Tabelog ratingThe sole Japanese outpost of Portland's iconic STUMPTOWN COFFEE ROASTERS (スタンプタウン コーヒー ロースターズ) is located inside the Ace Hotel Kyoto, a building redesigned by famed architect Kengo Kuma. For travellers seeking a reliable, high-quality coffee experience, this is a standout choice, bringing third-wave coffee culture to the heart of the city.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the espresso drinks, with lattes and the signature cold brew being particular favourites. The cold-brew soft-serve ice cream is a unique treat that draws many visitors. The pastries, including croissants, cookies, and banana bread, are also well-regarded. A major advantage noted by many is the access to the spacious Ace Hotel lobby, which offers ample seating and power outlets—a rarity in Japanese cafés, making it an excellent spot for remote work or a relaxed break. Staff are frequently described as friendly and fluent in English.
While the hotel lobby is large, seating inside the coffee shop itself is limited, and it can get busy, especially on weekend mornings. A few reviewers have noted occasional inconsistencies, such as seasonal matcha lattes being too sweet or weak, or minor service hiccups.
Prices are fair for the quality and hotel setting. Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid around ¥700 for an iced oat-milk latte, ¥500 for a hot coffee, ¥800 for a matcha latte, ¥380 for a croissant, and ¥600 for banana bread. Note that the policy on charging extra for oat milk seems to vary, with some paying a ¥50 surcharge and others not.
- Location: Inside the Ace Hotel Kyoto, a one-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station (Exit 6).
- Booking: Walk-in only. Reservations are not accepted.
- Seating: There are 16 seats in the shop, but guests are welcome to use the spacious hotel lobby, which has power outlets. It can be busy during peak hours.
- Payment: Accepts credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners) and electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica, Rakuten-Edy, iD, QUICPay). QR code payments are not accepted.
- Language: Staff are often noted as being English-friendly.
- Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking is available.
