Inoue — Restaurant in Kyoto

Wow. We stumbled upon this place by chance, and I’m so grateful we did. Nostalgia hits you the moment you walk in—cozy lighting, vintage couches, and the faint scent of cigarette smoke. It felt like stepping into my grandmother’s living room, in the best possible way.

The host came over and sat down with us to take our order, making the whole experience feel so personal. Be sure to bring Google Translate if you don’t speak Japanese—he was incredibly patient and kind with us. The coffee is on another level. I’m not sure what beans or method he’s using, but the deep, flavorful roast in our iced lattes was unforgettable. They came with little buckwheat cookies—perfectly paired.

As a special touch, women may even receive a kimono to wear and keep, which was such a sweet surprise. This was one of our favorite experiences in Japan. I actually shed a happy tear on the way out—it’s been hard connecting with locals as a foreigner, and this moment felt like we’d finally...

We checked out a local coffee shop run by Inoue, an incredible 87 year old man who operates his café right out of his living room. He’s lived in that home for all of his 87 years, and stepping inside felt like being welcomed into a piece of history.

Despite the language barrier, we were able to communicate easily using Google Translate. Inoue was so warm, kind, and genuinely funny. At one point, he encouraged my husband to start working harder and make babies, joking that he doesn’t have much time left, it was hilarious and so endearing.

At the end of our visit, Inoue gifted me a handmade kimono, telling me it’s not for summer only for winter.

Thank you, Inoue, for the unforgettable experience. If you’re ever nearby, don’t miss the chance to stop by. It’s more than just a coffee shop it’s a one-of-a-kind moment you’ll carry...

Such a unique and incredible experience. When we walked into this coffee shop, we weren’t sure if we accidentally entered someone’s home or a coffee shop. It looked like a grandpa’s living room full of his lifelong collections and stories.

Menu was simple. Coffee, ice or cold, with cream, sugar, or black. 500 yen.

We sat there, without much conversations, simply sipping the coffee and trying to imagine the stories of him, his collections, and his shop.

He then brought us a small gift. He started playing French songs, which created a perfect harmony with his Japanese store decor and collections. Our experience was taken to another level.

One senior owner, one small shop, decades of stories, and Japanese hospitality. This was one of our most memorable...