Kyoto Cafe Hopping - Omiya-dori (2/3) - STARDUST cafe
Finally, the second part of my Omiya-dori adventure! This is definitely the most enjoyable coffee session of the day. Maybe, my favorite spot in the city! (Latte Art Junkies 2nd falls to second place?)
As I said on my previous post... In this cafe, I found the space where my soul could truly be at peace.
A little further back, still around Omiya-dori, is STARDUST cafe. Seriously, if you don't pay attention or if you didn't do research of how the place looks beforehand, you'd definitely miss this lovely shop.
From the outside, it looks like a normal vintage shop - next to other vintage shops. The cafe is actually at the back side of a tea and vintage stuffs shop.
It's the shop with the blue sign. I just noticed when I'm writing this post, that the sign actually says "I hope peace". Not sure the sentence is correct, but it's absolutely what I would define the place. It's a place for people who hope for peace. And there, I found peace.
From all the cafes and places that I have visited, I am awarding this shop as the most magical space. I was actually rather uneasy at first because one of the staff lady told me that there's no photography allowed inside the shop. I felt uneasy because my hands were begging for me to take pictures of this amazing cafe. The thing was... I still took pictures. I thought, must be because my camera made sound when I took pictures, and it'll disturb the people who wanted peace. So, I sneaked taking some pictures with my phone.
They use some interesting materials for their menu, and their rustic design and use of natural lighting are amazing. They have a small garden at the back, too. It's an open space, very environmentally friendly.
Then I quickly ordered their coffee and went to see their books collection to pass my time. This one book, Acorn, by Yoko Ono grabbed my attention. I took it to my seat and started reading. This book, its every page, blew my mind. I finished the book, feeling enchanted. "In Acorn, renowned artist and political activist Yoko Ono offers intriguing, enchanting exercises to open our eyes on better ways of relating to ourselves, each other, and the planet we co-habit. Throughout the book are drawings by Yoko, many never before seen." (ORBooks, 2017)
Being in this cafe... I don't know how to describe this place better. I can only say that... coming here today, alone, was the best gift I could present myself today! This place has successfully stole my heart and my mind. I can't describe this place. You must go there personally and experience the magic.
Having a lovely coffee next to you while you are reading a bizarre, brilliant book that took you to another space with music and ambiance that perfectly matches the theme of the shop, is an experience that is... rare. I don't even know what I'm writing anymore. This place is a must visit!
Not to forget, their STARDUST coffee was wonderful! It was mild and didn't hit strong. In my opinion, their coffee is the easiest to drink so far especially for new drinker like me.
After all the other guests were gone, and I finished my drink and the book, I went to the toilet. When I came out from the toilet, I got a new perspective of the cafe. It's too beautiful that I actually went to the staff, told them how great the place was, asked them where I can buy the book, and... asked the reason why photography is not allowed. I told her that I did have an idea of why, but I just wanted to know what they actually wanted. She told me that it's because it's a place for people to actually relax, to enjoy, and not to be disturbed by other people taking pictures. It may make them uncomfortable that a stranger took picture of them, etc. We then talked about things, I also introduced myself, and... courageously, I asked them if it's okay for me to take pictures now that everyone was gone. I begged. And... they let me take pictures. SO I EXCUSED MYSELF AND TOOK MANY PICTURES.
Because of that, I became friends with the ladies! Rin (Rie. First picture) and Misa (second picture). Rin is originally from Shizuoka. She came to Kyoto to study language in University. She studied Dutch language! But unfortunately she doesn't have language partner and she's starting to forget the language. She told me that she learned English because there are many foreign guests. What a nice motivation.
Misa was quite shy when I asked if I could take her picture, so she said I could take her pictures without her looking at the camera. Well, the pictures turned out pretty nice! She then also gave me some recommendations of places to visit, such as Kawai Kanjiro Museum, which has collections of Japanese crafts, materials, and pottery. Also, she suggested Daitokuji Temple (which, I kind of visited later on my way to Kuramaguchi-dori).
Both are wonderful people. I told them I'd be visiting again next week. Hopefully I will! I would love to go to STARDUST again.
As I said on my previous post... In this cafe, I found the space where my soul could truly be at peace.
A little further back, still around Omiya-dori, is STARDUST cafe. Seriously, if you don't pay attention or if you didn't do research of how the place looks beforehand, you'd definitely miss this lovely shop.
From the outside, it looks like a normal vintage shop - next to other vintage shops. The cafe is actually at the back side of a tea and vintage stuffs shop.
It's the shop with the blue sign. I just noticed when I'm writing this post, that the sign actually says "I hope peace". Not sure the sentence is correct, but it's absolutely what I would define the place. It's a place for people who hope for peace. And there, I found peace.
From all the cafes and places that I have visited, I am awarding this shop as the most magical space. I was actually rather uneasy at first because one of the staff lady told me that there's no photography allowed inside the shop. I felt uneasy because my hands were begging for me to take pictures of this amazing cafe. The thing was... I still took pictures. I thought, must be because my camera made sound when I took pictures, and it'll disturb the people who wanted peace. So, I sneaked taking some pictures with my phone.
They use some interesting materials for their menu, and their rustic design and use of natural lighting are amazing. They have a small garden at the back, too. It's an open space, very environmentally friendly.
Then I quickly ordered their coffee and went to see their books collection to pass my time. This one book, Acorn, by Yoko Ono grabbed my attention. I took it to my seat and started reading. This book, its every page, blew my mind. I finished the book, feeling enchanted. "In Acorn, renowned artist and political activist Yoko Ono offers intriguing, enchanting exercises to open our eyes on better ways of relating to ourselves, each other, and the planet we co-habit. Throughout the book are drawings by Yoko, many never before seen." (ORBooks, 2017)
 |
| The blue book. Just. Wonderful. |
Being in this cafe... I don't know how to describe this place better. I can only say that... coming here today, alone, was the best gift I could present myself today! This place has successfully stole my heart and my mind. I can't describe this place. You must go there personally and experience the magic.
Having a lovely coffee next to you while you are reading a bizarre, brilliant book that took you to another space with music and ambiance that perfectly matches the theme of the shop, is an experience that is... rare. I don't even know what I'm writing anymore. This place is a must visit!
Not to forget, their STARDUST coffee was wonderful! It was mild and didn't hit strong. In my opinion, their coffee is the easiest to drink so far especially for new drinker like me.
After all the other guests were gone, and I finished my drink and the book, I went to the toilet. When I came out from the toilet, I got a new perspective of the cafe. It's too beautiful that I actually went to the staff, told them how great the place was, asked them where I can buy the book, and... asked the reason why photography is not allowed. I told her that I did have an idea of why, but I just wanted to know what they actually wanted. She told me that it's because it's a place for people to actually relax, to enjoy, and not to be disturbed by other people taking pictures. It may make them uncomfortable that a stranger took picture of them, etc. We then talked about things, I also introduced myself, and... courageously, I asked them if it's okay for me to take pictures now that everyone was gone. I begged. And... they let me take pictures. SO I EXCUSED MYSELF AND TOOK MANY PICTURES.
Because of that, I became friends with the ladies! Rin (Rie. First picture) and Misa (second picture). Rin is originally from Shizuoka. She came to Kyoto to study language in University. She studied Dutch language! But unfortunately she doesn't have language partner and she's starting to forget the language. She told me that she learned English because there are many foreign guests. What a nice motivation.
Misa was quite shy when I asked if I could take her picture, so she said I could take her pictures without her looking at the camera. Well, the pictures turned out pretty nice! She then also gave me some recommendations of places to visit, such as Kawai Kanjiro Museum, which has collections of Japanese crafts, materials, and pottery. Also, she suggested Daitokuji Temple (which, I kind of visited later on my way to Kuramaguchi-dori).
Both are wonderful people. I told them I'd be visiting again next week. Hopefully I will! I would love to go to STARDUST again.
Comments
Post a Comment