Shinshindo Cafe

Shinshindo Cafe　進々堂

Shinshindo Cafe

Overview

Shinshindo Cafe is located on Imadegawa Dori across the street from the north entrance of Kyoto University.

Entering Shinshindo Cafe is to take a step back in time. The cafe opened in Showa 5 (1930) in what was then a rice field.

Due to its location, it has long been a favorite of students at Kyoto University. The broad tables and wooden chairs have the worn look of an old comfortable library.

Those tables were handmade by Tatsuaki Kuroda, the craftsman who also made the throne for the Meiji Emperor.

Though the interior today is dark and welcoming, the exterior handsome and well preserved, Shinshindo has seen its share of trouble.

Kyoto was spared bombing during World War II. However, in the event of a bombing the city designated the courtyard in the back of Shinshindo - which is still in use - a bomb shelter.

In the late 1960s, Kyoto University was a center of anti-war demonstrations. At times, these became violent and saw students throwing Molotov cocktails along Imadegawa Dori. At its height, students erected a barricade in front of Shinshindo to protect it.

Note: photography is not permitted inside the building.

Menu

Simple sandwiches, breakfast set, cakes, coffee, and tea.

Relevant Routes

Shinshindo is close to Demachiyanagi and the Philosopher's Walk. 

Address

88 Oiwakechoi, Shirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075 701 4121

Hours

8:00 - 18:00, Closed Tuesday

Map

Shinshindo Cafe Map

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