donkou / Kissa Fang — Restaurant in Kyoto

I absolutely adored my time at this peaceful retreat!

This is a private library/cafe in the suburbs of Kyoto. It takes some effort to get to, but it's worth the trip if you're looking for a quieter, more tranquil experience. As previous reviewers have mentioned, a prepaid advance reservation is required which you can book online via their website.

A handful of guests use the space at the same time and there is a place to hang coats and store valuables in private lockers adjacent to the entryway.

The true draw of this gem is that it is a quiet spot nestled amongst some trees. The facility is basically a modern house with minimalist design philosophy. There are books to borrow, but the majority are Japanese language books. There is a small selection of English books as well, mostly about design. I brought my own book but also perused some of the offerings.

Bear in mind, the idea here is to unplug, be quiet and read while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea prepared by the host. There isn't anything in the way of conversation or noise aside from the grinding of coffee beans. It's such a refreshing experience and the hour and a half time slot flies by. The world needs more...

Donkou is a sanctuary for book lovers, one where they can immerse themselves in various books amidst a most beautiful environment. I have visited many times and love it every time. The book collection is extensive and it is a wonderful experience to discover rare books and just pick one depending on your mood that day. The holy basil tea is amazing and Fang-san is a most attentive, warm and most generous host. The view of the hinoki forest will captivate anyone who visits and one always leave Donkou recharged and waiting to return. To Fang-san, thank you for your chocolate cookie. It is really super...

京都中心部から少し北にいったところにある、こだわりの私設図書館＆喫茶。ブックディレクターで、BACH代表でもある幅さんによるプロデュース。 90分定員6名、1日3回転の完全Web予約制。 好きな人にはたまらない空間で、おそらくこの類がダメな人はそもそも存在を一生知ることはないだろうから、濃密なファンが集まってる雰囲気が漂っていた（笑）

本のセレクション自体は、SF、ノンフィクション、料理本、写真集、漫画まで、予想以上にバラエティーに富んだセレクションだった。個人的には、その中から好きな本を選んで、読む行為そのものより、素敵なインテリアと空間を通り抜けた先にある縁側で、最高の庭園を見ながら、コーヒーを楽しむのに最高な空気と場所だった。

ちなみに、わたしはこれまでずっと読みたいと思っていた『THE FIRST SLAM DUNK...