IMAYA Kyoto &COFFEE — Restaurant in Kyoto

This was my first trip to Kyoto, and I'm so glad I spent it at Naoto's hostel. The hostel is cozy, clean, and in an excellent location. Naoto learns all of his guest's names before they even arrive so he greets you by name when you walk in the door. He was kind enough to hold my luggage before check-in and after check-out which was incredibly handy. The communication beforehand was speedy and comforting, too. The space is insanely clean; Naoto works hours each day tidying up and you can tell. It is downtown Kyoto and walking distance to many great restaurants, buses and trains, and many tourist attractions. Naoto was always providing me with places to eat sushi, drink sake, or sightsee as he speaks fluent English, French, and Japanese. I can't express enough how amazing he was, really. The hostel is attached to his cafe, which serves delicious coffee and breakfast each morning (not included but worth it) and allows guests to hang around and get to know one another if you'd like. I met another guest while there who also lives in Tokyo and we are getting together this week even after our trip is complete. It is a cozy space with thoughtful touches and comfortable beds. I highly recommend you stay here. Look no further. I cannot wait to return to Kyoto and Naoto's lovely...

CHANGED MY LIFE. No, seriously - it was the most delicious drink I've ever had.

I will admit I am a bit of a "coffee snob." I live in Southern California and have enjoyed coffee of all kinds, from all kinds of cafes. When I tell you that Naoto's cappuccino at IMAYA Kyoto & Coffee is HEAVENLY- I mean it. I've never had such a good tasting coffee drink/beverage in my life!!! It was so good that I ordered a second one in the same visit.

I was visiting Japan and spent a few days in Kyoto, where I tried IMAYA for the first time. I was staying in Osaka before flying out of HND and I MADE IT A POINT to take the Shinkansen back to Kyoto to have one last cappuccino before I left. The espresso shot was pulled perfectly and the texture and consistency was incredbile.

Even weeks later, I can't stop thinking about it. I know it sounds overdramatic, but it's true. I'll be returning to Japan later this year and I will be stopping by every chance I get.

Note: I also ordered a croissant with Nutella and it was also 10/10 delicious....

We walked to this unassuming cafe and entered a domain of incredibly good coffee, prepared with the upmost care and respect of the ingredients and a clear passion for everything coffee! The place itself has an amazing vibe and would transport you to a cafe in Napoles in Italy, or Buenos Aires in Argentina. Maradona memorabilia across the board, which is expected of either Napoles o Buenos Aires, and even an Italian radio station sounding through a vintage portable radio cassette player. Breakfast is a set menu of sandwich, egg, yogurt; simple but really great tasting and goes along well with a selection of Italian coffee. The orange juice is prepared fresh right on the bar! The service is A+ and the owner is very friendly! It has a local clientele, that seems to be daily customers at least based on the small interactions and camaraderie with the owner.

If you are looking for great coffee and a great vibe, and along with that some good breakfast, and you are not in a hurry, this is a great...