A cozy late-night
cafe bar in Kyoto

Since 2002 / Established in Kyoto

At Mars Cafe, conversations happen naturally over craft beer and cocktails. Whether it is your first visit or your regular stop, this is a place where you can relax and stay for a while.
Stop by for one drink, leave smiling, and find yourself wanting to linger a little longer.

Still open tonight!
Open until 1:30 AM

Mars Cafe staff riding a scooter

ABOUT MARS CAFE

About Us

Inside Mars Cafe planet act.

Mars Cafe planet act. is a late-night cafe bar located in the Horikawa-Gojo area of Kyoto. Whether you are sightseeing, heading back from work, or simply thinking about having one more drink, it is a place where you can stop by without overthinking it.

Enjoy your favorite drink while chatting with the owner or staff, or let a casual conversation start with the person next to you. The atmosphere is lively in a good way, but never too formal.

Whether you want a quiet solo drink or an easy night out with friends, we hope you will feel comfortable dropping in just as you are.

Thanks to our convenient location near Kyoto Station and Horikawa-Gojo, we welcome locals, travelers, and many international guests visiting Kyoto.

Above all, we want guests of all ages and backgrounds to leave thinking, “That felt great. I want to come back.”

#SoloFriendly #WarmAtmosphere #EnglishAvailable #CafeBar

INTRODUCTION

Meet the Staff

Kyouko
Lights up the room

Kyouko

Mars Cafe is meant to feel a little more relaxed and approachable than a typical bar. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink on your own or spend an easy evening with someone else, we hope it feels like a place where you can simply be yourself. Together with our staff, I care deeply about making first-time visitors feel comfortable too. Please feel free to stop by anytime.

INSIDE MARS CAFE

Inside Mars Cafe

VOICES

 お客様の声

実際に当店をご利用いただいた皆様からの、貴重なご意見や
ご感想をご紹介いたします。お店選びやご来店の参考に、ぜひご覧ください。

Baconman [30代・男性]
★★★★★
storeMars Cafe planet act.

Q How did you find our café and what was your experience with the staff and atmosphere?

I found it online and it was recommended for English speakers. The atmosphere is very welcoming. The staff and patrons included me in their conversations even though I was the only foreigner. They also gave me ideas about where to go and points of interest.

Q Could you share your overall impression of the café?

A great place to visit with welcoming staff including the patrons. A definite place to visit for any traveller. Subarashiiiiiiiii

ご来店のお客様
★★★★★
storeMars Cafe planet act.

Q How would you describe the staff's interactions with customers?

What stood out to me was how genuine the interactions were. The staff didn't just take orders mechanically; they greeted everyone with real smiles and took the time to remember regular customers' names. That kind of authentic hospitality is rare and very inspiring.

Q What drew you to join our café and how would you describe the atmosphere?

I've been a customer before and have always loved the warm, welcoming atmosphere you've created. It feels like more than just a place to grab a coffee; it’s a real community. I wanted to be a part of this energetic and friendly team.

ご来店のお客様
★★★★★
storeMars Cafe planet act.

Q How would you describe the atmosphere and drink selection at Mars Cafe?

A wonderful place with perfect drinks and a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Q Do you have any message for the staff or manager?

Thanks for everything.

ご来店のお客様
★★★★★
storeMars Cafe planet act.

Q Could you share your impressions of the atmosphere and staff at the café?

The café is a wonderful place, very nice and fun. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Q Do you have any messages for our team?

Thanks for everything. We are very happy to have met you.

※公開許諾をいただいたアンケートの中から、一部を抜粋して掲載しております。


FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mars Cafe a cafe or a bar?

Mars Cafe is a cafe bar, which means it has both sides. If you do not drink, or are not so keen on alcohol, you will still feel right at home. If you do drink, it works as a proper bar too. You are welcome to come just for coffee or a non-alcoholic drink. It is a relaxed spot in the Horikawa-Gojo area of Kyoto, with or without a drink in hand.

Can I come even if I do not drink alcohol?

Absolutely. Alongside coffee and tea, we offer a wide range of soft drinks including soda, ginger ale, cola, tonic, orange juice, apple juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, and yuzu juice. We also make non-alcoholic cocktails, so just tell us the mood you are after. You are very welcome to drop in just as a cafe.

Can I watch sports? Can I use it as a sports bar?

We do not show sports all the time, but for big international events, such as the Olympics or the World Cup, we are happy to put popular matches on if they air during our opening hours. Let us know in advance about a game you would like to see and we will do our best. On big match nights, the whole room tends to get into it together.

How late are you open? Can I come late at night?

Mars Cafe is open from 7:00 PM to 1:30 AM, with last orders at 1:00 AM. It is a relaxed place to settle in late, after sightseeing, after work, or after checking into your hotel. Plenty of our guests arrive later in the evening.

Are you closed on any day?

We are closed on Sundays. We also occasionally close on other days, which we announce on our social media, so it is worth checking before you visit.

Can I use it as a late-night cafe?

Yes. Many guests use Mars Cafe as a night cafe, a place to unwind late over a coffee or a light drink. Whether you are in the mood for a drink, a coffee, or just a bit of conversation, come as you feel that day.

What kinds of cocktails and drinks do you have?

We serve a wide range of drinks including beer, cocktails, wine, champagne, whisky, sake, and more. Not everything is listed on the menu, so feel free to ask for a favorite by name. Please forgive us if we have run out. We also make non-alcoholic cocktails. Just tell us the mood you are after and we will do our best.

Is it easy to come alone? Do I need a reservation?

Lots of guests come on their own and relax at the counter. Walk-ins are very welcome. For larger groups, a reservation, or a quick message before you come, is a big help.

Where are you located? Can I get there from Kyoto Station?

Mars Cafe is in the Horikawa-Gojo area of Kyoto, about a 10-minute walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line or Omiya Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line. From Kyoto Station, it is roughly 8 minutes by taxi.

Do you speak English? Are foreign visitors welcome?

International guests are a big part of Mars Cafe. Our staff are not fluent in English, but somehow the conversation always seems to flow. It is just that kind of place. Whether you are sightseeing or staying in Kyoto for a while, you are very welcome to drop by for an evening.

Do you serve food or snacks?

Yes. Mars Cafe offers light, easygoing dishes, mostly snacks that go well with a drink, perfect when you just want a little something. Our regular items include the following. Prices include tax and are approximate.

MenuDescriptionPrice
Potato & Kamaboko SaladA gentle, classic snackFrom ¥500
Cheese AssortmentGreat with wineFrom ¥600
Tandoori ChickenJuicy chicken with warm spicesFrom ¥600
ChorizoA flavorful bite with a satisfying kickFrom ¥600
Sweet & Spicy ChickenA moreish dish that goes well with drinksFrom ¥600
Mixed NutsAn easy classic snackFrom ¥600

STORE INFO & ACCESS

Store Info & Access

Basic Information

Name
Mars Cafe planet act.
Closed
Sundays
We may occasionally close on other days as well.
Please check our social media for updates.
Seating
7 counter seats and around 20 sofa seats (26 seats in total)
Address
573-2 Kakimotocho, Lions Mansion Horikawa 101,
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8357, Japan
Within walking distance of the Horikawa-Gojo intersection.
Hours
7:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Open late every night.
Private Booking
Available (up to 27 seated guests, reservation required)
Phone
075-811-3373
For reservations and inquiries
Parking
No on-site parking (paid parking is available nearby)
Payment
Credit cards accepted: VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, JCB, and other major cards
E-money: Not accepted / QR payments: PayPay available

How to Get Here

Nearest Stations
About a 10-minute walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line or Omiya Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
From Gojo Station, walk west along Gojo Street toward Horikawa for the easiest route.
Landmarks & Area
We are close to the Horikawa-Gojo intersection.
Walk a little north from the intersection toward Shijo and you will find us on the first floor of a brick Lions Mansion building.
The area is surrounded by hotels and restaurants, making it easy to stop by while sightseeing or travelling for work.

First Time at Mars Cafe?

Even on your first visit, the atmosphere is easy and welcoming.
Many guests stop by for a solo drink, on the way back to their hotel, or simply because they feel like one more relaxed stop at night.

If you are looking for a calm place to drink around Horikawa-Gojo in Kyoto, Mars Cafe is a great place to begin.

Photo of the exterior of the entrance to Mars Cafe planet act.