In June 2021, the tea leaf retail store “7T+ (Seven-T-Plus)” opened in the bustling Kyoto Kawaramachi area. Featuring over 80 varieties of tea, with a focus on Japanese and Chinese tea, the shop has quickly gained popularity.
Owner Kenji Nakano holds official certification as a tea appraiser for Chinese tea and has spent 18 years sourcing Chinese tea, establishing himself as a professional in the field. Additionally, he holds a qualification as a Japanese tea instructor and has been involved in the Japanese tea business for many years.
A diverse world of tea
At 7T+, Nakano personally visits tea-producing regions to select teas that captivate him. He categorizes tea into seven distinct categories based on production methods and individual characteristics, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea, among others, which are then made available for purchase.
Japanese tea is carefully curated from various regions across the country, including Kyoto, Shiga, Saga, Kumamoto, and Sayama. The shop’s selection also boasts a comprehensive lineup of Japanese black tea, and they handle domestically-produced oolong tea, Kamairi-cha(pan-fired tea), and Awa Ban-cha.
The Chinese tea selection includes fragrant, high-quality tea such as oolong, black, white, and Pu-erh tea, catering to those intrigued by Chinese tea culture.
A fun place to look for tea
Within the store, Nakano engages customers in conversation to discern their preferences and recommends teas accordingly, making the tea selection process accessible even to those with limited tea knowledge.
A notable feature is the opportunity to sample tea of interest. Beneath the tea leaf sample cases, QR codes are provided, allowing customers to use their smartphones to access information about each tea.
The store also houses a tea stand, enabling patrons to enjoy 7T+ tea as takeout. The menu periodically changes, offering premium lattes and straight teas, such as blending Italian oat milk with white tea or Kyoto Bancha.
7T+ offers a glimpse into the diverse and profound world of tea, imparting the joy of purchasing tea. Embark on a journey to discover your favorite teas while enjoying conversations with Nakano.
Store Information
Address: 73-1 Shioyacho, Ayakoji-dori, Tominokoji-higashiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-708-7199
Opening hours: 11am-7pm
Closed on Thursdays
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