When % Arabica founder Kenneth Shoji decided to open the first % Arabica store in his home country of Japan, he did not select Tokyo (where he is from) as the location. Instead, he chose the historical city of Kyoto. Ask him why, and he’ll always answer “Kyoto is the best place to create a Japanese brand.”
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan, and many Japanese cultures, such as tea ceremonies and flower arrangements, were born in the city. Kyoto is also home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, many of which are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Kyoto also has an amazing food culture, and as of 2020, is home to 106 Michelin-starred restaurants within the small city (8 restaurants with three stars, 21 with two stars, and 77 with one star).
Higashiyama is a special place where past, present, and future blend into one. It is one of the city’s best-preserved historic districts, where narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city.
No matter the time, travelers can see beautiful Maikos strolling around elegantly, or they can take a rickshaw ride down the cool, stone-paved streets. Our store is located on Yasaka Street, the road that leads to a symbol of Kyoto, the Yasaka Pagoda, which was built more than 500 years ago in 1440.
Please come and visit where our brand was born and enjoy the real % Arabica experience ***