Kyoto | Donkou / Kissa Fang

Amidst the serene, sunlit greenery, I set aside my phone and indulged in 90 minutes of peaceful reading time. This was truly one of the most unique and luxurious experiences I had in Kyoto—reading in a hidden sanctuary. ✓ Donkou / Kissa Fang Located in Yase, the final stop of the Eizan Electric Railway, this residential area nestled between the mountains and forests gave me a vibe similar to Tokyo's Daikanyama—a wealthy villa district with a European small-town atmosphere. Yet, rice paddies nearby added a touch of countryside charm, making it feel distinctly un-Kyoto-like. The hidden sanctuary I visited today is tucked away here. It’s another reservation-only spot (limited to four guests per session), but it’s not a restaurant or café. Instead, it’s a space designed for you to relax your mind and immerse yourself in reading. Surrounded by lush greenery and profound tranquility, the only sounds were the gentle rustling of the wind through the trees and the turning of book pages. It’s time to enjoy the reading! During these 90 minutes, you can read, daydream, or meditate, but photography is strictly prohibited. Only after the session ends are you allowed to take photos to your heart’s content.