Vermillion Cafe Kyoto: The Hidden Forest Café Next to Fushimi Inari Shrine

After visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha and walking through the impressive but very crowded Senbon Torii gates, I continued up the mountain trail and looped back down along a quieter path.
As I moved farther away from the main route, the crowds slowly disappeared, and the atmosphere shifted from busy to peaceful.

Along this quiet side path stands a small, unassuming café called Vermillion Cafe.

At first glance, Vermillion Cafe looks simple from the outside.
But once you step inside, it feels like you’ve entered a completely different world, no tourist crowds, just a calm, forest-like space surrounded by greenery.

Vermillion Cafe: A Forest Hideaway Near Fushimi Inari

The name “Vermillion” comes from the bright red color associated with Fushimi Inari’s torii gates. But the style of the café is completely different.
Inside, you’ll find warm wooden interiors and a peaceful garden filled with plants.

When you enter, you first walk into the indoor area.
The warm lighting and wooden décor create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.
The counter is filled with coffee tools and handmade desserts, and the air smells wonderfully like freshly brewed coffee.

If you walk all the way to the back, you’ll reach the highlight of the café, the semi-outdoor seating facing a small lake, surrounded by nature.

I loved sitting there, looking at the calm water and the trees all around me.
The fresh air and the sound of birds made me forget all about the noisy crowds at the shrine.

With a hand-drip coffee in hand and sunlight filtering through the leaves, it was the perfect moment to unwind.

During my winter visit, the weather was quite cold, but the café thoughtfully provided blankets on every chair so guests could stay warm while enjoying their drinks outdoors.

Food & Menu at Vermillion Cafe

The food here leans toward a healthy, fusion style, mixing Japanese and Western influences.
They offer various brunch plates with fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, and plenty of coffee and matcha drinks.

I originally wanted to try their popular Vermillion Plate, but it was already sold out by early afternoon.

So instead, we ordered the Smashed Avocado on Toast with Poached Egg.
It was light, refreshing, and full of rich avocado flavor.

This dish seems vegetarian (no meat), so I ordered an extra side of bacon, only to find out that the bacon was huge.
It was so big that I actually couldn’t finish it in the end haha.

Aside from the oversized bacon, the dish felt genuinely healthy and satisfying.

With a smooth latte, a lakeside seat, and the sound of birds and rustling leaves, it was one of those moments you just don’t want to end.

Vermillion Cafe opens at 8:30 AM, making it a great spot for breakfast before the crowds arrive at Fushimi Inari.
It’s perfect if you want a quiet, relaxing break after (or before) exploring the shrine.

Just keep in mind that the café closes early, at 3:00 PM, and they don’t serve dinner.
So if you want to visit, make sure to plan your time accordingly.

Vermillion Cafe: Information & Opening Hours

• Address: 5-31 Kaido-guchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
• Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

How to Get to Vermillion Cafe: JR / Train

• By JR: Take the JR Nara Line and get off at Inari Station. It’s about an 8-minute walk from the station.
• By Train: Take the Keihan Main Line and get off at Fushimi-Inari Station. From there, it’s roughly a 7-minute walk.