Tabelog ratingkoe donuts Kyoto ten (koe donuts 京都店) is as much an architectural statement as it is a pastry shop. Designed by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma, the interior is defined by a ceiling covered in hundreds of woven bamboo baskets, creating a warm and dramatic space. An open-plan kitchen allows you to watch the team at work, adding a theatrical element to your visit.
The doughnuts themselves are a departure from the American standard, often featuring a dense, chewy texture that many reviewers describe as 'mochi-mochi'. The menu offers over 40 varieties, incorporating local Kyoto ingredients like Uji matcha, wasanbon fine-grained sugar, and kuromame kinako (sweet black soybean flour). Guest favourites consistently include the made-to-order crème brûlée doughnut, with its crackling caramelized top, and the savoury-sweet maple-bacon-mayo creation. The simpler wasanbon and matcha doughnuts are also highly praised.
However, the experience can be inconsistent. Some visitors find the pre-made doughnuts on display can be stale or overly dense, and the flavours, rooted in Japanese subtlety, can seem too mild for some palates. The shop is popular and can get very busy, especially in the afternoons, leading to queues and occasional slow service for drinks.
For the best experience, focus on items made to order. A visit is good value, with typical spend between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥260 for a plain doughnut, ¥408 for the Maple Bacon Mayo, and ¥430 for an Amazon Cacao Cream doughnut. A morning set can be had for about ¥500.
- Getting There: Located in the Kyoto Shochiku Dai-3 Building on the 1st floor. It's an easy 1-minute walk from Exit 9 of Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted; walk-ins only. Queues are common during peak hours, so visiting early is recommended for the best selection and shortest wait.
- Payment: Accepts credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), most transportation IC cards (like Suica), and various QR code payment systems.
- Seating: There are 65 seats, including counter and sofa seating, plus standing room.
- Family Friendliness: Children of all ages are welcome, and strollers are permitted.
- Facilities: The space is entirely non-smoking. Free Wi-Fi and power outlets are available. Parking is not available.
