snowdrop
It seems that the store name has been changed from imas to I'm cafe since April 2022. Recently, Korean cafes have been rapidly increasing in Osaka, but is this one of the pioneers? Even if you are not interested in Korean cafes, cafes in the gourmet area of Fukushima could be a hidden gem, so I had already checked this place as a valuable spot. However, I didn't plan to go there specifically until this time when I visited to spend some time. To my surprise, the attached beauty salon had a funky vibe, and the cafe on the second floor, which you reach after ordering at the booth, was themed around summer vacation (it seems to undergo a complete makeover periodically), with parasols lining the interior. Despite lacking refined resort elements, it had a kitschy feel, somewhat like a school festival food stall? Full of handmade charm, probably quite different from the more stylish Korean cafes nowadays (not sure of the definition, but pastel colors, right?). Initially, I was a bit taken aback, but it turned out to be a lovely cafe. The best part was the delicious drinks. The recommended Soyon latte was ordered, and hearing that it was jasmine tea-based, I had low expectations. Tea-based lattes have never been bad but not particularly tasty in my experience. However, what I had here had a natural and elegant fragrance, blending smoothly with the milk, creating a soft and gentle overall taste. The visual presentation was also perfect with a two-tone of white and milky beige, purple flowers (inedible) on the saucer and straw, perfect color coordination. Even for someone like me who doesn't seek visuals in drinks, this was cute. And it was so delicious that it was the first time I was shocked by a drink. The cozy atmosphere was also surprisingly good (partly because there were no other customers at the time), with the distant sound of the train fading away, leaving a strangely open and relaxed feeling, allowing me to spend a leisurely and peaceful time. Depending on the timing, it's a hidden gem. It certainly looks good in photos too, haha. Regardless of being Instagrammable, I could understand why it was once in the spotlight. If your goal is to relax at a cafe, this environment is ideal. I would like to visit again when I'm in that mood.