Kyoto cafe / Hoo Coffee Shop / Koyori

Text provided by the Architect

Photography by Junichi Usui

Setting / Location of Kyoto cafe

Hoo Coffee Shop is a quaint and charming establishment nestled near the fine street network adjacent to Ninomaru Palace in Kyoto, Japan. This Kyoto cafe blends seamlessly into its historical surroundings while offering a comfortable and inviting space for locals and tourists alike.

Architects Description

loose kyoto, a coffee and donut shop located in Kyoto’s Kiyomizuzaka. This is their plan for the second store. The location is a prominent Kyoto machiya situated in the Nakagyo Ward, at the heart of Kyoto.

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Reuse / Conservation / In the nature of a Kyoto Machiya

Many of the building’s components were in a deteriorated state, but they chose to perceive their condition as a value woven by time and focused on the core concept of the plan, which is to carry out minimal repairs and reuse the building. Considering the nature of a Kyoto machiya, where many parts of the existing structure were finished with wood and earth-based materials, they decided to incorporate elements such as “doma” (earthen floor) and “susa” (straw), which are not commonly seen today, into the middle coating. They believed that these elements would develop a more unique expression over time due to ageing.

Furthermore, they utilized vintage bricks and raw-cut wood to create tables, chairs, and other harmonizing materials, arranging them in a contemporary spatial design to produce a serene atmosphere.

About the architect / Koyori

Koyori is based in Kyoto, Japan. They incorporate beautiful and delicate touches rooted in the city and culture of Kyoto into their designs. They work with clients not only in Japan but overseas clients. Their main work includes, but not limited to, residences, interior-design, hotel/restaurant design, and store/shop design. They create the most unique space that are different from common design that is suitable for the space.

Project location / Kyoto cafe

City of kyoto, Kyoto prefecture, Japan, nearby the Ninomaru Palace

467-3 Hashimotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0072, Japan

Open 10am-5pm Monday-Sunday