Home to a library, a bookshop, an art gallery, a majestic garden and a no-fuss apartment hotel, Prinz Cafe is an escape like no other. A part of Sakyo-ku, one of the eleven wards of Kyoto, this modern cafe serves usual drinks and light snacks but adds its own signature touch to the fare it whips up. Extremely difficult to spot given its location in a discreet neighbourhood (what’s with these restaurants in Kyoto and nondescript areas?), this eatery is worth the search. The music is great, the interiors are bright and airy and the food, ranging from tasty sandwiches and decadent desserts to more wholesome Italian and Japanese fare, is wonderful.

With incredibly attentive servers and cups of coffee that don’t seem to end, Prinz mostly attracts younger crowds with its contemporary vibes. Bottles of beer are also in plenty. One of the hippiest addresses in Kyoto, this place doubles up as a fantastic workspace, especially for writers looking for some peace of mind and truckloads of creative inspiration. Yet another redeeming factor of this chic eatery is that prices are pretty average. Irrespective of whether you’re looking for a fun evening with your friends or an afternoon of productiveness, this is the right place to be.