81 75-882-8050
$$$ cafe
(259 Reviews)
Price Range ¥1,000–2,000

Welcome to Blue Onion, a delightful cafe nestled in the charming Arashiyama district of Kyoto. This local gem offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect escape after a day of exploring the nearby temples and picturesque landscapes.

Cuisine Type: Blue Onion specializes in a limited yet carefully curated selection of Japanese-style sandwiches, particularly their standout egg sandos and pork katsu sandwiches. The simplicity of the menu allows the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the preparation to shine through.

Imagine sinking your teeth into their rich and creamy egg sando, where perfectly cooked eggs meet soft, fresh bread that practically melts in your mouth. Or perhaps you're in the mood for the signature pork katsu, where tender, crispy fried pork is enveloped in fluffy sandwich bread, transporting your taste buds on a delightful journey. Pair your meal with a superb pour-over coffee or the café au lait, which is enhanced by homemade whipped cream that adds a touch of indulgence to your sip.

The atmosphere at Blue Onion is just as enticing as the food. The cafe exudes a calm and peaceful vibe, making it an ideal place to unwind and savor each bite. Customers have described it as a friendly and cozy location, where even the decor invites lingering conversations and moments of tranquility away from the bustling streets of Kyoto.

One customer, Meg, captured the essence of Blue Onion beautifully: “This restaurant is really charming and peaceful. The employees are very welcoming.” It's evident that the staff takes great pride in providing not just excellent service but also a warm welcome to every guest. And as you settle in, the enchanting ambiance combined with the flavorful offerings will make you feel right at home.

As Shawn Gagné notes, “Ok, why do the Japanese do egg sandwiches so much better than anyone else?” This cafe's small yet focused menu promises a satisfying experience that keeps guests coming back for more, with prices that are incredibly reasonable at approximately 900¥ for a hearty tuna sandwich.

Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, as Ricki and her husband did, or you’re seeking a cozy retreat akin to what Colton Avila experienced, Blue Onion promises an exceptional experience. With its proximity to the train station, it’s a convenient stop for travelers looking to indulge in quality food in a serene atmosphere.

Keep in mind, Blue Onion operates on a cash-only basis, so plan accordingly as you prepare to indulge in one of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets. Don’t miss out on this local treasure during your visit; it’s a must-stop for anyone looking to experience authentic Japanese flavors in a welcoming setting.

Accessibility
Does not have assistive hearing loop
No wheelchair accessible entrance
No wheelchair accessible parking lot
No wheelchair accessible restroom
No wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Offers takeout
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Payments
Cash-only
Doesn't accept Rakuten Pay
Doesn't accept Transit IC cards
Doesn't accept V-Money
Parking
Free parking lot
Usually plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

Closed

Friday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

259 Reviews
Meg

09 Oct 2025

This restaurant is really charming and peaceful. The employees are very welcoming and I loved my egg Sando and pour over coffee. Cash only.

Shawn Gagné

27 Sep 2025

Ok, why do the Japanese do egg sandwiches so much better than anyone else???? Small menu with teas and coffees, sandwiches, and some light desserts. Come to get out of the heat. Owned locally, good prices (about 900¥ for a tuna sandwich). Would come again!!!

Ricki

05 Sep 2025

My husband and I stopped for breakfast, it's super conveniently located next to the train station. The cafe au lait was good, banana juice was amazing, and the Vienna coffee had delicious homemade whipped cream on top. We split a pork cutlet sandwich which was enough for a light breakfast for two, and was AMAZING. The service was friendly, and they gave us an English menu. The atmosphere is calm and cozy, and there's a cute view of a garden in the back. The prices were fair for the portion sizes. *Cash only **No smoking allowed

matthew bowden

16 Aug 2025

Non smoking restaurant English menu Cash only Amazing katsu sando! Top 10 in all of Japan. The Vienna Coffee was also amazing. It's a super chill, local spot, that's walking distance from the station (in fact, you can see it from the platform). If you're in the area, don't skip.

Colton Avila

22 Jul 2025

A must stop if you're around the area visiting temples. The pork katsu sando was delicious, the viennese coffee was superb, and the vibes were immaculate. Cozy!

J Berry

24 Jun 2025

Large coffee/tea selection & assorted Japanese sandwiches - so yummy.

Stana Pezic

16 Jun 2025

Loved this little coffee shop! They make slow brewed filter coffee. We also had an egg sandwich, the egg was cooked in front of us and tasted great with a slight hint of mustard and wasabi. The crockery they use is beautiful and the service is excellent.

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