A Hidden Gem in Kyoto: A Picture-Book Cafe Where You Can Bring Your Dog, Run by 'Manager Ku' and Five Sisters, Offering Organic Kyoto Bancha Lattes and Yuba Rice

We support the 'April Dream' initiative, which aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release represents the dream of 'alt. coffee roasters Iwasimizu'.

'alt. coffee roasters' (Representative/Roaster: Chihiro Nakamura), which proposes new choices in cafes and consumption through 'ultimate light roast' coffee that lets you experience that 'coffee is a fruit,' has opened a pet-friendly store at the foot of the national treasure Iwashimizu Hachimangu. We offer drip coffee with a wine-like aroma achieved through unique research and technology, as well as vegan food utilizing the natural sweetness of domestic ingredients.

Previously focused on light-roast specialty coffee, we have now introduced organic matcha lattes and organic Kyoto Bancha lattes, making our drinks accessible to everyone, now that the store is pet-friendly. We have also started a lunch menu, including fresh Yuba rice.

[Meeting Manager Ku led to a pet-friendly store]
As pets are increasingly seen as family, we noticed that pet-friendly seating is often limited to terraces, which is difficult in extreme weather. That is why we started 'alt. coffee roasters Iwasimizu'. We offer a 'dog-first' menu, including risotto made with fermented brown rice and rice pancakes. We also host birthday parties and meetups, complete with photo booths that change monthly.

[Dogs connect families]
My family grew closer thanks to Manager Ku. At our main Nijo store, we transitioned to a fully vegan specialty coffee shop, a first in Japan. We wanted to expand this, and my sisters joined to help. With their expertise as a pastry chef and nutritionist, our store has leveled up.

[The bonds woven by Manager Ku]
Manager Ku greets every customer. Whether it's elderly people looking for conversation or those grieving a pet, Ku provides comfort. Many customers tell us they feel better after visiting. We feel that having a place of comfort outside the home is wonderful.

[Surroundings]
Iwashimizu Hachimangu is a short walk away and is dog-friendly. You can hike to the top in 30 minutes or take the cable car. The Sewaritei area is also famous for cherry blossoms and is a great walking course.

[Kyoto-style dining]
We use fresh Yuba from Hanbeifu, a company with over 330 years of history. We pair it with homemade vegetable sauces. Our menu changes seasonally, using organic Kyoto vegetables.

[Menu]
We source beans from selected farmers worldwide, including Ethiopia. We offer a variety of drinks, including organic matcha/hojicha lattes and seasonal enzyme juices. We use no white sugar or synthetic seasonings, and all fermented foods are handmade in-house.